What is the cost of living in Johannesburg?

The cost of living in Johannesburg is 70.8% cheaper than New York City (index: 29.2). Groceries are 62.0% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 58.2% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately ZAR 8,155 per month. Local purchasing power index is 114.0 (NYC = 100).

🇿🇦 South Africa · #385 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Johannesburg?

Q: Should I move to Johannesburg?

Johannesburg, South Africa has a cost of living 70.8% cheaper than New York City (index: 29.2). It is ranked #385 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is strong (index: 114.0 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

70.8% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-70.8%

vs NYC

ZAR 8,155

1-BR, city centre

114.0

Purchasing Power

Strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Johannesburg?

Cost breakdown: Johannesburg

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

29.2 Mid-priced

Rent

13.0 Very affordable

Groceries

38.0 Affordable

Restaurants

41.8 Affordable

Purchasing Power

114.0 Strong

Rent in Johannesburg

1-BR, city centre ZAR 8,155/mo

1-BR, outside centre ZAR 6,951/mo

3-BR, city centre ZAR 16,278/mo

3-BR, outside centre ZAR 14,396/mo

Save by going outside centre 15% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇿🇦 Cape Town

South Africa

CoL index 32.5

Compare Cape Town vs Johannesburg →

🇿🇦 Pretoria

South Africa

CoL index 25.6

Compare Pretoria vs Johannesburg →

🇿🇦 Durban

South Africa

CoL index 23.3

Compare Durban vs Johannesburg →

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