South Africa vs South Africa · 20 km apart
South Africa
single / month
Cheaper overallSouth Africa
single / month
| Expense | Soweto | Johannesburg | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $5.81 | $6.63 | Soweto |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $23.26 | $26.52 | Soweto |
| Cappuccino | $1.74 | $1.99 | Soweto |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $132 | $150 | Soweto |
| Monthly public transport pass | $21.32 | $24.31 | Soweto |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $56.20 | $64.09 | Soweto |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $16.28 | $18.56 | Soweto |
| Fitness club membership | $16.28 | $18.56 | Soweto |
| Cinema ticket | $4.26 | $4.86 | Soweto |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $271 | $319 | Soweto |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $188 | $222 | Soweto |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $565 | $666 | Soweto |
| Total single-person budget | $576 | $664 | Soweto |
| Average net salary | $1,254 | $1,430 |
Soweto is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Soweto runs about $576 versus $664 in Johannesburg — a difference of roughly 15%.
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 Soweto · Full cost of living in Johannesburg