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Pietermaritzburg vs Johannesburg

South Africa vs South Africa · 442 km apart

Pietermaritzburg

South Africa

R9,691 ($532)

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

Johannesburg

South Africa

R12,087 ($664)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpensePietermaritzburgJohannesburgCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$5.41$6.63Pietermaritzburg
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$21.62$26.52Pietermaritzburg
Cappuccino$1.62$1.99Pietermaritzburg
Monthly groceries (single person)$123$150Pietermaritzburg
Monthly public transport pass$19.82$24.31Pietermaritzburg
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$52.26$64.09Pietermaritzburg
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$15.14$18.56Pietermaritzburg
Fitness club membership$15.14$18.56Pietermaritzburg
Cinema ticket$3.96$4.86Pietermaritzburg
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$247$319Pietermaritzburg
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$172$222Pietermaritzburg
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$516$666Pietermaritzburg
Total single-person budget$532$664Pietermaritzburg
Average net salary$1,166$1,430

Verdict

Pietermaritzburg is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Pietermaritzburg runs about $532 versus $664 in Johannesburg — a difference of roughly 25%.

Salary-adjusted, Johannesburg leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in Pietermaritzburg  ·  Full cost of living in Johannesburg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pietermaritzburg cheaper than Johannesburg?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $532 per month in Pietermaritzburg versus $664 in Johannesburg — about 25% less.
How far is Pietermaritzburg from Johannesburg?
The straight-line distance between Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg is approximately 442 km (275 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Pietermaritzburg or Johannesburg?
The estimated average net salary is $1,166 in Pietermaritzburg and $1,430 in Johannesburg. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $634 in Pietermaritzburg versus $766 in Johannesburg per month.