City Comparison · Updated May 2026
South Africa
COL index 38.4
South Africa
COL index 36.2
Cape Town vs Johannesburg — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Johannesburg is 5.7% cheaper than Cape Town for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Cape Town | Metric | Johannesburg | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38.4 | Cost of living index | 36.2 | -5.7% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €40,590 | Net at €50,000 gross | €40,590 | 0.0% |
| €680 | Rent — 1BR centre | €620 | -8.8% |
| €1,059 | Monthly COL (single) | €973 | -8.1% |
| €105,703 | PPP — net / COL | €112,127 | +6.1% |
| 18.8% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 18.8% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in South Africa = €3,383 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Johannesburg, you would need roughly €47,135 gross in South Africa (≈ €3,189 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Low overall cost of living (index 38)
- +Favourable tax rate (18.8%)
- +Lower rent (€620 vs €680)
- +Low overall cost of living (index 36)
- +Favourable tax rate (18.8%)
The verdict
Across the data, Johannesburg carries a lower cost-of-living index; Johannesburg wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Johannesburg edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Cape Town cheaper than Johannesburg?+
Johannesburg is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Cape Town 38.4, Johannesburg 36.2 — a 5.7% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Cape Town and Johannesburg?+
Cape Town sits at 38.4 on our COL index, Johannesburg at 36.2. That works out to roughly 5.7% — Johannesburg being the cheaper of the two.
Is Cape Town a good place to live compared to Johannesburg?+
It depends on priorities. Cape Town delivers €40,590 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 18.8% effective tax rate. Johannesburg delivers €40,590 at 18.8%. Centre 1-bed rent: €680 vs €620.
How do salaries compare in Cape Town vs Johannesburg?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €40,590/year (€3,383/month) in Cape Town and €40,590/year (€3,383/month) in Johannesburg.
Which city has lower taxes, Cape Town or Johannesburg?+
South Africa has the lower effective rate at €50,000: South Africa 18.8%, South Africa 18.8%.
More Cape Town comparisons
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More Johannesburg comparisons
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