Johannesburg vs Lusaka

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Johannesburg is roughly 0% more affordable than Lusaka (index 20 vs 20, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Johannesburg
More affordable overall
0% cheaper than Lusaka · Cost index: 20 vs 20

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

20Cost Index20
1,614Median Income /mo425
19Safety Index61
20Income Tax %20
50Internet (Mbps)39
200Coworking /mo110

Price Breakdown

JohannesburgCategoryLusaka
$675/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
19% ← cheaper
$550/month
$1.3/liter
Meal for One
38% ← cheaper
$0.8/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
58% ← cheaper
$5/meal
$113/month
Monthly Transit Pass
69% ← cheaper
$35/month
$230/month
Utilities (Monthly)
85% ← cheaper
$35/month
$75/visit
Doctor Visit
60% ← cheaper
$30/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Johannesburg

Internet50 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability55/100

Lusaka

Internet39 Mbps
Coworking$110/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability35/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Johannesburg cheaper than Lusaka?

Johannesburg is cheaper than Lusaka. Johannesburg has a cost of living index of 20/100 compared to 20/100 for Lusaka (New York = 100), making it roughly 0% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Johannesburg than Lusaka?

Johannesburg is approximately 0% cheaper than Lusaka based on cost index scores (20 vs 20, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Lusaka could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $3,000/month in Johannesburg.

What is the rent comparison between Johannesburg and Lusaka?

In Johannesburg, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $675/month. In Lusaka, the equivalent is around $550/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Johannesburg or Lusaka?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Johannesburg offers 50 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Lusaka offers 39 Mbps and coworking at ~$110/month. Johannesburg has a cost advantage of 0%.

What is the average income in Johannesburg vs Lusaka?

The median net monthly salary in Johannesburg is approximately $1,614 USD, compared to $425 USD in Lusaka.

Compare Johannesburg with…

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