Johannesburg is a city in the heart of South Africa, known as the biggest city which began life as a 19th-century gold-mining settlement. It is called the ‘Financial Capital’ of South Africa, staking its claim as a financial and metropolitan headquarters.
If you are considering moving to Johannesburg, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in the City of Gold.
Quick Johannesburg Facts:
- Population: 5.6 million (2019 estimate) with the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Area having an estimated population of 8 million.
- Official Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, all of which are spoken in Johannesburg. However, English and Afrikaans are the most widely spoken languages in the workplace, and most people understand English. Other languages spoken in Johannesburg include French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Somali and Arabic.
- GDP Per Capita: $18,918 USD
- Manmade Forest: With the discovery of gold in the late 19th century, non-indigenous trees were planted in Johannesburg. There are now over 10 million trees in the city, and it is claimed to be the largest man-made forest in the world.
- Currency: South Africa Rand (R, ZAR). As of 2024, $1 USD = R17.48, €1 EUR = R19.29, $1 CAD = R12.90, $1 AUD = R11.97, £1 = R22.93.
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Johannesburg
The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from a selection of large cities, and shipping it to Joburg:
Origin City | 20FT | 40FT |
---|---|---|
Beijing | $3,900 - $4,000 | $6,900 - $7,100 |
Berlin | $3,200 - $3,300 | $5,800 - $6,000 |
Chicago | $3,500 - $3,600 | $6,200 - $6,400 |
Chongqing | $4,000 - $4,100 | $7,100 - $7,300 |
Delhi | $3,800 - $3,900 | $6,700 - $6,900 |
Dubai | $2,600 - $2,700 | $4,500 - $4,700 |
Houston | $3,600 - $3,700 | $6,300 - $6,500 |
Los Angeles | $3,550 - $3,650 | $6,200 - $6,400 |
Madrid | $3,300 - $3,400 | $5,900 - $6,100 |
New York City | $3,400 - $3,500 | $6,100 - $6,300 |
Paris | $3,250 - $3,350 | $5,900 - $6,100 |
Phoenix | $3,500 - $3,600 | $6,200 - $6,400 |
Rome | $3,300 - $3,400 | $5,900 - $6,100 |
Shanghai | $4,000 - $4,100 | $7,000 - $7,200 |
Sydney | $4,050 - $4,150 | $7,100 - $7,300 |
Toronto | $3,550 - $3,650 | $6,200 - $6,400 |
Vancouver | $3,600 - $3,700 | $6,300 - $6,500 |
Vienna | $3,250 - $3,350 | $5,900 - $6,100 |
- All figures are in USD;
- The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (October 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from sites such as Freightos, Flexport, or Maersk;
- To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
- Please also see our guide to international container shipping.
2. Johannesburg Housing Costs
Due to many reasons, including the decline in the value of the Rand, property prices in Johannesburg are very reasonable when you compare them with the vast majority of cities around the world. Prices obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will indicate what’s available at what price.
Monthly Rental Prices in Johannesburg:
- 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: R6,800+
- 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: R6,220+
- 3 bedroom flat in City Centre: R12,900+
- 3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: R12,800+
Johannesburg Home Purchase Prices:
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: R14,400+
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: R12,300+
Johannesburg Housing Cost Comparison:
This is how rents in Johannesburg compare with other cities around the globe.
- London is 82.1% more expensive
- New York is 87.8% more expensive
- Los Angeles is 83.8% more expensive
- Toronto is 74.5% more expensive
- Vancouver is 76.4% more expensive
- Sydney is 78.3% more expensive
- Cape Town is 35.9% more expensive
- Melbourne is 69.4% more expensive
- Paris is 72% more expensive
- Dubai is 74.4% more expensive
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs:
- Share a Flat or House: Johannesburg is a city full of houses and flats of every size, shape and price, many of which are available for house/flat shares. With a house share you will have your own room, or, for a cheaper option, you can share a room. The bathroom/s will be shared with other people in the house. To find your perfect flat/house/roommate have a look at the following sites – Gumtree and Private Property.
- Different Areas – Different Prices: When considering property in Johannesburg, it’s vital to talk to estate agents and colleagues to ascertain which are the safest areas. Many expats choose to live in gated communities to ensure peace of mind. That being said, Johannesburg has some of the most stunning suburbs in the world, with tree-lined streets, magnificent gardens and imaginative houses. The upmarket suburbs of the city are north of the CBD. Many companies have moved their offices from the CBD to Sandton over the last 35 years, especially those in the financial and media fields. The closer you live to Sandton, the more expensive the properties. Surrounding areas such as Bryanston, Morningside, Hyde Park, Sandown, Sandhurst and Wendywood all have a variety of accommodations from mansions to upmarket apartments. Rosebank, Fourways, Sunninghill and Melrose Arch are also popular areas. There are also excellent schools and private hospitals in these areas. The CBD is in the process of being revitalised and is popular with students. Melville, Greenside and Parkhurst have a Bohemian vibe, with pavement cafes, restaurants, bars and second-hand book shops. For areas suitable for families, have a look at the section on families below.
3. Johannesburg Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Johannesburg has some excellent restaurants and is in constant competition with Cape Town. It really is a foodie’s paradise.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: R165.00 – R170.00
- Takeout Coffee: R30.00 – R35.00
- Bottle of Coke: R15.50 – R17.50
- 1L of Milk: R19.00 – R20.00
- Loaf of Bread: R16.00 – R18.00
- 12 Eggs: R34.00 – R36.00
- 1kg Chicken: R80.00 – R90.00
- 1kg Beef: R130.00 – R140.00
- 1kg Apples: R27.00 – R30.00
- 1kg White Rice: R26.00 – R30.00
This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.
- London restaurants are 55.7% more expensive and groceries are 46% more expensive than Johannesburg.
- New York restaurants are 64.2% more expensive and groceries are 69.7% more expensive than Johannesburg.
- Los Angeles restaurants are 60.4% more expensive and groceries are 60.4% more expensive than Johannesburg.
- Toronto restaurants are 51.8% more expensive and groceries are 55.1% more expensive than Johannesburg.
- Vancouver restaurants are 50.5% more expensive and groceries are 57% more expensive than Johannesburg.
- Sydney restaurants are 53.9% more expensive and groceries are 61.4% more expensive than Johannesburg.
- Melbourne restaurants are 52.1% more expensive and groceries are 61.7% more expensive than Johannesburg.
- Cape Town restaurants are 10.1% cheaper and groceries are 4.4% cheaper than Johannesburg.
- Paris restaurants are 49.2% more expensive and groceries are 60.1% more expensive than Johannesburg.
- Dubai restaurants are 49.8% more expensive and groceries are 38.1% more expensive than Johannesburg.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:
- Know Your Supermarkets: There are some good supermarkets in Cape Town; the best and most expensive is Woolworths. This Woolworths is no relation to FW Woolworths. In fact, it was modelled on the UK’s Marks and Spencer’s and has been stocking M&S Food for many years. The other leading supermarkets are Spar and Checkers. There are a few independent grocers and mini supermarkets which sell organic and fresh produce. Farmers’ markets are very popular: visit the Bamboo Farmers’ Market in Melville or Fourways Farmers’ Market. Have a look at Farmers’ Markets to discover more gems to visit.
- Find Cheap Eats: Eat Out, Jo’burg, Trip Advisor and Joburg North all have their own guides to cheap eats in Johannesburg, which include everything from good South African steaks to fine dining.
4. Johannesburg Alcohol Costs
Johannesburg has bars and clubs for everyone’s taste and pocket. The following is a list of basic prices of beer and wine from the supermarket and restaurants.
- Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: R38.00 – R40.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: R40.00 – R45.00
- Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: R22.40 – R30.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: R28.00 – R35.00
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: R85.00 – R90.00
How To Drink For Less in Johannesburg:
- Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
- Some various bars and clubs offer cheap drinks on certain days or at certain times. Have a look at the following sites to see which ones take your fancy – Trip Advisor, Eat Out and Food24.
- Scour the areas around the University of Johannesburg and other tertiary institutions to find the best alcohol deals.
5. Johannesburg Transportation Fares
Many people in Johannesburg use their cars to get around the city. There are minibus taxis, trains and buses but, to be perfectly honest, not only are they unreliable, but there are also safety issues to consider. The Gautrain is a safe mode of transport if you are travelling from the airport to Sandton, Rosebank Pretoria or Hatfield.
Here are some example ticket costs.
- Adult Single, airport to Sandton (Gautrain) – R150.00
- Monthly season ticket for Gautrain, Sandton to Pretoria – R2,130+
How To Save Money on Public Transport:
- 7–day pass – Sandton to Pretoria (Gautrain) – R528
- Buy a bike. Cycling is an option, as long as you live close to your office and you know the areas you are cycling through are safe.
6. Cost of Internet in Johannesburg
Internet in South Africa is expensive and contracts usually run for two years. Coverage is good throughout the country. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 24-month contract:
- MWeb: R374.00 a month (10 Mbps)
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
Johannesburg sits on a plateau of nearly 6,000 feet, so you can expect chilly winter nights with frost. However, the daytime temperature in winter can reach 25°C, so layering clothing is key. Summer temperatures can reach well over 30°C, but due to Johannesburg’s altitude, the humidity is low. The rainy season usually starts in late October and continues until February. Jo’burg has some spectacular storms and has problems with flash flooding throughout the city.
Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans: R800.00 – R1,000+
- Summer Dress: R500.00 – R550.00
- Running Shoes (Trainers): R1,500 – R1,600+
- Business Shoes: R1,340 – R1,500+
- Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): R420.00
- Deodorant: R30.00
- Shampoo: R45.00
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): R25.00
- Gym Membership: R600.00 – R700.00 per month
- Movie (cinema) Ticket: R100.00 – R110.00
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Johannesburg
Everyone in South Africa drives on the left. Many people use their cars to get to and from work, which makes peak periods very congested.
If you’re moving to Johannesburg from within South Africa, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to change your address to your new Johannesburg one.
If you have become a Permanent Resident of South Africa, then you will need to get a South African Licence within 12 months of receiving your Permit. You don’t need to take a driving test but you do have to apply in person with your driving licence, proof of address, 2 photographs and a cash payment.
Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Johannesburg:
- Volkswagen Golf: R350,000+
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): R24.00
- Registration Fee (if any): R120 one time
- Other Fees (if any): Vehicle Licence – annual. The cost varies depending on the type and size of the vehicle.
Source: Expatistan, Gov.za
Ways To Save Money on Driving in Johannesburg:
- Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Cartrip, Gumtree, Carpoolworld and Locanto.
- Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber.
9. Taxes in Johannesburg
No matter where you live in South Africa, you will pay the same rate of tax. To learn more about the different taxes, go to the South African Revenue Services site.
Sales Tax, or VAT (Value Added Tax) is 14% in South Africa and is added to most goods and services throughout the country. Unlike in some countries, it is always included in the marked price.
Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to municipal rates based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Payments include refuse removal and water usage.
Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Johannesburg you’ll have to pay transfer duty. While there’s no tax on the first R900,000 of your home value, the marginal rate increases gradually and peaks at R933,000 + 13% of the value above R10,000,000.
10. Flight Costs from Johannesburg
If you do make the move to Johannesburg, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:
- New York: R7,700
- Los Angeles: R11,500
- London: R4,900
- Toronto: R9,200
- Vancouver: R10,404
- Cape Town: R1,100
- Dubai: R4,481
- Sydney: R11,741
- Melbourne: R10,985
- Hong Kong: R9,222
Other Tips on Moving to Johannesburg:
The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Johannesburg but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Moving to Johannesburg Alone
Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be rather daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Johannesburg.
- Meetups: Johannesburg has lots of free meetup groups you can find on Meetup.com. Join groups such as Johannesburg Mountain Biking, Joburg Photowalkers, Google Developer Group, Business Strategy and Networking and many more.
- Attend Local Events: There is always something going on in Johannesburg. Find what appeals to you on In Your Pocket and What’s On In Joburg.
12. Moving to Johannesburg with a Family
A lot is going on in Johannesburg which will appeal to children. It’s relatively close to game parks and has fantastic weather, good schools and lots of housing options. Sadly, security is an issue which needs to be accepted and faced.
- New Parents (or parents to be): Have a look at Netcare and The Parent Centre.
- Live in a Family-friendly Area: Johannesburg does have security issues, so it’s important to thoroughly investigate the different suburbs of the city. Many people enjoy the security of living in a gated community, where their kids can safely ride their bikes and play within the estate. To the north of the city, the upmarket suburbs of Sandton and Bryanston and the surrounding suburbs have a selection of beautiful houses, sitting on large plots with pools and outside living areas. These areas have excellent schools and are close the good private hospitals, shopping and gyms. Rosebank and Parktown, and their neighbouring suburbs, are some of the oldest in Johannesburg. They are home to three of the oldest and best private schools in Jo’burg and close to the zoo. To the East and not far from OR Tambo airport, is Bedforview. It’s a cheaper option and has many gated estates where families feel safe. Bedfordview has a large shopping mall and good sporting facilities in the area.
- Find Things To Do With The Kids: Getaway, SA Venues and JoziKids all have great ideas for activities and events your kids will love.
13. Moving to Johannesburg for Work
Moving to Johannesburg for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.
Jo’burg is the commercial centre of South Africa. Telecommunications, mining and finance organisations all have their head offices in the city. There are opportunities for engineers, accountants and working in IT, medicine, finance and executive management. However, if you are considering moving to South Africa from another country be aware that South Africa Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment policies will make it difficult for you to get a job. BBBEE was introduced to redress the employment imbalances of the past, so previously disadvantaged people are favoured for jobs.
Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary: Salaries in Johannesburg are nowhere near as high as in other major cities around the globe but the cost of living is also low compared with those cities. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale.
- How to Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Johannesburg, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Indeed, Gumtree, Job Mail, Careers24 and Pnet. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
14. Moving to Johannesburg from Australia
There’s a small group of Australians living in Johannesburg, if you’re thinking of joining them, here’s extra food for thought.
- Size Comparison: If you compare the size of Johannesburg’s population with a city in Australia, you’d be looking at Melbourne. If you compare the whole metropolitan area of Johannesburg with somewhere in Australia, then you be looking at a city almost twice the size of Melbourne.
- Join Expat Groups: Both Internations and Meetup offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Johannesburg.
15. Moving to Johannesburg from Canada
There’s a small group of Canadians living and working in Johannesburg If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.
- Size Comparison: If you compare the size of the population of Johannesburg with a city in Canada, you would be looking at a city a little larger than Montreal. f you compare the whole metro area with a city in Canada, then you would be looking at a city over twice the size of Montreal.
- Expat Groups: Try finding fellow Canadians by looking at Internations and Expat.com.
16. Moving to Johannesburg from the United States
There’s a relatively large group of Americans living in Johannesburg. If you’re thinking of joining them, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Johannesburg with a city in the States, you would be looking at a city a little larger than Los Angeles. If you look at the whole Jo’burg Metropolis, then you would be looking at New York.
- Expat Groups: If you want to meet up with fellow Americans who are already living in Johannesburg, Internations will point you in the right direction.
17. Moving to Johannesburg from the United Kingdom
Johannesburg is full of Brits. Some have been there for generations and those who have just arrived. If you are thinking of joining them, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Johannesburg with a city in the UK, you would be looking at a city four times the size of Birmingham. If you compare the whole Jo’burg metropolis with a city in the UK, then you would be looking at a city a little smaller than London.
- Expat Groups: Meeting up with people from home is always a good way to learn the ropes in a new country. The following sites will allow you to meet fellow Brits – Internations, Expat.com and Meetup.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Johannesburg you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
Other Useful Guides to South Africa
- 13 Best International Moving Companies in South Africa
- 2025 Sea Freight Container Shipping Rates To & From South Africa
- Moving to South Africa? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips
- 13 Best Places To Live In South Africa
- 21 Secrets About Living In South Africa To Know Before Moving
- Moving to Pretoria? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips
- Moving to South Africa from The United States
- Moving To South Africa from The UK