Johannesburg, South Africa

In 2026, a single person living in Johannesburg needs approximately ZAR 25,093/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around ZAR 48,354/month. Johannesburg is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.

A 1-bedroom apartment in Johannesburg costs approximately ZAR 14,812/month in 2026. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around ZAR 27,430/month. Rent has changed +4% vs 2025.

Monthly grocery costs for one person in Johannesburg are approximately ZAR 5,486 in 2026. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.

A monthly public transport pass in Johannesburg costs ZAR 1,042 in 2026, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.

Monthly utility costs in Johannesburg average ZAR 2,524 in 2026, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.

Johannesburg is located in South Africa (Africa). With a 1-bed rent of ZAR 14,812/month and total single-person expenses around ZAR 25,093/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.

A typical restaurant meal for one person in Johannesburg costs approximately ZAR 154 in 2026. Budget around ZAR 1,229/month if dining out a few times a week.

LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Johannesburg from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 24.7% over this period (from ZAR 11,880 in 2022 to ZAR 14,812 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.

To live comfortably in Johannesburg in 2026, a single person needs approximately ZAR 25,093/month. This covers rent (ZAR 14,812), groceries (ZAR 5,486), transport (ZAR 1,042), utilities (ZAR 2,524) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around ZAR 48,354/month.