🇿🇦Cost of Living in Johannesburg

South Africa · Population: 5,800,000 · Cost Index: 34/100

Cost of Living in Johannesburg

South Africa · Africa

South Africa's largest city and economic engine, Johannesburg is a dynamic metropolis built on gold mining wealth. Its diverse neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, and position as Africa's financial capital make it a compelling destination despite security challenges.

5,800,000

Population

Cost Index

Safety Index

Quality of Life

Average Monthly Cost: $1,250 (single person, excluding rent)

Cost Breakdown

Housing

Avg: $675.00

1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)

$550.00

1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)

$350.00

3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)

$1,100.00

3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)

$700.00

Food & Groceries

Avg: $4.96

Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)

$5.50

Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)

$28.00

McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)

$4.50

Milk (1 liter)(per liter)

$0.95

Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)

$0.85

Rice (1 kg)(per kg)

$1.10

Eggs (12)(per dozen)

$2.10

Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)

$4.20

Apples (1 kg)(per kg)

$1.40

Banana (1 kg)(per kg)

$1.00

Transportation

Avg: $8.70

Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)

$40.00

One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)

$0.75

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)

$0.90

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)

$0.65

Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)

$1.20

Utilities

Avg: $45.00

Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)

$85.00

Mobile Phone Plan(per month)

$18.00

Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)

$32.00

Healthcare

Avg: $23.00

Doctor Visit(per visit)

$32.00

Dentist Visit(per visit)

$28.00

Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)

$9.00

Entertainment

Avg: $9.48

Fitness Club Monthly(per month)

$28.00

Cinema Ticket(per ticket)

$5.50

Cappuccino(per cup)

$2.10

Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)

$2.30

Clothing

Avg: $46.33

Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)

$45.00

Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)

$26.00

Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)

$68.00

Compare Johannesburg with another city

See how Johannesburg stacks up against any other city in our database.

Quick Facts

Currency: ZAR
Language: English/Zulu
Cost Index: 34/100
Safety Index: 30/100
Quality of Life: 48/100

Data last updated: 2026-01-15. Prices are approximate and shown in USD.