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Cost of Living in Sandton

Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa · Population 222,415

▼ -6% vs South Africa average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)R9,100 ($500)
Couple, monthlyR16,289 ($895)
Family of four, monthlyR21,199 ($1,165)

Estimated Prices in Sandton

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantR92.82 ($5.10)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeR371 ($20.40)per meal
CappuccinoR27.85 ($1.53)each
Monthly groceries (single person)R2,104 ($116)per month
Monthly public transport passR340 ($18.70)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentR897 ($49.30)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)R260 ($14.28)per month
Fitness club membershipR260 ($14.28)per month
Cinema ticketR68.07 ($3.74)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreR4,186 ($230)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreR2,912 ($160)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreR8,736 ($480)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Sandton is R20,020 ($1,100) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of R9,100 ($500) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly R11,830 ($650) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (R2,912 ($160)) represents about 32% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Sandton

Sandton vs JohannesburgSandton vs Cape TownSandton vs SowetoSandton vs GqeberhaSandton vs KatlehongSandton vs Pretoria

Nearby Cities

Randburg

5 km away · Gauteng

Edenvale

11 km away · Gauteng

Johannesburg

11 km away · Gauteng

Bedfordview

12 km away · Gauteng

Primrose

14 km away · Gauteng

Midrand

14 km away · Gauteng

Turffontein

15 km away · Gauteng

Germiston

17 km away · Gauteng

Other Major Cities in South Africa

Johannesburg

Gauteng · pop. 4,803,262

R12,087 ($664) / mo

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

Living in Sandton

Sandton is one of the key cities in South Africa. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is R9,100 ($500), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around R2,912 ($160) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to R21,199 ($1,165) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately R16,289 ($895) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Sandton is R20,020 ($1,100). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least R11,830 ($650) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sandton expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated R9,100 ($500) per month in Sandton including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for South Africa.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Sandton?
A net salary of around R11,830 ($650) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Sandton with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Sandton is R20,020 ($1,100).
How much is rent in Sandton?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated R4,186 ($230) per month in the city centre and R2,912 ($160) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about R8,736 ($480).
Is Sandton cheaper than South Africa on average?
Yes — Sandton is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the South Africa average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Sandton?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at R2,104 ($116) in Sandton. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about R93 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around R28 ($2).
How do transport costs in Sandton compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Sandton is estimated at R340 ($19). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Sandton are estimates based on South Africa national averages adjusted for city size (population 222,415). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.