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Cost of Living in Johannesburg

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa · Population 4,803,262 · National capital

▲ +25% vs South Africa average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)R12,087 ($664)
Couple, monthlyR21,711 ($1,193)
Family of four, monthlyR28,328 ($1,556)

Estimated Prices in Johannesburg

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantR121 ($6.63)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeR483 ($26.52)per meal
CappuccinoR36.20 ($1.99)each
Monthly groceries (single person)R2,735 ($150)per month
Monthly public transport passR442 ($24.31)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentR1,166 ($64.09)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)R338 ($18.56)per month
Fitness club membershipR338 ($18.56)per month
Cinema ticketR88.49 ($4.86)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreR5,811 ($319)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreR4,042 ($222)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreR12,127 ($666)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Johannesburg is R26,026 ($1,430) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of R12,087 ($664) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly R15,713 ($863) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (R4,042 ($222)) represents about 33% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Johannesburg

Johannesburg vs Cape TownJohannesburg vs SowetoJohannesburg vs GqeberhaJohannesburg vs KatlehongJohannesburg vs PretoriaJohannesburg vs Pietermaritzburg

Nearby Cities

Turffontein

4 km away · Gauteng

Bedfordview

10 km away · Gauteng

Alberton

11 km away · Gauteng

Sandton

11 km away · Gauteng

Germiston

13 km away · Gauteng

Primrose

13 km away · Gauteng

Randburg

13 km away · Gauteng

Edenvale

13 km away · Gauteng

Other Major Cities in South Africa

Cape Town

Western Cape · pop. 4,770,313

R10,485 ($576) / mo

Soweto

Gauteng · pop. 1,271,628

R10,485 ($576) / mo

Gqeberha

Eastern Cape · pop. 967,677

R9,691 ($532) / mo

Katlehong

Gauteng · pop. 797,031

R9,691 ($532) / mo

Pretoria

Gauteng · pop. 741,651

R9,691 ($532) / mo

Pietermaritzburg

KwaZulu-Natal · pop. 618,536

R9,691 ($532) / mo

Durban

KwaZulu-Natal · pop. 595,061

R9,691 ($532) / mo

Rustenburg

North West · pop. 549,575

R9,691 ($532) / mo

Living in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the capital and one of the key cities in South Africa. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is R12,087 ($664), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around R4,042 ($222) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to R28,328 ($1,556) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately R21,711 ($1,193) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Johannesburg is R26,026 ($1,430). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least R15,713 ($863) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Johannesburg expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated R12,087 ($664) per month in Johannesburg including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for South Africa.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Johannesburg?
A net salary of around R15,713 ($863) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Johannesburg with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Johannesburg is R26,026 ($1,430).
How much is rent in Johannesburg?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated R5,811 ($319) per month in the city centre and R4,042 ($222) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about R12,127 ($666).
Is Johannesburg cheaper than South Africa on average?
No — Johannesburg is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the South Africa average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Johannesburg?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at R2,735 ($150) in Johannesburg. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about R121 ($7) and a cappuccino runs around R36 ($2).
How do transport costs in Johannesburg compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Johannesburg is estimated at R442 ($24). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Johannesburg are estimates based on South Africa national averages adjusted for city size (population 4,803,262) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.