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Polokwane vs Johannesburg

South Africa vs South Africa · 293 km apart

Polokwane

South Africa

R9,100 ($500)

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

Johannesburg

South Africa

R12,087 ($664)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpensePolokwaneJohannesburgCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$5.10$6.63Polokwane
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$20.40$26.52Polokwane
Cappuccino$1.53$1.99Polokwane
Monthly groceries (single person)$116$150Polokwane
Monthly public transport pass$18.70$24.31Polokwane
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$49.30$64.09Polokwane
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$14.28$18.56Polokwane
Fitness club membership$14.28$18.56Polokwane
Cinema ticket$3.74$4.86Polokwane
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$230$319Polokwane
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$160$222Polokwane
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$480$666Polokwane
Total single-person budget$500$664Polokwane
Average net salary$1,100$1,430

Verdict

Polokwane is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Polokwane runs about $500 versus $664 in Johannesburg — a difference of roughly 33%.

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 Polokwane  ·  Full cost of living in Johannesburg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Polokwane cheaper than Johannesburg?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $500 per month in Polokwane versus $664 in Johannesburg — about 33% less.
How far is Polokwane from Johannesburg?
The straight-line distance between Polokwane and Johannesburg is approximately 293 km (182 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Polokwane or Johannesburg?
The estimated average net salary is $1,100 in Polokwane and $1,430 in Johannesburg. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $600 in Polokwane versus $766 in Johannesburg per month.