Housing prices continue to be the single largest factor in the cost of living difference between Johannesburg and Cape Town. As of May 2025, Johannesburg remains more affordable when it comes to both renting and purchasing property. In Johannesburg, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around R7,800 per month, while in Cape Town the same space costs about R10,200. If you’re considering suburban living, Johannesburg’s average drops to about R6,200 compared to Cape Town’s R8,500.
Property prices reflect a similar gap. The cost per square meter to buy an apartment in Cape Town’s city center is now averaging R34,000, whereas in Johannesburg it’s closer to R22,000. Cape Town’s higher desirability for lifestyle, coastal living, and tourism keeps real estate prices inflated.
Utilities and Internet: Slight Edge to Johannesburg
When it comes to utilities, Johannesburg again edges out as the cheaper option. For a standard 85 m² apartment, electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection come to approximately R1,400 in Johannesburg versus R1,700 in Cape Town. While the difference may seem minor month-to-month, it adds up annually.
Internet pricing is fairly consistent across both cities, with uncapped fiber packages (50-100 Mbps) ranging from R800 to R950 depending on the provider and area. However, Johannesburg offers slightly better infrastructure stability with fewer outages reported in 2025, giving it a practical advantage.
Transport and Commuting: Johannesburg More Car-Dependent
Cape Town’s public transport infrastructure remains limited, but Johannesburg’s sprawl makes personal vehicles almost essential. This pushes up monthly costs for Joburg residents who often rely on private cars, spending R2,500 to R3,000 monthly on petrol, insurance, and maintenance. In Cape Town, many residents in central areas can rely more on minibus taxis, e-hailing services like Bolt and Uber, or even cycling.
A monthly MyCiTi bus card in Cape Town costs around R700, offering a decent alternative to driving. Johannesburg’s Rea Vaya system is less extensive and less commonly used outside certain corridors. Parking, particularly in Cape Town’s CBD, remains costly and competitive.
Food, Dining, and Groceries: Cape Town Slightly Pricier
In terms of groceries and eating out, Cape Town trends a bit higher. Here’s a comparative look at key everyday costs as of May 2025:
| Item | Johannesburg (ZAR) | Cape Town (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | 18.00 | 19.50 |
| Bread (loaf) | 17.50 | 18.80 |
| Eggs (12) | 32.00 | 34.00 |
| Restaurant Meal (mid-range) | 300.00 | 330.00 |
| Cappuccino | 34.00 | 38.00 |
While the differences may look small, food prices reflect Cape Town’s import and logistics challenges, especially in tourist-heavy months. Restaurant prices are also higher due to elevated rent and operational costs in Cape Town’s popular zones.
Lifestyle, Entertainment, and Healthcare
Cape Town leads in leisure options, but at a cost. Gym memberships, movie tickets, and museum entries are generally pricier. A basic gym membership in Johannesburg costs around R500 per month, while Cape Town averages R650. Cinema tickets differ only slightly, with Johannesburg charging around R110 and Cape Town R120 per entry.
Healthcare access is similar in both cities. A short private consultation with a general practitioner averages R450 in Johannesburg and R470 in Cape Town. Health insurance premiums do not vary significantly between cities, although Cape Town’s specialists and private hospitals tend to attract more international patients, sometimes inflating costs.
Conclusion
In May 2025, Johannesburg holds the edge when it comes to overall affordability. It offers cheaper housing, lower utility costs, and comparable healthcare and food prices. Cape Town’s premium largely comes from its location, lifestyle appeal, and higher housing demand. For families and professionals seeking value for money, Johannesburg delivers better cost-efficiency, especially if you can work remotely or commute flexibly.
That said, the choice between the two cities often comes down to lifestyle priorities. Cape Town remains an aspirational location for many South Africans, while Johannesburg keeps its reputation as the country’s economic engine with a lower price tag.
FAQ
Is Cape Town more expensive than Johannesburg in 2025?
Yes, across most categories including housing, dining, and lifestyle, Cape Town is more expensive than Johannesburg in May 2025.
Which city has better public transportation?
Cape Town offers better-managed public transport options like the MyCiTi Bus, while Johannesburg’s system is more fragmented, making private car ownership more common.
Are groceries cheaper in Johannesburg?
Generally, yes. While prices are close, Johannesburg has a slight edge in grocery affordability.
What city is better for remote workers in 2025?
Johannesburg is more affordable and offers better internet stability, making it a strong choice for remote workers.
Which city offers a better lifestyle?
Cape Town is considered better for lifestyle and scenic beauty but comes with a higher cost of living.
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