Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

South Africa Expat Forum

Cost of living in Joburg...

New Topic Newest First
Arbilois
  11/20/2009 05:58 EST

I am being offered a job with $6000 a month salary, plus housing, insurance and other benefits. Can I comfortably live on this salary and save a bit? Our family is small, my wife, and I and soon a baby girl...

Also, the reports about crime levels are alarming. Is it overdone or a fact????

thanks for your advice...

abbaby
  11/23/2009 19:40 EST

US$6000 is okay for living in Johannesburg.

Expect to pay between $600 - $800 for a 2 bed townhouse.

Elec is around $100/month.

Modest small car will be around $450 -$500

Crime depends on where you are. Certain suburbs are relatively crime free.

Allianz CareAllianz Care
Get Quote

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Get Quote

tsymalla
  2/12/2010 11:41 EST

Just wondering, did yoiu get the job in SA? We are also considering moving to SA - we are very close. What kind of advise would you give to us? We'd be moving from the US. In other words, how has the transition been for you?

Erick7
  3/1/2010 14:23 EST

I don't know who wrote the answer for those people that need it to know cost of living in Johannesburg but I can tell you that the answer given was absolutely irresponsible and ignorant to say the least. A salary of R6000.00 per month wont get you far a 2 bedroom flat in Johannesburg Fluctuate between 3.500 to 7.000 rands, per month. I jut can't believed that people talk so much rubbish and miss inform other poor individuals that need true facts to make a major change in their life. Please I beg of you don't allow people to write on this space and give a the wrong information about a country, that is very irresponsible and damaging for anybody that wish to emigrate to another place and change their life.

The cost of living in Johannesburg is fast increasing, maybe due to the forthcoming World Cup and the lack of consumer protection and price control in South Africa ...We have no competition is a country that thrive on monopoly. Our prices rise without any previous notice and the consumer council due to the lack of qualified individuals do nothing about it.

South Africa still a great place to live but you are looking for a middle class individual in orde to survive he must eran a salary of 20.000 rands per month.

I went to South America in November, the price of Chicken per Kilo was 35.00 to 37.00 rands when I came back in January it has gone up to 50.00 rands per kilo. Fruit Juice was last year 8.00 to 10.00 rands today in February we are paying 15.00 rands per carton I hope this will be able to give you a better idea of what prices are like in this country.

We also pay a lots of money for petrol and electricity due to bad management and individuals that are not qualify to take position as CEO and are merely political favors and have run Escom into a deficit and never invest into renewing obsolete equipment now we are paying for the upgrade in the region of 25% per cent increase per year or whenever they feel like it.
We still a long way to go..but yes still we have a better standard of living than in many other places.

rljordan
  3/16/2010 11:57 EST

I may be mistaken, but the amount of $6000.00 = R44,136.

I am looking to retire in SA and hope I am correct in this.

Thanks

wmarais
  3/17/2010 05:55 EST

O.k someone needs to go back to reading class or school. I read US $6000.00 and not R6000. There is a difference of almost R 40 000 !.With that income , you could get a suitable apartment or what we call here a "security complex town house" DEPENDING on the area where you want to live for about R5000 -R8000 pm. Sandton JHB is expensive and crime there is on the climb as most crime syndicates see that as a prime spot area to stock up on. If you are a person by yourself then your cost of living monthly (groceries) you can get away with R 2000.00 worth of goods p/m if you have medical items like chronic medicine that you need to have a constant supply of you should find out from your "medical aid" if those are covered or not. Having a car( yet again do you want to be flashy or just get b0y) in S.A is the only safe option to get somewhere, because our public transport system Bus/train/taxi is non existent, and you DO NOT want to move around in a local taxi. it is unsafe and disgusting !

For other social things like restaurants/movies going away for holidays, it varies on location and obviously in season times (School holidays) and out of season times. Fuel is on the increase again currently Petrol per liter = R7.92 p/l and electricity is climbing up as well because Eskom (our useless electricity supplier) did not make enough effort to listen to our Previous "white government's" warnings to build more power stations for the nearby future. Our roads are current in a Crap state as they are trying to repair and upgrade all major freeways for the world Cup soccer, but are so far behind on schedule that we as tax payers are again having to pay extra because of the fine being issued. in a nutshell this is a rainbow nation that consist of one color only, baby brown poo. Cape Town on the other hand , bit more expensive, but way more controlled and laid back and pleasant" because we have a political leader that knows what she is doing. My suggestion, If you want to retire in S.A, look at Cape Town. Hope this helps.

Allianz CareAllianz Care
Get Quote

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Get Quote

rljordan
  3/18/2010 11:22 EST

Very Helpful. But just to be sure, R 44,000.00 is a liveable income (per month) in Cape Town? Also, if the housing piece was removed, (housing in USA is so inflated that most Americans should be able to pay cash for a R3,000,000.00) home.

I would really like to count on about R25,000.00 per month with housing paid for. What do you think?

Thanks

Pippy
  3/29/2010 14:15 EST

Iam not surprised at the mountain of info posted...and some so useless,and sad really because a person is considering south africa their new home,a huge step,and then all the tug of war answers,from all who think they know.
i live in South africa,in Johannesburg,i have been here all my life,since my parents emmigrated us from holland.
Johannesburg is beautifull,the sun shines most of the year,our winters are miderate,we don't have the rain excessively,so it's really nice.
There is a problem with the crime,you will need to be more vigilant with things,need to pay attention all the time,it's not exhausting it's a way of life and you do get used to it. You need to make sure you have the necessary security measures intact so that you can live normally. No there is no walking on the streets at 10 at night. You need to lock your doors when you go to sleep,most homes are fitted with security systems for safety. you need to lock your car doors. You can't leave your bag in a visible spot or your gps in it's holder. These are all things where one must adapt,as with any country you move to,there is a change in culture and some form and extend of adaptation.
South africa is rated as number 145 on the list of expensive countries in the world,so $6000 will definately suffice. As a previous person mentioned you could buy a really nice townhouse for around R850 000.
Fuel prices are relevant,and actaully cheap compared to the rest of the world,but remember you will be travelling in your car everywhere,so fuel will be a concern. if you drive a large petrol guzzler you will fill your tank about 3 times a month at around R600, if a smaller town car you could get away with better fuel consumption,it all depends.
You are looking to retire....there are some lovely retirement villages around that cater for reitrees,a nice house,golf course,pool ,frail care ect. maybe try and look that up on the net.
R25000 a month should suffice you well,just remember in South africa the government hospitals are not a great choice,therefore expect on paying for a private medical aid.
SA is such a beautifull country,we are emigrating to Canada due to us having children and we find the education system in SA slacking,we are still young and we want a better life. Many South africans are very nieve about the country,yes it is in turmoil in ways,it is and will recover,but it will take 30 years to do so...the quesion then is do you stick around and wait for that to happen. best of luck

expat4
  3/30/2010 07:53 EST

very well said pippy.....great advice and best of luck with your move! it's a privilege to live in other countries.....

rljordan
  4/9/2010 15:20 EST

Pippy THANK YOU!!!
You are a voice of reason. Great info. I would probably consider highring a full time care giver as well.

Again, many thanks

MaritzJ
  4/23/2010 07:33 EST

You'll be OK with $ 6000 - it's in the middle management income bracket. One of the issues that needs very carefull consideration is commuting to and from your workplace.

I stay in Centurion (Pretoria) and the average communting time to anywhere in Johannesburg (30 km away) is about 2 hours during peak hours. From about 2011 a train will be available, but will be around R 1000 ($200 dollar), alternatively you'll gt taxed to death using the freeway, and parking is an issue. If at all possible, stay as close to your place of work as possible.

Regards

Allianz CareAllianz Care
Get Quote

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Get Quote

rljordan
  4/30/2010 11:30 EST

If the housing portion was removed (house paid for) would you think that $6K would allow for a full time housekeeper?

Thanks

Maud
  5/25/2010 13:41 EST

salary is in US dollars nor Rands.

Maud
  5/25/2010 13:44 EST

$6000 is good to go, you'd be fine. Just live in moderation.

Maud
  5/25/2010 13:51 EST

help me out....i am intending to move to south africa in august. I am currently holding a senior management position in Vocational Training Institute. Do you have employment recruitment sites I should take a look at.

Thx.,

mouries
  7/12/2012 18:10 EST

hi Mr Erick7
i read what you wrote and i feel that you are honest so please i need your help .
i am communication engineer and Cisco certified . now i am planning to get south Africa especially at Johannesburg but i have no idea about anything so please could you give me some info about the salary per month for the fresh graduated and the cost of living ( transportation, foods, water, electricity, mobile, internet) for individual person
and thank you very much

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in South Africa GuideLiving in South Africa Guide

The reviews of expat life in South Africa are mixed. Some expats feel that crime is a big problem and causing an expat exodus. Others debate that the crime rates match those of other big cities in the world.

South Africa Forum South Africa Forum
Join our South Africa forum to meet other expats and talk about living in South Africa.

Contribute to South Africa Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in South Africa.

Best Places to Live in South Africa Best Places to Live in South Africa

If you're considering a move to South Africa, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in South Africa in 2023.

Expat Healthcare Advice in South Africa61 Expats Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in South Africa

Expats living in South Africa talk about their own experiences with healthcare, hospital visits, emergencies, finding a doctor, buying health insurance in South Africa and more.

Cost of Living in South AfricaCost of Living in South Africa

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in South Africa.

Moving to South AfricaMoving to South Africa Guide

Our guide to moving to South Africa with lots of advice from expats on the ground.

Real Estate in South AfricaReal Estate in South Africa

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in South Africa.

Pros Cons of Living in South AfricaPros & Cons of Living in South Africa

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in South Africa.

Retiring in South AfricaRetiring in South Africa

Advice for people retiring in South Africa.

10 Tips for Living in South Africa10 Tips for Living in South Africa

If you've recently arrived in South Africa, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in South Africa.

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute to South Africa Network Contribute
Help others in South Africa by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in South Africa.

William Russell
William Russell

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal