Johannesburg, South Africa
Editor
March 12, 2023
Johannesburg is an exciting destination for digital nomads looking to explore a vibrant and diverse city. With a population of over 5 million people, Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and the second largest in the African continent. It is a hub for business, culture, and entertainment, and is home to a wide variety of people from all walks of life. The city is known for its excellent infrastructure, with reliable public transportation, high-speed internet, and a wide range of accommodation options. The cost of living in Johannesburg is also relatively low, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. Additionally, the city is home to a number of world-class universities, providing digital nomads with access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. With its vibrant culture, excellent infrastructure, and low cost of living, Johannesburg is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking to explore a new city.
Living in Johannesburg, South Africa: Overview
Overall score | Worksplorer index
-
62%
Quality of life -
26%
Cost of living -
84%
Connectivity -
91%
Weather
49
General
| Currency | ZAR |
| Population (in millions) | 5.5 |
| Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200) | 145 |
| Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA | 40% cheaper |
| Best neighborhood to stay | Sandton, Fourways |
Culture
| Number of museums and galleries | 30 |
| Top selling local beer | Castle |
| Most popular local dish | Braai |
Travel
| Most popular tourist attraction(s) | Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Johannesburg Zoo |
| Discount airline | Kulula |
| Major airline | South African Airways |
| Largest ride sharing company | Bolt |
| Primary train stations | Johannesburg Park Station, Braamfontein Station, Park Station |
| Primary airports | OR Tambo, Lanseria, Grand Central |
| Best rental car company | Avis |
| Used car costs | 200000 ZAR |
Connectivity
| Apple store addresses | Sandton City Shopping Centre, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Internet connection (in Mbps) | 20 Mbps |
| Power socket type | M |
| Supply voltage | 220/230V |
| Best electronics store | Makro |
| Best internet carrier | Vodacom |
| Primary cellular carrier | Vodacom |
| Average monthly cost for internet | 500 ZAR |
Shopping
| The best drug store | Clicks |
| Best restaurant chain | Nando's |
| The best grocery store | Pick n Pay |
| The most popular fashion brand | Woolworths |
Regulatory
| GDP per capita | $14,845 / year |
| Average annual income | $14000 |
| Sales tax rate | 15% |
| Income tax rate | 45% |
| Tourist visa valid (in days) | 90 days |
Financial
| Average mortgage rate | 8.5% |
| Suggested ATM take out | 500 ZAR |
| Bank that has the most ATM machines | Standard Bank |
| Average tip in restaurant | 10-15% |
| Pay using credit or debit card | Not very common |
Health
| Emergency Phone Numbers | 10111 (police), 011 375 5911 (ambulance), 011 375 5911 (firefighters) |
| Polution per square meter | 5,845 |
| Health quality rank (according to WHO) | 73 |
| Main religion | Christianity |
Quality of life
62%
-
19%
Safety, freedom, rights -
99%
Traffic -
21%
Property to income -
81%
Crime -
60%
Healthcare -
91%
Weather
Salaries
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | ZAR 26,123 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 9.55% |
Childcare
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | ZAR 4,135 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | ZAR 78,842 |
Cost of living
26%
-
Purchasing Power
89%
-
Rent
12%
-
Food
30%
-
Restaurant
35%
-
Workspace
61%
-
Transport
41%
Rent
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month | ZAR 6,946.40 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month | ZAR 6,280.59 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month | ZAR 13,188.16 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month | ZAR 12,804.78 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure | ZAR 166.06 |
Food
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | ZAR 18.86 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | ZAR 16.52 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | ZAR 34.90 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | ZAR 119.44 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | ZAR 16.60 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | ZAR 85.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | ZAR 23.45 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | ZAR 28.38 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | ZAR 50.00 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | ZAR 81.90 |
| Apples (1kg) | ZAR 27.42 |
| Oranges (1kg) | ZAR 25.62 |
| Potato (1kg) | ZAR 23.00 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | ZAR 17.77 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | ZAR 26.05 |
| Tomato (1kg) | ZAR 25.54 |
| Banana (1kg) | ZAR 25.79 |
| Onion (1kg) | ZAR 22.30 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | ZAR 129.92 |
Restaurants
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | ZAR 167.50 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | ZAR 700.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | ZAR 80.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | ZAR 39.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | ZAR 40.00 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | ZAR 15.66 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | ZAR 11.98 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | ZAR 32.43 |
Connectivity
94%
Infrastructure
89/100
Internet speed
92/100
Internet cost
95/100
Pre-paid plan
98/100
Utilities (Monthly)
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | ZAR 1,893.44 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) | ZAR 2.24 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | ZAR 816.85 |
Sports
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | ZAR 574.26 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | ZAR 166.06 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | ZAR 107.50 |
Transportation
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | ZAR 31.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | ZAR 1,300.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | ZAR 24.48 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | ZAR 350,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | ZAR 368,403.42 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | ZAR 23.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | ZAR 16.50 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | ZAR 50.00 |