Johannesburg: City Living On A Budget

In comparison, the cost of living in Johannesburg is about half of what you would spend in European cities such as London and Paris. And while Johannesburg is compared to such cities due to its vibrant, ever-evolving, and forward-thinking-based values and ways, living here becomes almost every tourist’s dream once they visit. But how low is it really? And with the pandemic having robbed many people of jobs and livelihoods, does Joburg’s ‘living on a budget’ aesthetic still apply? In this article, we will take a look at some of Jozi’s ‘cheapest’ ways to live and love the city. 

First, Accommodation 

Johannesburg is known for its many buildings that offer accommodation for residents, businesses, and even office spaces. The city centre is also a shopping and business district with many people frequenting it daily for stocking, buying, or accessing the many amenities. Finding the best suburbs in Johannesburg to live in is easy if you have the help of a property company that loves Jozi living. Johannesburg Housing Company has affordable apartments to rent in Johannesburg CBD, with our rental prices having stayed the same for a few years. We understand that the cost of living (especially with the Covid-19 pandemic still crippling most systems and industries) may get a little much, and we want to work to give Johannesburg residents, our tenants, the most affordable accommodation they can get, so they can focus on living and loving the city. 

Your Food May Also Cost Slightly Less 

But you have to be able to spot these bargains. Johannesburg’s suburbs are filled with fruit and vegetable stalls and stands by some of the residents who are also entrepreneurs. There are also a few large groceries and essentials stores such as Checkers, Shoprite, Spar, and Boxer that are located all around the city and offer promotions, special offers, as well as bargains that are easy on Jozi residents’ pockets. 

When it comes to shopping for furniture, there are stores such as Pep Home, Decofurn, and the famous Mr Price Home franchises all over Johannesburg. You can also get custom-made home decor from some of the Johannesburg locals if you look close enough when walking to and from the shops. Business is forever booming in Johannesburg, with many people being skilled in different industries. 

If you are looking for affordable clothing, the Woodmead Factory Outlet is one example of where you can get famous sports and clothing brands stores with stock that is reasonably priced as it is a factory outlet. There is also Discount My Fashion, which functions the same on the north side of Johannesburg, so you are more than sorted on the fashion front. 

Healthcare Costs Are Somewhat Affordable, Too 

It is undeniable that medical fees are costly anywhere in the country, and many healthcare facilities and financial services providers are constantly coming up with ways to make it accessible to most people. Take the MyLife Healthcare Centre, for example, which offers primary healthcare services, clinical and support functions, as well as out-of-hospital services at affordable prices to low and basic-income-earning individuals and families. With branches located all over the country, Johannesburg has a few of its own too. Whether you are looking for hospital services from Life Brenthurst in Parktown or Paediatric services in Roodepoort, you can rest assured that there are enough accommodation and transport facilities to ensure you get there with ease in Johannesburg, especially because we are part of what makes that dream a reality. Our affordable flats, located in and near some of the best suburbs in Johannesburg to live in, mean we know how important it is for you to access things such as healthcare facilities. Take Parktown, for example; with buildings such as Heritage View (located in Newtown, which is about a 12-minute drive) and Jeppe Oval (located in Jeppestown, which is 13 minutes away); you can live in comfort knowing that you can get medical services nearby if you ever need them. 

Entertainment? There Are Affordable Options 

Johannesburg is a buzzing city whose people keep the heart beating. Living here is great for people who love art, entertainment, fashion, as well as activism and representation. You can find safe and friendly bars and clubs, a variety of entertainment (from jazz to house), and a lot of local talent performing live at well-curated restaurants and event spaces. 

Playgrounds For The Little Ones 

The city of Jozi didn’t abandon the future of the world when making its infrastructure. There are lots of skate parks, play and sports grounds for the little ones to realise their potential and enjoy being young. With most parks being free when you rent with certain buildings, it is advisable that you look at accommodation with such a benefit. But because you’re reading this, you don’t have to look further, as JHC offers affordable apartments to rent in Johannesburg CBD, such as Brickfields Gardens flats located right in the heart of the city. 

Let’s Wrap It Up With A List, Shall We? 

Let’s take a look at what you could potentially pay when moving to the city of gold. This is to determine the average cost of living in Johannesburg: 

• Rent - R5500
• Uncapped internet - R860 
• Basic healthy food basket, including staple foods, proteins, fruit, and veg, costs 1 person roughly R3,618 
• Transport - R30 (e-hail), R10 (bus), R10 (taxi). This is if you are travelling within the city centre and some surroundings like Braamfontein and Maboneng. 

Does living in Johannesburg sound exciting and inviting to you? Pop over to our website and browse affordable flats to rent and come live where you love.