Why Should You Move To Johannesburg South Africa?
Hey Friends! The Cost Of Living In Johannesburg South Africa makes it possible to Live For Around $810 – $2950 (ZAR 13,770 – ZAR 50,150).
So You Want to Live in “Joburg”, “The City Of Gold”, Johannesburg South Africa On a budget? This article explains how we lived in Johannesburg for under $1250 per month, how others did it, and how you can Live in Johannesburg as an expat, traveler, retiree or just live there in general.
- We also included many videos that will help give even more information on this incredible country and one of the most unique cities in the world of Johannesburg!
- We’ll explain all the important details about living in Johannesburg – from the cost of living in Johannesburg to tips on traveling the different cities and renting an apartment in Johannesburg monthly, Utilities, healthcare, transportation, Things to do in Johannesburg, and more.
- We’ll also provide a monthly cost of living in Johannesburg table of expenses in each section, so you can know how much money you’ll need to make each month to live comfortably in Johannesburg South Africa. This article will be the most comprehensive on the internet and will continually be updated with information.
Cost Of Living in Johannesburg South Africa Quick Facts:
- Johannesburg South Africa has so many things to see:
- Great weather
- Incredible nature and things to do around Johannesburg
- A modern city similar to New York City
- Some of the world’s most natural landscapes
- Amazing UNESCO world heritage sites
- Amazing national parks
- Johannesburg is close to many things to do take a road trip around the country.
- Incredible mountains
- Hikes, treks
- safaris nearby
- incredible history
- Diverse unique cultures around the Johannesburg
- A thriving digital nomad, expat community.
- and so much more!
- Here’s a breakdown of some key expenses: Total Monthly Living Costs in Johannesburg South Africa Is $810 – $2950 Per Month For all expenses, and if you budget smartly, you can expect to spend $1100 to $1700 per month for all expenses.
- Johannesburg South Africa is 5.6 times cheaper than New York City, United States.
- With a monthly income of less than $2000 is possible to live well, and sometimes even as low as $1400 per month if you are on a tight, extreme budget, which we will discuss later in this article. The monthly rent in Johannesburg South Africa, food and groceries, housing expenses, and transportation options in are determined by your budget and spending habits.
- You would need around $1900 (32,300R ZAR) in Johannesburg South Africa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $9,500.00 in New York, NY.
- Rent In Johannesburg South Africa is 77% less than in New York City, New York.
- The average monthly cost of living in Johannesburg South Africa is $500 For the Local Natives. Expats and Digital Nomads will spend more to keep up with their living standards of around $1100 to $1700 per month while Living in Johannesburg.
- The City of Johannesburg has great local food that you should try, which is another tip to save money. While living in Johannesburg South Africa, try to eat at the local markets and Checkers supermarkets. You will save a lot of money doing this.
We’ve been digital nomads for almost 4.5 years. We also lived in Johannesburg before and have been traveling the globe since then, so we’ll share our experiences with you! Let’s do it!
Table Of Contents
Our Personal Monthly Cost of Living in Johannesburg South Africa: Table of expenses Breakdown 2024
This Is a table of expenses of everything we spent living as digital nomads each month in Johannesburg South Africa to give you an idea of what your costs might be. Sometimes, we spent less or more depending on the month total monthly cost was $1,170 – $1,640 (ZAR 19,890 – ZAR 27,880).
Our Monthly Cost of living In Johannesburg South Africa went as follows:
- Rent and accommodation in Johannesburg, $400 a month for a studio apartment condo near the local food markets and gyms, saved us even more on food and transportation.
- Food and Groceries Costs in Johannesburg were $280 – $500 per month. We always ate the local food and street food and did weekly grocery shopping at the local Checkers supermarkets.
- Monthly Utilities in Johannesburg South Africa were around $150 a month for electricity, water, wifi, and phone data from MTN combined.
- Gym Costs in Johannesburg: We trained at MMA, Muay Thai, and jiujitsu gym and worked out at a local weightlifting gym. Altogether the cost was $90 per month.
- The cost of Transportation in Johannesburg was around $120 to $200 per month between renting a scooter and uber.
- Activities and things to do in Johannesburg South Africa were around $100 to $150 per month.
Here is a table of Expenses for what we personally spent in Johannesburg South Africa:
| Our Personal Average Monthly Expenses In Johannesburg South Africa | USD $ | South African Rand USD/ZAR ZAR |
| Our Rent and Accommodation in Johannesburg South Africa Per Month | $400 | ZAR 6800 |
| Our monthly Utilities in Johannesburg South Africa such as water, electricity, Wifi, Mobile phone plan from MTN | $150 | ZAR 2,550 |
| Our Monthly Gym and MMA, Jiu Jitsu, and Muay Thai expenses in Johannesburg | $90 | ZAR 1,530 |
| Our Monthly Cost of Food and Groceries expenses In Johannesburg South Africa | $270 – $500 | ZAR 4,590 – ZAR 8,500 |
| Our Monthly Transportation Costs in Johannesburg South Africa | $120- $200 | ZAR 2,040 – ZAR 3,400 |
| Our Monthly Activities and Things to do in Johannesburg South Africa expenses | $100 – $150 | ZAR 1700 – ZAR 2,550 |
| Monthly Health Insurance (SafetyWing, World Nomads) In Johannesburg South Africa | $40 – $150 | ZAR 680 – ZAR 2,550 |
| Our personal Cost of Living In Johannesburg South Africa Per Month Total Expenses | $1,170 – $1,640 | ZAR 19,890 – ZAR 27,880 |
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Johannesburg South Africa Summary Cost Of Rent, Groceries, Transportation, Healthcare: $810 – $2950 Per Month
The cost of living in Johannesburg South Africa ranges from $810 – $2950 per month. The cost of living in Johannesburg South Africa is 77% lower than in New York City, United States. With a family of four estimated monthly costs of $2,230, depending on your spending habits, it could be more or less than what is listed here.
You can reduce your monthly budget in Johannesburg with research, budget planning, eating local food, shopping at the local supermarkets like Checkers, and renting on Airbnb monthly or finding a cheaper apartment locally on Property24, Facebook marketplace, etc.
Living in Johannesburg South Africa is definitely affordable. You can live a greater quality of life here than back in the United States, etc. there are a lot of beautiful cheap rent and accommodations, food, and transport options available anywhere.
- The range of costs is from $810 – $2950 + per month, depending on your budget and your spending habits.
- A budget food and grocery plan will cost you around $280 to $700 per month, although this will vary depending on your location and budget.
- Overall, a monthly budget of $1250 to $2800 is a realistic estimate for the cost of living in Johannesburg South Africa. You should re-evaluate your budget and spending habits if you spend above that.
- A family of four estimated monthly costs in Johannesburg is $2230.
- A single person estimated monthly costs in Johannesburg is $1100 to $1700.
- On average, the cost of living in Johannesburg South Africa is 77% lower than in the United States.
- On average, rent in Johannesburg South Africa is 77% lower than in the United States.
- Transportation costs in Johannesburg expect to spend an estimated $120 to $200 each month on transportation.
Estimated Monthly Cost Of Living In Johannesburg South Africa: Table of Expenses 2024
The Cost of living in Johannesburg South Africa table below is An intensive research poll of Digital Nomads, Expats, retireestravelers, locals and Numbeo users that lived in Johannesburg South Africa was used to put this together.
$1 USD equals 17.44 Johannesburg South African Rand ZAR. This estimate is based on an extremely Strict Budget Vs A luxury Budget in Johannesburg South Africa per month! The Cost Of Living Per Month In Johannesburg South Africa is $810 – $2950, depending on your spending habits! The lowest spend is $810 per month, which is the strictest budget.
Here is a table of expenses for a couple living in Johannesburg South Africa per month:
| Average Monthly Expenses In Johannesburg South Africa | USD $ | Johannesburg South African Rand USD/ZAR ZAR |
| Rent (Homestay, Guesthouse, studio vs Full Private 2+ Bedroom Villa) In Johannesburg South Africa | $250 – $1500 | ZAR 4,250 – ZAR 25,500 |
| Electricity (Including water) In Johannesburg South Africa | $50 – $200 | ZAR 850 – ZAR 2,550 |
| Mobile Phone (including SIM Card data) In Johannesburg South Africa from Voda Com and MTN | $20 – $50 | ZAR 340 – ZAR 850 |
| Internet (WiFi) in Johannesburg South Africa from Vodacom and MTN | $20 – $50 | ZAR 340 – ZAR 850 |
| Food (groceries, dining out, partying, nightlife) in Johannesburg South Africa | $280 – $700 | ZAR 4,760 – ZAR 11,900 |
| Transportation (motorbike, fuel, renting, Taxi) In Johannesburg South Africa | $120 – $200 | ZAR 2,040 – ZAR 3400 |
| Healthy Activities (Gym, MMA, Yoga, Massages, etc) In Johannesburg South Africa | $30 – $100 | ZAR 520 – ZAR 1700 |
| Health Insurance (SafetyWing, World Nomads) In Johannesburg South Africa | $40 – $150 | ZAR 680 – ZAR 2,550 |
| Cost of Living In Johannesburg South Africa Per Month Total Expenses | $810 – $2950 | ZAR 13,770 – ZAR 50,150 |
Cost Of Rent and Accommodation in Johannesburg South Africa Summary: $250 – $1500
The Cost of Renting an apartment or Airbnb in Johannesburg South Africa is affordable if you stick to a set budget. Renting an apartment in Johannesburg South Africa will cost $250 to $600 for a simple apartment per month to $600 or more for a luxury apartment.
It’s important to research to make sure you are getting the best value for your money. We recommend using Airbnb, Property24, or Facebook marketplace. as you see in the video and image above you can rent beautiful places for great price.
We recommend renting on Airbnb. It is a highly streamlined process, faster than going through a rental agency without paying an upfront deposit which as digital nomads is a lot better.
- Renting an apartment monthly from Airbnb will be the best option if you want to live in Johannesburg South Africa on a budget. On average, apartments in Johannesburg South Africa cost $350 to $700 per month on Airbnb.
- Renting a home with two or more rooms will cost you around $600 or more per month.
- You’ll have to choose between renting a flat, studio, 2+ bedroom apartment, sharing the rent, hostels, guesthouses, bed, and breakfasts, and Couchsurfing, property24, Facebook marketplace, or Airbnb.
- To save money on total expenses, eat at the local food places in Johannesburg South Africa, shop at the local supermarkets like checkers, and look for an apartment in Johannesburg South Africa in the surrounding areas close to local markets, local food stalls, supermarkets, or local transportation areas. This is a fantastic tip.
- Digital Nomads in Johannesburg South Africa and Expats in Johannesburg South Africa are just a few of the Facebook groups available For you. Facebook groups are a fantastic resource! It is an excellent place to start.
When finding accommodation in Johannesburg South Africa, it’s important to do your research. The cost of rent can vary depending on where you decide to live. In general, central areas like Sandton are more expensive than suburbs or rural areas.
Monthly Cost Of Rent and Accommodation in Johannesburg South Africa: Table Of Expenses 2024
Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Rent and Accommodation in Johannesburg South Africa per month:
Average Monthly Rent and Accommodation In Johannesburg South Africa | USD $ | South African Rand USD/ZAR ZAR |
| Studio Apartment in Johannesburg South Africa | $250 – $700 | ZAR 4,259 – ZAR 11,900 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment in Johannesburg South Africa | $700 – $1200 | ZAR 11,900 – ZAR 20400 |
| 3+ Bedroom Apartment in Johannesburg South Africa | $1200 – $2000+ | ZAR 20400 – ZAR 34000 |
Cost Of Transportation in Johannesburg South Africa Explained
Public transport in Johannesburg is a great option for those who don’t have a car or want to reduce their monthly expenses. I suggest renting a scooter monthly to explore Johannesburg South Africa to its fullest potential and navigate your way around the traffic i also recommend using the Gau train to get around Johannesburg cheaply and fast. Budget around $120 to $200 per month in transportation and exploring Johannesburg.
The public transportation system in Johannesburg South Africa consists of mainly 12 transportation options:
- Gautrain is a high-speed express Train rail system in Gauteng, South Africa, which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kempton Park and O.R. Tambo International Airport. It will take you 15 minutes to travel from Sandton to O.R Tambo International Airport
- Try to rent a scooter monthly in Johannesburg
- Use bolt taxi a bit cheaper than uber from Johannesburg international airport and everyday transport
- use uber in Johannesburg
- Use the local metro train in Johannesburg.
- Use baz bus for exploring
- Use the Myciti Bus
- Carrier Vans
- Tour Buses
- Hire a private driver
- Rent a car, and This is the most expensive. I don’t recommend it, and Johannesburg South Africa has crazy traffic, so possible to damage your car and you’ll have to pay more money.
- Domestic flights to other cities
Monthly Cost Of Transportation in Johannesburg South Africa: Table of Expenses in 2024
Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Public Transportation in Johannesburg South Africa per month:
| Average Monthly Transportation Expenses in Johannesburg South Africa | USD $ | South African Rand USD/ZAR ZAR |
| Monthly Transportation Costs in Johannesburg South Africa including scooter rental and taxi | $120 – $200 per month | ZAR 2040 – ZAR 3400 |
| Johannesburg South Africa Metro Train, Gautrain | $1 a day to $35 monthly | ZAR 17 – ZAR 578 |
Cost Of Food In Johannesburg South Africa Explained: Monthly Food Table of Expenses 2024
Monthly Food and grocery Costs in Johannesburg South Africa cost $280 to $700 per month. You can save money if you eat at local food places, local markets, checkers supermarkets, and street food. We recommend this, or you will spend way too much at tourist food spots!
The Food in Johannesburg South Africa is truly world class! Skip the touristy food spots and only eat at the local street food, checkers supermarkets, and cheaper dining areas around town! The best food is at the local food stalls and street food.
We will also be making a dedicated article on the best food in Johannesburg South Africa, so stay tuned for that. We will link it here!
Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Food in Johannesburg South Africa per month:
| Average Monthly Food Costs in Johannesburg South Africa | USD $ | South African Rand USD/ZAR ZAR |
| Local Food Markets, Street food and Local Supermarkets and cheaper dining options Per month (Budget Food Costs) in Johannesburg South Africa | $280 – $700 | ZAR 4,760 – ZAR 11,900 |
| Eating out at Mid range restaurants and expensive restaurants per month (No Budget) In Johannesburg South Africa | $700 – $1000 + | ZAR 11,900 – ZAR 17000 |
Best Cost of Flights To Johannesburg South Africa Tips
Did you know you can fly one way to Johannesburg South Africa affordably? This is How:
- If you Fly to Johannesburg South Africa One-Way From New York City, the cost is $500 to $700 per person.
- If you Fly to Johannesburg South Africa from Europe and other Asian countries, the costs will be from $300 to $400 per person.
- You Can Check On Google Flights here!
- Also, if you Have Travel Credit Card Miles and frequent Flyer miles, you can fly to Johannesburg South Africa For almost free!
- Try searching for low-cost airlines or fly during off-peak times or off-season. If you’re determined to visit Johannesburg South Africa, book your flight as far in advance!
Healthcare Costs in Johannesburg South Africa
Medical Tourism is massive in Johannesburg South Africa. Many hospitals and clinics throughout Johannesburg South Africa provide high-quality care at reasonable prices. With many doctors that studied in the USA, UK, and Australia. I recommend researching the best hospitals for expats in Johannesburg South Africa.
We recommend The best travel health Insurance available by SafetyWing We always have travel insurance monthly for international trips and living abroad. It covers any health or medical procedure done.
We suggest you also have it, especially if you live in Johannesburg South Africa as an expat, and we always use SafetyWing for international travel insurance and medical concerns. They start at $42 a month! It’s incredible and always reliable!
Cost of Taxes in Johannesburg, South Africa by Percentage
Here is in-depth information for the cost of Taxes in Johannesburg, South Africa for each type of Tax and make sure to contact a local Johannesburg Tax Professional for more Information:
Individual Income Tax in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Tax Type: Individual Income Tax
- Tax Rate: 18% – 45%
- Important Information:
- Progressive tax rates from 18% to 45% based on taxable income.
- 45% top rate applies on income above R1.5 million.
- Tax free thresholds for under 65s and over 65s.
Value-Added Tax (VAT) in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Tax Type: Value-Added Tax (VAT)
- Tax Rate: 15%
- Important Information:
- Standard VAT rate of 15% on goods and services.
- Certain basic food items are zero-rated.
- Compulsory registration threshold at R1 million turnover.
Corporate Income Tax in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Tax Type: Corporate Income Tax
- Tax Rate: 28%
- Important Information:
- Base corporate tax rate of 28% for all companies.
- Special rates for small business corporations and micro businesses.
- Various tax incentives to attract investment.
Dividends Tax in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Tax Type: Dividends Tax
- Tax Rate: 20%
- Important Information:
- Final tax of 20% on dividends paid by companies.
- To be withheld and remitted by companies paying dividends.
- Lower 15% rate applies in some cases.
Customs Duties in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Tax Type: Customs Duties
- Tax Rate: 0% – 45%
- Important Information:
- Import duties levied on goods brought into South Africa.
- Rates vary from 0% to 45% depending on the product.
- To encourage local manufacturing.
Table of Tax Rates in Johannesburg, South Africa
| Tax Type in Johannesburg, South Africa | Tax Rate in Johannesburg, South Africa |
|---|---|
| Individual Income Tax | 18% – 45% |
| Value-Added Tax (VAT) | 15% |
| Corporate Income Tax | 28% |
| Dividends Tax | 20% |
| Customs Duties | 0% – 45% |
Main FAQS Section About Johannesburg, South Africa
What is the monthly cost of living in Johannesburg South Africa?
The cost of living in Johannesburg South Africa, on average, is around $810 – $2950 per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other costs like utilities and phone bills.
What is the Cost of Accommodation in Johannesburg South Africa?
The Cost of Accommodation in Johannesburg South Africa costs around $250 to $700 per month.
Is Johannesburg South Africa a safe country to travel to?
Regarding safety, Johannesburg South Africa has its ups and downs like anywhere in the world, but as long as you stay safe and take the same precautions as you would in your home country, the same applies here.
How Much does it cost to live in Johannesburg South Africa?
On average, living in Johannesburg South Africa costs around $1100 to $1700 per month.
What is the Cost of Utilities in Johannesburg South Africa?
The Utilities in Johannesburg South Africa Cost around $50 to $200 per month, depending on your energy consumption!
What is the Cost Of Living in Johannesburg South Africa Vs the USA?
The Cost Of Living in Johannesburg South Africa is around 77% less than living in the USA, and the average monthly Cost of living in Johannesburg South Africa is $1100 to $1700 per month in Johannesburg South Africa vs $5500 to $8300 per month living in New York City, United States.
What is the Cost of Food in Johannesburg South Africa vs the USA?
The Cost Of Food in Johannesburg South Africa is 58% less than in the United States. Monthly Food Costs in Johannesburg South Africa is from $280 to $600 per month.
What is the Cost Of Rent in Johannesburg South Africa VS USA?
The Cost of Rent in Johannesburg South Africa is 77% less Than in the United States A 1 bedroom apartment costs $250 to $600 per month on average, and 1 bedroom Apartment in New York City, United States, Costs over $2350 per month.
What is the Cost Of Accommodation in Johannesburg South Africa vs the USA?
The Cost of Accommodation in Johannesburg South Africa is 77.2% less Than in the United States; a studio bedroom apartment costs $250 to $600 per month on average, and 1 bedroom Apartment in New York City, United States, Costs over $2300 per month.
What is the Cost of Transportation in Johannesburg South Africa vs the USA?
The Cost of Transportation in Johannesburg South Africa is 58% less than in The USA; monthly Transportation Costs in Johannesburg South Africa Costs from $120 to $200 per Month.
What is the Food Expenses In Johannesburg South Africa?
The Food expenses in Johannesburg South Africa is from $280 to $700 per month. Make sure to eat the local Food to save more!
What is the Rental Expenses In Johannesburg South Africa?
The monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Johannesburg South Africa is from $250 to $600.
What is the Expenses for a Single Person in Johannesburg South Africa?
The Expenses for a Single Person in Johannesburg South Africa is from $1100 to $1700 per month all expenses.
What is the average cost of Rent In Johannesburg South Africa?
The Average cost of rent in Johannesburg South Africa is around $250 to $600 Per Month in Johannesburg South Africa.
What is the average Cost of Accommodation In Johannesburg South Africa?
The Average cost of accommodation in Johannesburg South Africa is $250 to $600 per month.
What is the average Cost of Transportation In Johannesburg South Africa?
The average cost of transportation in Johannesburg South Africa is about $3 USD per day or $120 to $200 per month.
What is the Average cost of Utilities in Johannesburg South Africa?
The Average cost of Utilities in Johannesburg is around $50 to $200 per month.
What is the Cost of living in Johannesburg South Africa?
The Cost of Living in Johannesburg is around $810 – $2950 Per Month For all expenses.
What is the Cost of Mobile Phone SIM and Internet Data In Johannesburg South Africa?
The Cost of Phone Data and internet in Johannesburg is around $20 to $50 per month with Vodacom and MTN.
What is the Cost of Food in Johannesburg South Africa?
The Cost of Food in Johannesburg South Africa costs around $280 to $600 per month; try to eat at the local restaurants and street food for the best and cheapest food to stay on budget!
Is Johannesburg South Africa a cheap country to live in?
Johannesburg South Africa’s cost of living is approximately 77% less than the USA. Johannesburg is Extremely cheap and affordable to live in.
Is Johannesburg South Africa a good place to live?
Yes, Johannesburg South Africa is a great and safe place to Live but it does have its ups and downs! However, take the same precautions as you would in your home country. always be alert.
What is the average salary in Johannesburg South Africa?
The Average Monthly Salary in Johannesburg South Africa is 31,000 ZAR Johannesburg South African Rand equals $1,766 United States Dollars.
What is a good salary to live in Johannesburg South Africa?
A great Salary to live on in Johannesburg South Africa is around $3000 per month.
Cost Of Living in Johannesburg South Africa Conclusion
We hope that you have found this blog post helpful! We have summarized the cost of living in Johannesburg South Africa and provided a table of expenses, provided information on rent, accommodation, food costs, and more! We will be continually updating this blog post! Also, below are many excellent travel resources that will help you in your Journey around the world!
We created a full post On The Cost Of Living in South Africa Click Here!
also if you are interested in the Cost of living in Cape Town South Africa Click Here!
We also wrote, an in-depth guide on the Cost of Living in Durban Click here! if interested!
Travel Resources and Reliable Sources For South Africa
- Travel Insurance: We always have travel insurance monthly for international trips and living abroad. We suggest that you also have it. And we always use SafetyWing for international travel insurance and medical concerns. SafetyWing is one of the few policies covering Covid-19, starting at $42 a month! It’s incredible and always reliable! SafetyWing is perfect for Digital Nomads and long-term travelers!
- Heath and Safety: We use the travel guides on the CDC website to research recommended precautions.
- Official South Africa Tourism Board Tourist Friendly Site
- The South African Government Tourism Board
If you want to keep up with our travels, go ahead and follow us on our travel page on Instagram @onelifepassport! Comment below what else you would like to know/see about our experiences traveling the world! Also, check out our YouTube Channel!
Check out our recent blog posts:
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