- Download our Johannesburg Schools Guide
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- Purchase the complete Expat Arrivals Johannesburg Guide (PDF)
The cost of living in Johannesburg is around half that of European cities such as London and Paris. While the average salary in Johannesburg is comparatively lower, the city is still fairly low cost compared to many expat destinations in the world. The 2020 Mercer Cost of Living Survey ranked Johannesburg at 192nd out of 209 cities worldwide. Cape Town is slightly more expensive, coming in at 187th.
Compared to other cities in South Africa, expats in Johannesburg generally enjoy a higher standard of living as a result of having higher purchasing power, especially when it comes to renting and buying housing.
Cost of accommodation in Johannesburg
The pricing of housing in Johannesburg is very reasonable, and expats' money will go much further here than in Cape Town. Johannesburg housing is not only cheaper but often roomier.
Accommodation costs in Johannesburg are also affected by the area or suburb expats choose to live in. High-income city-centre areas such as Sandton are notoriously pricey, while slightly less glamorous but still pleasant areas like Randburg can offer great value for money.
Cost of groceries in Johannesburg
The cost of day-to-day grocery shopping in Johannesburg is similar to that of most South African cities, with the same popular chain stores being present throughout the country. On the affordable side is Checkers, while Woolworths is generally most expensive. Pick n Pay falls somewhere between the two.
Cost of transport in Johannesburg
With cars being the main mode of transport in Johannesburg, it's important to consider expenses such as the cost of petrol and maintenance. In South Africa, petrol in coastal cities is slightly cheaper than petrol in inland cities such as Johannesburg. Beyond this, transport expenses in Johannesburg are largely the same as those in Cape Town.
Cost of healthcare in Johannesburg
As the public healthcare system is generally considered inadequate, most expats will do as locals do and opt for private healthcare services instead. Though trips to the GP are reasonably priced, specialist treatment, surgery, hospital stays and chronic medication costs can be high. To cover these extra expenses, we advise that expats take out a comprehensive medical aid policy with either a local or international health insurance provider.
Cost of living in South Africa chart
Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Johannesburg in January 2021.
Accommodation |
|
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
ZAR 13,000 - 16,000 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside city centre |
ZAR 10,000 - 13,000 |
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
ZAR 6,000 - 10,000 |
One-bedroom apartment outside city centre |
ZAR 5,000 - 7,000 |
Shopping |
|
Eggs (dozen) |
ZAR 31 |
Milk (1 litre) |
ZAR 17 |
Rice (1kg) |
ZAR 23 |
Loaf of white bread |
ZAR 15 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
ZAR 80 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
ZAR 45 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac Meal |
ZAR 57 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
ZAR 15 |
Cappuccino |
ZAR 28 |
Local beer (500ml) |
ZAR 35 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
ZAR 600 |
Utilities |
|
Mobile-to-mobile call rate (per minute) |
ZAR 1.70 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) |
ZAR 950 |
Basic utilities (per month for small household) |
ZAR 1,000 - 1,500 |
Transport |
|
Taxi rate (per kilometre) |
ZAR 12 |
Bus/train fare in the city centre |
ZAR 35 |
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) |
ZAR 15 |
Further reading
►Working in Johannesburg gives information about professional life in the city
►For more on finances, see Banking, Money and Taxes in South Africa
Expat Interviews
"It costs about the same to eat out as to eat in – there is a huge range of accessible restaurants (particularly steak and wine are very reasonable). But anything imported, like books, electronic goods, global brands and clothes are all much more expensive." Read more about British expat Hannah's expat experience in South Africa.
"Eating out in particular is unbelievably good value. A bottle of wine here would cost you less than a glass at home. But this is because we are paid in pounds. I think it is a lot tougher for those who are paid in rands as prices are going up steeply." British expat Clara shares her expat experience in Johannesburg.
Are you an expat living in Johannesburg?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Johannesburg. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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Moving Companies
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