🇿🇦 Cape Town vs 🇿🇦 Johannesburg
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇿🇦
Cape Town
South Africa
$1,292–$2,046/mo
R23,491 – R37,200 / month (local)
🇿🇦
Johannesburg
South Africa
$1,231–$1,949/mo
R22,382 – R35,436 / month (local)
Cape Town is 5% more expensive
Johannesburg wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Cape Town (USD) | Johannesburg (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $969–$1,508 | $923–$1,436 | 🟢 Johannesburg |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $512–$808 | $487–$769 | 🟢 Johannesburg |
| Utilities | $40–$78 | $38–$74 | 🟢 Johannesburg |
| Groceries | $205–$307 | $195–$292 | 🟢 Johannesburg |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $27–$48 | $26–$46 | 🟢 Johannesburg |
| Public transport (monthly) | $51–$62 | $49–$59 | 🟢 Johannesburg |
| Internet & Mobile | $16–$27 | $15–$26 | 🟢 Johannesburg |
| Gym membership | $19–$35 | $18–$33 | 🟢 Johannesburg |
| Cinema ticket | $8–$10 | $7–$9 | 🟢 Johannesburg |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,292–$2,046 | $1,231–$1,949 | 🟢 Johannesburg |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing7.1 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Cape Town
Johannesburg▲ better
Safety8.7 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Cape Town
Johannesburg▲ better
Healthcare8.7 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Cape Town
Johannesburg▲ better
Education8.3 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Cape Town
Johannesburg▲ better
Environment9.1 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Cape Town
Johannesburg▲ better
Economy7.4 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Cape Town
Johannesburg▲ better
Culture8.0 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Cape Town
Johannesburg▲ better
Internet8.4 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Cape Town
Johannesburg▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Cape Town if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Cape Town offers vs Johannesburg
- ✓Nature
- ✓Wine
- ✓Value USD
- ✓Tourism
Choose Johannesburg if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Cape Town
- ✓Business hub
- ✓Mining finance
- ✓English
- ✓Mining
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📊
Full Cape Town guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Cape Town →📊
Full Johannesburg guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Johannesburg →