Johannesburg vs Maputo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Johannesburg is roughly 6% more affordable than Maputo (index 17 vs 18, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Johannesburg
More affordable overall
6% cheaper than Maputo · Cost index: 17 vs 18

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

17✓Cost Index18
825✓Median Income /mo234
20Safety Index35✓
19✓Income Tax %20
50Internet (Mbps)62✓
150Coworking /mo150

Price Breakdown

JohannesburgCategoryMaputo
$560/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
3% cheaper →
$577/month
$1.8/liter
Meal for One
12% ← cheaper
$1.58/liter
$8/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
20% cheaper →
$10/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
8% ← cheaper
$23/month
$90/month
Utilities (Monthly)
22% ← cheaper
$70/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
17% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Johannesburg

Internet50 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability60/100

Maputo

Internet62 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability55/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Johannesburg cheaper than Maputo?

Johannesburg is cheaper than Maputo. Johannesburg has a cost of living index of 17/100 compared to 18/100 for Maputo (New York = 100), making it roughly 6% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Johannesburg than Maputo?

Johannesburg is approximately 6% cheaper than Maputo based on cost index scores (17 vs 18, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Maputo could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,813/month in Johannesburg.

What is the rent comparison between Johannesburg and Maputo?

In Johannesburg, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $560/month. In Maputo, the equivalent is around $577/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Johannesburg offers 50 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Maputo offers 62 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Johannesburg has a cost advantage of 6%.

What is the average income in Johannesburg vs Maputo?

The median net monthly salary in Johannesburg is approximately $825 USD, compared to $234 USD in Maputo.

Compare Johannesburg with…

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