Johannesburg vs London Cost of Living Comparison
Compare the cost of living in Johannesburg and London side by side. Explore average monthly expenses, rent, groceries, transportation, salaries, purchasing power, healthcare, safety and quality of life to see which city is more affordable for your lifestyle.
Johannesburg vs London: Quick Cost of Living Answer
The average monthly cost of living is $1,100 in Johannesburg compared with $3,800 in London.
Based on the average monthly cost in this dataset, Johannesburg is the more affordable city overall. The difference between the two average monthly costs is approximately 71%.
| Metric | Johannesburg | London |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Cost of Living | $1,100 | $3,800 |
| Quality of Life | 54/100 | 74/100 |
| Purchasing Power | 48/100 | 82/100 |
| Safety | 22/100 | 55/100 |
| Healthcare | 60/100 | 82/100 |
| Climate | 72/100 | 50/100 |
| Traffic & Commute | 38/100 | 49/100 |
Live Cost of Living Comparison: Johannesburg vs London
Use the comparison tool below to explore detailed differences between Johannesburg and London, including housing, food, transportation, salaries and other everyday expenses.
Johannesburg vs London Cost of Living
The cost of living in Johannesburg compared with London depends on housing, food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, salaries and lifestyle. This comparison brings those factors together so you can evaluate the two cities using the available cost of living data.
The average monthly cost of living is $1,100 in Johannesburg and $3,800 in London. Based on the overall monthly cost figure, Johannesburg is currently the more affordable option in this comparison.
Whether you're relocating, studying abroad, retiring, working remotely, moving for employment or comparing international destinations, it is important to look beyond one overall number. Rent, groceries, commuting, healthcare, salaries and purchasing power can significantly change how affordable a city feels.
About Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa, has an average monthly cost of living of $1,100. Its quality of life score is 54/100, while its safety score is 22/100 and healthcare score is 60/100. The city has a climate score of 72/100 and a traffic and commute score of 38/100.
About London
London, United Kingdom, has an average monthly cost of living of $3,800. Its quality of life score is 74/100, safety score is 55/100 and healthcare score is 82/100. Its climate score is 50/100 and traffic and commute score is 49/100.
Rent Comparison: Johannesburg vs London
Housing is often one of the largest expenses when comparing Johannesburg and London. Rent can vary significantly depending on apartment size, location and proximity to the city center. Use the housing section of the comparison tool above to review available rental data for both cities. This is especially important for expats, students, families and remote workers creating a monthly budget.
Salary & Purchasing Power: Johannesburg vs London
Salary should be considered together with living expenses. A city with higher wages can still be more expensive if rent, food and transportation costs are substantially higher. Comparing purchasing power helps provide additional context when deciding between Johannesburg and London.
Grocery Prices: Johannesburg vs London
Grocery expenses can make a significant difference to a monthly budget. Everyday products such as milk, bread, eggs, rice, vegetables, fruit and meat can have very different prices in Johannesburg and London. Review the detailed market and food data above to estimate your expected grocery spending.
Transportation Costs: Johannesburg vs London
Transportation costs depend on public transit, commuting distances, taxi prices, fuel costs and car ownership. Compare public transportation, taxis and fuel between Johannesburg and London to understand how commuting could affect your monthly budget.
Quality of Life: Johannesburg vs London
Cost is only one part of choosing where to live. Quality of life, safety, healthcare, climate and traffic can influence the overall experience of living in a city. Johannesburg has a quality of life score of 54/100 compared with London's 74/100. The comparison table above provides additional scores for safety, healthcare, climate and commuting.
Which City Is Better for Expats: Johannesburg or London?
The better city for expats depends on personal priorities. If affordability is most important, Johannesburg has the lower average monthly cost in this comparison. If salary, purchasing power, safety, healthcare, transportation or quality of life are more important, compare those individual metrics rather than relying only on the overall cost figure.
Johannesburg vs London for Relocation
For relocation planning, consider your expected income, housing requirements, transportation needs, food budget, healthcare expenses and desired lifestyle. Comparing Johannesburg and London across multiple categories gives you a better starting point than looking at a single cost-of-living number.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Johannesburg vs London
Is Johannesburg or London cheaper to live in?
Johannesburg has the lower average monthly cost of living in this comparison. Review the individual categories above for a more detailed comparison.
How much does it cost to live in Johannesburg compared with London?
The average monthly cost is $1,100 in Johannesburg and $3,800 in London.
Is rent cheaper in Johannesburg or London?
Use the housing comparison above to evaluate rental costs in both cities. Rent can vary considerably depending on apartment size and location.
Which city is better for expats: Johannesburg or London?
It depends on your budget and lifestyle priorities. Compare cost, rent, salaries, purchasing power, safety, healthcare, transportation and quality of life before making a decision.
What is included in this cost of living comparison?
The comparison includes major living expenses and lifestyle indicators such as rent, housing, groceries, restaurants, transportation, utilities, salaries, purchasing power, safety, healthcare, climate and quality of life.
Cost of Living Calculator
Want to compare other destinations? Use our Cost of Living Calculator to estimate monthly expenses, housing, groceries, transportation and other living costs. You can also explore Cost of Living by Country to compare living expenses and lifestyle indicators across countries.