Cost of Living in Johannesburg: Overall Expenses Guide

Johannesburg is the largest and most lively city in South Africa.  It is also known as Jozi or Joburg and is a significant centre for business and trade. If you are planning to move here, it has its own set of expenses and the monthly average cost of living in Johannesburg is around ZAR 19,500 for a person including rent.

Budgeting carefully and exploring different options is essential to make the most of your Johannesburg living experience. In this guide, we’ll discuss various aspects of the cost of living in Johannesburg, such as housing rent, transportation costs, healthcare costs, and overall affordability. It will help you make informed decisions if you consider relocating to this fantastic city. Without further delay, let’s begin our discussion. 

Cost of Living in Johannesburg

Johannesburg may have a higher cost of living than other South African cities. Still, it has higher living standards as this city offers a luxurious and quality lifestyle. The average monthly cost of living in Johannesburg for a family of four is approximately ZAR 41,948 without rent, while for a single person, it is around ZAR 12,018 without rent. 

The cost of living in Johannesburg is around 44.1% less expensive than the national average in the United States. It allows you to enjoy all the perks of metropolitan life without breaking the bank. From housing costs to daily essentials, here are some categories that contribute to the living expenses in Johannesburg, across various categories:

Costs of Rent in Johannesburg

On average, a one-bedroom apartment in Johannesburg costs around  ZAR 7,444 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to ZAR 13,826 in the city centre area. The average cost of rent in Johannesburg depends on several factors, such as the location you select, the size of the apartment you prefer, and most importantly, the lifestyle you select, but it can affect the cost of living in Johannesburg too. The following table compares the cost of renting apartments within and outside the city centre:

Apartment Location	Approx Monthly Cost
One-bedroom Apartment around the City Centre	ZAR 7,444
One-bedroom Apartment away from the Centre	ZAR 6,305
Three -bedroom Apartment around the City Centre	ZAR 13,826
Three -bedroom Apartment away from of the Centre	ZAR 11,730

Source: Numbeo

Also Read: Cost of Living in Birmingham: A Comprehensive Guide

Cost of a Utility in Johannesburg

The cost of utilities in Johannesburg is  ZAR 2,170 which is relatively lower than the cost of living in Johannesburg. Utility costs in Johannesburg include electricity cost, water bill, heating cost, garbage cleaning cost, internet services cost, etc, In the table below, Utility costs in Johannesburg are provided for your convenience:

Utility Type	Approx Monthly Cost
Basic Utility Cost (Electricity, Heating, Water, Cooling, and Garbage) (for 85m2 Apartment)	ZAR 2,170
Monthly Plan of Mobile Phone with Calls and 10GB+ internet data	ZAR 689
Internet (60+ Mbps, or Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	ZAR 822

Source: Numbeo

Cost of Grocery in Johannesburg

On average, the total cost of groceries in Johannesburg for a person can be around  ZAR 826, while considering each grocery item at a single unit measurement. Costs of groceries in Johannesburg are often lower than the overall cost of living in Johannesburg. The average cost of groceries in Johannesburg includes the cost of bread, vegetables, milk, water, fruit, and other eatable items. The table below lists the average cost of groceries in Johannesburg: 

Grocery Item	Approx Cost
One liter Milk (regular)	ZAR 20.21
500g Loaf of Fresh White Bread	ZAR 18.02
One kg Rice (white)	ZAR 29.15
Eggs (regular) (12)	ZAR 37.56
One kg Apples	ZAR 28.13
One kg Banana	ZAR 27.86
One kg Oranges	ZAR 23.88
One kg Tomato	ZAR 28.36
One kg Potato	ZAR 22.87
One kg Onion	ZAR 27.09
One head Lettuce	ZAR 19.15
1.5 liter Water bottle	ZAR 15.81
Meat, Eggs, Drinks and Other items	ZAR 529

Source: Numbeo

Restaurant Costs in Johannesburg 

Whether grabbing a quick bite at a bustling market stall or enjoying a leisurely dinner with friends and family, restaurants in Johannesburg offer delicious options to suit any craving or occasion.

The average cost of food in inexpensive restaurants is around ZAR 155, which will not affect that much to the cost of living in Johannesburg. In the table below, we have demonstrated the average restaurant costs you can pay in the country:

Type of Restaurant	Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant
Meal for 2 person (Inexpensive Restaurant)	ZAR 155
Three-course meal for 2 People, (Mid-range Restaurant)	ZAR 800

Source: Numbeo

Transportation costs in Johannesburg 

You can get around in Johannesburg by its Public transit such as Trains, Buses and Minibus Taxis. The cost of a one-way ticket for local transport in Johannesburg is around  ZAR 34. The overall cost of living in Johannesburg includes transportation costs, which are outlined in the table below:

Mode of Transport	Approx Monthly Cost
One-way Ticket for Local Transport	ZAR 34
Regular Price of Monthly Pass	ZAR 1,386
Cost of Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	ZAR 20.50
Cost of Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff)	ZAR 20.00
Cost of Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	ZAR 70.00
Gasoline (1 litre)	ZAR 23.29

Source: Numbeo

Average Tuition Fees in Johannesburg

Figuring out the average tuition fees in the Universities of Johannesburg can be overwhelming, given the cost of living in Johannesburg. However, we have gathered the necessary information for you. The average tuition fee at the University of Johannesburg can be around ZAR 75,000. The table below gives an idea about the fees at a few universities in Johannesburg.

Name of University	Approx Tuition fees per year
University of Johannesburg	ZAR 75,000
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)	ZAR 50000 to ZAR 75000
University of Pretoria	ZAR 40000 to ZAR 75000

Also Read: Cost of Living in Calgary: A Comprehensive Guide

Things to Know When Moving to Johannesburg

Before packing your bag to go to Johannesburg, South Africa, for higher studies or a job, learning some basic facts about the city is essential. Along with the affordable cost of living in Johannesburg, there are several factors that you should be aware of before making your move. Here are some things that expats should keep in mind when moving to Johannesburg:

Medical Care Johannesburg

South Africa has the best medical care among many countries, with highly trained doctors and medical staff providing top-notch healthcare services. Johannesburg stood at the top among other major cities.

Mild Climate in Johannesburg

Johannesburg experiences pleasant weather without extreme heat or cold. Humidity is also low during the summer months. The best times to explore the city are spring and summer when temperatures typically range from 2°C to 25.5°C.

Business Hub in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a thriving business hub in South Africa, hosting the offices of numerous local companies and MNCs, like Deloitte, PwC, and Accenture. The vibrant business environment in Johannesburg offers a wealth of opportunities for potential business ventures.

Work-life Balance in Johannesburg

If you reside in Johannesburg, you will find ample opportunities for entertainment and recreation. The city offers a range of festivals and other attractions. With so many options available, it is easy to maintain an excellent work-life balance in Johannesburg.

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FAQs

So, this was all about the cost of living in Johannesburg. Many Johannesburg students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.