Cost of Living in Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg has a cost of living index of 30/100 (New York = 100). It is 70% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

30/100
Cost Index
$1,650/mo
Median Income
20/100
Safety Index
subtropical highland
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 25/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$550/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$212/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$847/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 20/100
Milk (1 liter)$0.95/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.1/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$1.05/kg
Dining OutScore: 20/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$8.25/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$33/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$4.95/meal
TransportationScore: 18/100
Monthly Transit Pass$41/month
One-Way Ticket$0.82/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.52/km
UtilitiesScore: 22/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$97/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$28/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$19/month
HealthcareScore: 42/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$28/visit
Dentist Visit$55/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$8/course
EntertainmentScore: 22/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$6.6/ticket
Theater Ticket$22/ticket
Museum Entry$8.25/ticket
FitnessScore: 25/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$25/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$11/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$4.4/entry
Personal CareScore: 22/100
Haircut (Men)$11/cut
Haircut (Women)$22/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$2.75/bottle
ClothingScore: 28/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$36/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$22/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$50/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

65 Mbps
Internet Speed
$250
Coworking/Month
good
Café WiFi
high
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
55/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Sandton, Bryanston, Melville

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Johannesburg cheap to live in?

Johannesburg has a cost of living index of 30/100, where New York = 100. It is 70% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $600–$840 per month.

How much does rent cost in Johannesburg?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Johannesburg costs approximately $550/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $212/month.

Is Johannesburg good for digital nomads?

Johannesburg has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 65 Mbps, café wifi reliability is good, and coworking spaces run about $250/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Johannesburg?

The median net monthly salary in Johannesburg is approximately $1,650 USD. The income tax rate is around 22%.

How does Johannesburg compare to New York for cost of living?

Johannesburg (cost index 30) is 70% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,750/month by moving from New York to Johannesburg.

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