Cost Of Living in Johannesburg 2024
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Johannesburg
Whether you're living in Johannesburg or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure36,000 ZAR
per month$1,9002,800 ZAR $150
$19,000 360,000 ZAR
Single25,000 ZAR
per month$1,3008,400 ZAR $440
$8,800 170,000 ZAR
Couple42,000 ZAR
per month$2,20014,000 ZAR $740
$12,000 220,000 ZAR
Family56,000 ZAR
per month$2,90020,000 ZAR $1,000
$16,000 310,000 ZAR
Student17,000 ZAR
per month$9006,900 ZAR $360
$1,600 31,000 ZAR
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Johannesburg is 25,000 ZAR. Expenses can range from 8,400 ZAR at the minimum level to 170,000 ZAR at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Johannesburg is 42,000 ZAR. Expenditure can range from 14,000 ZAR to 220,000 ZAR per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Johannesburg is 56,000 ZAR per month. Families spend anywhere from 20,000 ZAR to 310,000 ZAR.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Johannesburg is 17,000 ZAR. Students spend from 6,900 ZAR to 31,000 ZAR per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Johannesburg
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Large bottle of water
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one | 250 ZAR | 380 ZAR | 1,500 ZAR |
Soda or Soft Drink
Cappuccino or latte Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
Loaf of bread
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price | 94,000 ZAR | 190,000 ZAR | 250,000 ZAR |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual | 500 ZAR | 1,500 ZAR | 10,000 ZAR |
Utility Bill - Couple | 700 ZAR | 2,100 ZAR | 11,000 ZAR |
Utility Bill - Family | 590 ZAR | 1,700 ZAR | 9,200 ZAR |
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit | 190 ZAR | 240 ZAR | 1,300 ZAR |
Regular t-shirt Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment | 3,200 ZAR | 4,800 ZAR | 13,000 ZAR |
1-bedroom apartment | 4,800 ZAR | 7,600 ZAR | 19,000 ZAR |
2-bedroom apartment | 6,300 ZAR | 9,500 ZAR | 25,000 ZAR |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment | 630,000 ZAR | 950,000 ZAR | 1.9M ZAR |
1-bedroom apartment | 760,000 ZAR | 1.3M ZAR | 4.8M ZAR |
2-bedroom apartment | 1.3M ZAR | 3.8M ZAR | 7.6M ZAR |
| $67,000 | $200,000 | $400,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed | 3,800 ZAR | 4,700 ZAR | 6,300 ZAR |
Double Bed | 2,500 ZAR | 3,800 ZAR | 4,700 ZAR |
Single Bed | 2,200 ZAR | 2,900 ZAR | 3,800 ZAR |
Living Room | 4,200 ZAR | 5,400 ZAR | 19,000 ZAR |
Dining Table | 1,900 ZAR | 2,500 ZAR | 4,700 ZAR |
Sofa or Couch | 2,500 ZAR | 3,400 ZAR | 7,500 ZAR |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set | 2,500 ZAR | 3,800 ZAR | 7,500 ZAR |
Fridge or Freezer | 2,200 ZAR | 3,400 ZAR | 4,700 ZAR |
Washing Machine | 2,900 ZAR | 4,200 ZAR | 7,500 ZAR |
Stove or Cooker | 2,700 ZAR | 3,400 ZAR | 4,700 ZAR |
Mobile Phone | 3,100 ZAR | 3,800 ZAR | 5,400 ZAR |
Laptop or Computer | 3,400 ZAR | 4,200 ZAR | 7,500 ZAR |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Johannesburg
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
84%
76% to 93%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 5% |
| 50% - 60% | 10% |
| 60% - 70% | 17% |
| 70% - 80% | 26% |
| 80% - 90% | 18% |
| 90% - 100% | 10% |
| 100% - 110% | 5% |
| 110% - 120% | 3% |
| 120% - 130% | 2% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Johannesburg is 84%
This means that on average, people spend around 84% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 17% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
76%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
84%
Couple
80%
Spending-Income-Ratio
72%
89%
Family
89%
Spending-Income-Ratio
80%
98%
How do people spend their money in Johannesburg?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure25%
25% of total expenses on average (14% to 33%)
| LOW | $44 840 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $570 11,000 ZAR |
| HIGH | $5,700 110,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
People living in Johannesburg typically spend from 14% to 33% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average spend on housing is 11,000 ZAR with expenditure ranging from 840 ZAR to 110,000 ZAR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water7%
7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)
| LOW | $7.4 140 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $96 1,800 ZAR |
| HIGH | $960 18,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Johannesburg ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,800 ZAR with 140 ZAR and 18,000 ZAR being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $15 280 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $190 3,600 ZAR |
| HIGH | $1,900 36,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 280 ZAR to 36,000 ZAR on commuting with 3,600 ZAR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.
Food and Groceries Cost27%
27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)
| LOW | $37 700 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $480 9,100 ZAR |
| HIGH | $4,800 91,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Johannesburg is 9,100 ZAR. The cost of groceries can range between 700 ZAR to 91,000 ZAR. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services9%
9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $10 200 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $130 2,500 ZAR |
| HIGH | $1,300 25,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
People in Johannesburg allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 200 ZAR to 25,000 ZAR with 2,500 ZAR being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)
| LOW | $5.9 110 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $76 1,500 ZAR |
| HIGH | $760 15,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 110 ZAR to 15,000 ZAR with 1,500 ZAR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.
Education and Schooling6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $8.8 170 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $110 2,200 ZAR |
| HIGH | $1,100 22,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 2,200 ZAR per month with 170 ZAR being the minimum spent amount and 22,000 ZAR being the maximum.
Other Expenses13%
13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)
| LOW | $19 360 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $250 4,700 ZAR |
| HIGH | $2,500 47,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Johannesburg every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Johannesburg manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 68% of the surveyed people in Johannesburg said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 32% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Johannesburg
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 68% | 32% |
| Couples | 63% | 37% |
| Families | 58% | 42% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
1,000 ZAR
$54 | 13,000 ZAR
$700 | 130,000 ZAR
$7,000 |
For most people, 12% to 33% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 21% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 13,000 ZAR on average with savings ranging from 1,000 ZAR to 130,000 ZAR.
68% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 63% of couples said the same. 58% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Johannesburg?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
3,000 ZAR
$160 | 9,100 ZAR
$480 | 61,000 ZAR
$3,200 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 30% |
| 10% - 20% | 24% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 15% |
| 40% - 50% | 11% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 15% to 35% of their monthly income to savings, with 25% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 9,100 ZAR with 3,000 ZAR and 61,000 ZAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
5,100 ZAR
$270 | 15,000 ZAR
$800 | 81,000 ZAR
$4,300 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 34% |
| 10% - 20% | 26% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 10% |
| 40% - 50% | 8% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 13% to 34% of their monthly income, with 23% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 15,000 ZAR with 5,100 ZAR and 81,000 ZAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
7,100 ZAR
$370 | 20,000 ZAR
$1,100 | 110,000 ZAR
$5,900 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 37% |
| 10% - 20% | 29% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 7% |
| 40% - 50% | 5% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Johannesburg can save anywhere between 12% to 31% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 20,000 ZAR with 7,100 ZAR and 110,000 ZAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Affordable living in Johannesburg
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Johannesburg?
Around 69% of surveyed residents think that living in Johannesburg is affordable with proper budgeting while 31% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Johannesburg
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options62%
Few low-cost options38%
Based on the survey, 62% of the people living in Johannesburg have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 38% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Johannesburg whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes69%
No31%
Based on the survey, 31% of the people living in Johannesburg said that they don't have an emergency fund while 69% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in South Africa
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy63%
We asked residents of South Africa whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 37% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 63% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of South Africa have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 27% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 73% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance27%
Easily manages finances73%
Financial goals of people in Johannesburg
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Johannesburg, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 7% |
| Debt Reduction | 38% |
| Retirement Savings | 9% |
| Education Funding | 8% |
| Homeownership | 17% |
| Investing | 8% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 9% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 11% |
| Financial Independence | 7% |
Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 38% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 9% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 11% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Saving Challenges in Johannesburg
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Johannesburg. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 6% |
| High Expenses | 9% |
| Debt and Loans | 16% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 11% |
| Impulsive Spending | 10% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 6% |
| Will do it later | 19% |
| Inflation | 12% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 16% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 19% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 12% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for people in Johannesburg
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 11% |
| Gold | 11% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 11% |
| Cash Savings | 18% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 5% |
| Bonds | 6% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Johannesburg
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Johannesburg and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in South Africa is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Johannesburg:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 99,000 ZAR |
| 30 | 200,000 ZAR |
| 35 | 350,000 ZAR |
| 40 | 490,000 ZAR |
| 45 | 740,000 ZAR |
| 50 | 1M ZAR |
| 55 | 1.2M ZAR |
| 60 | 1.5M ZAR |
| 65 | 1.8M ZAR |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Johannesburg about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 13% |
| Savings | 22% |
| Investments | 13% |
| Social Security | 8% |
| Annuities | 8% |
| Part-time Job | 12% |
| Real Estate | 17% |
| Dividends and Interest | 8% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Johannesburg 6,100 ZAR
$320 | 18,000 ZAR
$960 | 120,000 ZAR
$6,400 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Johannesburg
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 23% of the people in Johannesburg have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 77% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Johannesburg
Debt to income ratio
28%
19% to 38%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 28% of the people's monthly income in Johannesburg goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 15% |
| 40% - 50% | 13% |
| 30% - 40% | 15% |
| 20% - 30% | 13% |
| 10% - 20% | 15% |
| 0% - 10% | 27% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Johannesburg pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 15% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 13% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 15% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 13% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Johannesburg
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 11% |
| Auto Loan | 19% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 27% |
| Personal Loan | 40% |
11% of debtors in Johannesburg confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 27% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 19% of people and personal loans rose at 40%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Johannesburg.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Johannesburg
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Johannesburg how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 53% |
| Once a year | 23% |
| Twice a year | 12% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Johannesburg
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Johannesburg
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment | 3,200 ZAR | 4,800 ZAR | 13,000 ZAR |
1-bedroom apartment | 4,800 ZAR | 7,600 ZAR | 19,000 ZAR |
2-bedroom apartment | 6,300 ZAR | 9,500 ZAR | 25,000 ZAR |
3-bedroom apartment | 7,600 ZAR | 13,000 ZAR | 35,000 ZAR |
Furnished apartment | 15,000 ZAR | 38,000 ZAR | 76,000 ZAR |
Townhouse | 13,000 ZAR | 19,000 ZAR | 54,000 ZAR |
House | 15,000 ZAR | 38,000 ZAR | 76,000 ZAR |
Villa | 19,000 ZAR | 48,000 ZAR | 76,000 ZAR |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Johannesburg ranges between 3,200 ZAR and 13,000 ZAR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 4,800 ZAR to 19,000 ZAR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 6,300 ZAR and 25,000 ZAR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 7,600 ZAR to 35,000 ZAR. The average rent of a townhouse in Johannesburg is around 19,000 ZAR while house rental costs can be as high as 38,000 ZAR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 19,000 ZAR to 76,000 ZAR per month.
Apartment and house prices in Johannesburg
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment | 630,000 ZAR | 950,000 ZAR | 1.9M ZAR |
1-bedroom apartment | 760,000 ZAR | 1.3M ZAR | 4.8M ZAR |
2-bedroom apartment | 1.3M ZAR | 3.8M ZAR | 7.6M ZAR |
| $67,000 | $200,000 | $400,000 |
3-bedroom apartment | 4.2M ZAR | 6.3M ZAR | 19M ZAR |
Townhouse
House
Villa The average price of a studio apartment in Johannesburg can range from 630,000 ZAR to 1.9M ZAR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 760,000 ZAR to 4.8M ZAR. A villa can cost you 42M ZAR on average with prices ranging from 7.6M ZAR to 63M ZAR.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Johannesburg will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 43 | x124 monthly income | 216 |
Property prices in Johannesburg can be x124 to x216 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x124 multiples of the average monthly salary in Johannesburg.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Johannesburg is around 33%. This means that people pay 33% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 43% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
30% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Johannesburg
Housing31%
31% of total expenses on average (19% to 43%)
| LOW | $160 3,000 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $480 9,000 ZAR |
| HIGH | $3,200 60,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)
| LOW | $26 500 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $79 1,500 ZAR |
| HIGH | $530 10,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $35 670 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $110 2,000 ZAR |
| HIGH | $710 13,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)
| LOW | $71 1,300 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $210 4,000 ZAR |
| HIGH | $1,400 27,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare11%
11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)
| LOW | $40 750 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $120 2,300 ZAR |
| HIGH | $790 15,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping3%
3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)
| LOW | $22 420 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $66 1,300 ZAR |
| HIGH | $440 8,400 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Education2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $8.8 170 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $26 500 ZAR |
| HIGH | $180 3,300 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses21%
21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $79 1,500 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $240 4,500 ZAR |
| HIGH | $1,600 30,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Johannesburg
Housing28%
28% of total expenses on average (21% to 38%)
| LOW | $240 4,600 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $730 14,000 ZAR |
| HIGH | $3,900 74,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $37 700 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $110 2,100 ZAR |
| HIGH | $590 11,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel10%
10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)
| LOW | $88 1,700 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $260 5,000 ZAR |
| HIGH | $1,400 27,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries16%
16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)
| LOW | $100 2,000 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $310 5,900 ZAR |
| HIGH | $1,600 31,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare13%
13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)
| LOW | $81 1,500 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $240 4,600 ZAR |
| HIGH | $1,300 25,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $44 840 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $130 2,500 ZAR |
| HIGH | $710 13,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Education2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $15 280 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $44 840 ZAR |
| HIGH | $240 4,500 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses20%
20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
| LOW | $130 2,400 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $380 7,100 ZAR |
| HIGH | $2,000 38,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Johannesburg
Housing27%
27% of total expenses on average (22% to 37%)
| LOW | $330 6,300 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $940 18,000 ZAR |
| HIGH | $5,200 98,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)
| LOW | $82 1,600 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $240 4,500 ZAR |
| HIGH | $1,300 25,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries20%
20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)
| LOW | $190 3,500 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $530 10,000 ZAR |
| HIGH | $2,900 55,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare10%
10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)
| LOW | $82 1,600 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $240 4,500 ZAR |
| HIGH | $1,300 25,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $51 980 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $150 2,800 ZAR |
| HIGH | $810 15,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Education14%
14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)
| LOW | $140 2,700 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $410 7,800 ZAR |
| HIGH | $2,300 43,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses15%
15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)
| LOW | $120 2,300 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $350 6,700 ZAR |
| HIGH | $1,900 37,000 ZAR |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Johannesburg
Housing19%
19% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)
| LOW | $87 1,600 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $220 4,100 ZAR |
| HIGH | $390 7,400 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $14 270 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $36 690 ZAR |
| HIGH | $65 1,200 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel5%
5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $25 480 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $63 1,200 ZAR |
| HIGH | $110 2,200 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries22%
22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)
| LOW | $72 1,400 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $180 3,400 ZAR |
| HIGH | $320 6,200 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $22 410 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $54 1,000 ZAR |
| HIGH | $97 1,800 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $18 340 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $45 860 ZAR |
| HIGH | $81 1,500 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Education19%
19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $69 1,300 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $170 3,300 ZAR |
| HIGH | $310 5,900 ZAR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $54 1,000 ZAR |
| AVERAGE | $140 2,600 ZAR |
| HIGH | $240 4,600 ZAR |
| Per Month |
