Cost of Living in Johannesburg

Accommodation in Johannesburg is remarkably affordable by global standards, but the most important factor for any newcomer is security. Nearly all desirable rental properties sit inside gated communities, secure complexes, or boomed-off streets with 24-hour guards, biometric access, and CCTV surveillance. Budget-friendly options start in Braamfontein and Maboneng, the city's creative inner-city precincts, where studio apartments in secured buildings go for R4,500–R6,800 ($250–$380) and one-bedroom units range from R5,500–R9,000 ($305–$500). These neighborhoods attract young professionals and artists, and developments like Craftsmen's Ship and Diamond Place include round-the-clock security, basement parking, and communal amenities.

Johannesburg's food scene is a vibrant mix of South African traditions and international influences, offering digital nomads excellent value at every price point. For the most affordable meals, head to township eateries and street vendors where a kota — the iconic Gauteng street food made from a quarter loaf of bread stuffed with chips, atchar, polony, and your choice of fillings — costs just R15 to R80 depending on size and toppings. Shisa nyama spots like Chaf Pozi in Soweto let you pick your own cuts from a butchery counter and have them flame-grilled on the spot, with a generous meat plate plus pap and chakalaka running R80 to R150 (roughly $5 to $9 USD). A bunny chow, the curry-filled bread bowl originally from Durban but widely available here, goes for R60 to R100.

Grocery shopping in Johannesburg is straightforward and affordable, with major supermarket chains found in nearly every shopping centre and suburb. The four main players are Woolworths Food, Pick n Pay, Checkers, and Spar, each offering a slightly different experience. For staple items, expect to pay around R20 for a 500g loaf of white bread, R23 for a litre of full-cream milk, R40 for a dozen eggs, R30 for a kilogram of white rice, and R90 per kilogram of chicken fillets. A kilogram of beef comes in at roughly R127, while fresh produce remains very reasonable with tomatoes at R32/kg, potatoes at R27/kg, and bananas at R30/kg. A basic weekly grocery shop for one person typically runs R700 to R900 ($40 to $50 USD).

Johannesburg is a sprawling, car-centric metropolis where getting around without your own vehicle requires planning but is entirely doable using ride-hailing apps and the Gautrain. Uber and Bolt are the backbone of transport for most digital nomads and expats. Uber Go (compact cars) starts at roughly R10 per kilometer, while standard UberX runs R12–R15/km. A typical ride from the CBD to Rosebank costs R80–R150, and Sandton to Fourways runs around R100–R120. Bolt is often 5–10% cheaper than Uber on the same route. During peak hours (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM) surge pricing can add 20–50% to fares, and late-night rides after 10 PM often carry a R20–R50 premium due to lower driver availability. Both apps are reliable and widely used, making them the safest everyday option.

Johannesburg has excellent mobile and fiber internet infrastructure, making it one of the better-connected cities in Africa for remote work. The big four carriers are Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Cell C, all with stores at OR Tambo Airport arrivals where you can grab a prepaid SIM immediately on landing. MTN is the best value for tourists—a SIM costs about R64 including R60 airtime, and a 12GB plus 12GB night-data bundle runs R349 for 30 days. Vodacom has marginally better coverage in rural areas but is pricier, with voice-and-data combos starting at R299 for 3GB. Both networks offer strong 4G LTE coverage across all major Joburg neighborhoods and growing 5G rollout in Sandton, Rosebank, and Midrand. Expect real-world mobile speeds of 30–80 Mbps on 4G and over 100 Mbps where 5G is available.

Johannesburg's private healthcare system is among the best in Africa, offering world-class facilities that rival Western Europe. Netcare Milpark Hospital in Parktown is a leading tertiary institution and the first private facility in South Africa to achieve Level 1 trauma accreditation, with 346 beds and renowned specialties in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, and the country's only Gamma Knife unit. Life Fourways Hospital is a modern 194-bed facility in the northern suburbs with a dedicated cardiac catheterisation lab, neonatal ICU, and specialists across 26 medical disciplines. Mediclinic Sandton and Mediclinic Morningside serve the affluent Sandton corridor with comprehensive general practice, surgical, and trauma services. Private hospitals maintain excellent standards, and English is universally spoken by medical staff, making the system straightforward to navigate for foreigners.

Safety is the number one concern for digital nomads considering Johannesburg, and it deserves honest discussion. Violent crime including armed robbery, carjacking, and mugging does occur, particularly in the CBD and certain townships. However, most incidents are concentrated in areas that nomads rarely visit. Stick to well-secured neighborhoods like Sandton, Rosebank, Parkhurst, and Melrose Arch, avoid walking alone after dark, keep your phone hidden in public, and never display expensive jewelry or electronics. Use Uber rather than public transport or walking for getting around, especially at night. Gated complexes and buildings with 24-hour security are the norm in good areas and provide genuine peace of mind. With sensible precautions, thousands of expats live comfortably in Johannesburg for years.