Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between South Africa and Japan.
In simple terms, living in South Africa is 26.6% cheaper than Japan. The biggest difference is in Property Prices, where costs are 82.3% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $73 in South Africa for the same standard of living.
South Africa is 82.3% cheaper
South Africa is 66.2% cheaper
South Africa is 46.6% cheaper
South Africa is 26.6% cheaper than Japan
Yes, South Africa is cheaper than Japan
Overall, living costs in South Africa are 26.6% lower than in Japan.
Based on comprehensive cost of living data, South Africa is indeed cheaper than Japan. You would save approximately 26.6% on living expenses by choosing South Africa over Japan. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.
South Africa is 26.6% cheaper than Japan
South Africa is 5.2% cheaper than Japan in this category
South Africa is 21.1% cheaper than Japan in this category
South Africa is 30.7% cheaper than Japan in this category
South Africa is 7.2% more expensive than Japan in this category
South Africa is 37.2% cheaper than Japan in this category
South Africa is 16.0% more expensive than Japan in this category
South Africa is 46.6% cheaper than Japan in this category
South Africa is 66.2% cheaper than Japan in this category
South Africa is 8.1% more expensive than Japan in this category
South Africa is 25.4% cheaper than Japan in this category
South Africa is 82.3% cheaper than Japan in this category
South Africa is 39.0% cheaper than Japan in this category
| Item | South Africa | Japan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Restaurant Meal | 8.95 $ | 7.01 $ |
27.7%
South Africa is
27.7%
more expensive
|
| Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant | 39.18 $ | 35.03 $ |
11.8%
South Africa is
11.8%
more expensive
|
| McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal | 5.04 $ | 5.61 $ |
10.2%
South Africa is
10.2%
cheaper
|
| Regular Cappuccino | 2.01 $ | 3.36 $ |
40.2%
South Africa is
40.2%
cheaper
|
| Soft Drink (330ml) | 0.99 $ | 1.12 $ |
11.6%
South Africa is
11.6%
cheaper
|
| Bottled Water (330ml) | 0.77 $ | 0.82 $ |
6.1%
South Africa is
6.1%
cheaper
|
| Bottled Water (1.5L) | 0.95 $ | 0.94 $ |
1.1%
South Africa is
1.1%
more expensive
|
| Local Beer (500ml) | 1.02 $ | 2.32 $ |
56.0%
South Africa is
56.0%
cheaper
|
| Imported Beer (330ml) | 8.42 $ | 8.42 $ |
0.0%
South Africa is
0.0%
more expensive
|
| Mid-Range Wine | 5.56 $ | 11.20 $ |
50.4%
South Africa is
50.4%
cheaper
|
| Local Beer (500ml bottle) | 0.95 $ | 2.04 $ |
53.4%
South Africa is
53.4%
cheaper
|
| Milk (1L) | 1.09 $ | 1.56 $ |
30.1%
South Africa is
30.1%
cheaper
|
| Fresh Bread (500g) | 0.99 $ | 1.59 $ |
37.7%
South Africa is
37.7%
cheaper
|
| White Rice (1kg) | 1.58 $ | 4.51 $ |
65.0%
South Africa is
65.0%
cheaper
|
| Eggs (12 pack) | 2.29 $ | 2.24 $ |
2.2%
South Africa is
2.2%
more expensive
|
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 7.66 $ | 12.14 $ |
36.9%
South Africa is
36.9%
cheaper
|
| Chicken Breast (1kg) | 4.57 $ | 6.92 $ |
34.0%
South Africa is
34.0%
cheaper
|
| Beef (1kg) | 29.70 $ | 17.18 $ |
72.9%
South Africa is
72.9%
more expensive
|
| Apples (1kg) | 1.54 $ | 5.37 $ |
71.3%
South Africa is
71.3%
cheaper
|
| Bananas (1kg) | 1.43 $ | 2.62 $ |
45.4%
South Africa is
45.4%
cheaper
|
| Oranges (1kg) | 1.49 $ | 4.78 $ |
68.8%
South Africa is
68.8%
cheaper
|
| Tomatoes (1kg) | 1.52 $ | 4.84 $ |
68.6%
South Africa is
68.6%
cheaper
|
| Potatoes (1kg) | 1.22 $ | 2.85 $ |
57.2%
South Africa is
57.2%
cheaper
|
| Onions (1kg) | 1.30 $ | 2.65 $ |
50.9%
South Africa is
50.9%
cheaper
|
| Lettuce (1 head) | 1.05 $ | 1.39 $ |
24.5%
South Africa is
24.5%
cheaper
|
| Monthly Transit Pass | 44.77 $ | 58.97 $ |
24.1%
South Africa is
24.1%
cheaper
|
| Cigarettes (20 pack) | 2.91 $ | 4.20 $ |
30.7%
South Africa is
30.7%
cheaper
|
| Single Bus/Train Ticket | 1.68 $ | 1.54 $ |
9.1%
South Africa is
9.1%
more expensive
|
| Taxi Base Fare | 1.12 $ | 4.20 $ |
73.3%
South Africa is
73.3%
cheaper
|
| Taxi per Kilometer | 1.12 $ | 3.15 $ |
64.4%
South Africa is
64.4%
cheaper
|
| Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate | 4.76 $ | 23.82 $ |
80.0%
South Africa is
80.0%
cheaper
|
| Gasoline (1L) | 1.28 $ | 1.22 $ |
4.9%
South Africa is
4.9%
more expensive
|
| New Economy Car | 20,707.06 $ | 23,415.29 $ |
11.6%
South Africa is
11.6%
cheaper
|
| New Mid-Range Car | 23,677.58 $ | 17,953.06 $ |
31.9%
South Africa is
31.9%
more expensive
|
| Monthly Utilities (80m² size) | 112.44 $ | 178.92 $ |
37.2%
South Africa is
37.2%
cheaper
|
| 10 GB Mobile Plan with Data | 32.06 $ | 27.25 $ |
17.7%
South Africa is
17.7%
more expensive
|
| High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) | 40.90 $ | 35.66 $ |
14.7%
South Africa is
14.7%
more expensive
|
| Gym Membership | 31.21 $ | 60.05 $ |
48.0%
South Africa is
48.0%
cheaper
|
| Tennis Court (Weekend) | 9.65 $ | 15.69 $ |
38.5%
South Africa is
38.5%
cheaper
|
| Movie Ticket | 6.72 $ | 13.31 $ |
49.5%
South Africa is
49.5%
cheaper
|
| Private Preschool (Full Day) | 190.59 $ | 348.57 $ |
45.3%
South Africa is
45.3%
cheaper
|
| International School (Yearly) | 4,491.63 $ | 13,519.03 $ |
66.8%
South Africa is
66.8%
cheaper
|
| 1 Pair of Jeans | 48.95 $ | 49.02 $ |
0.1%
South Africa is
0.1%
cheaper
|
| 1 Summer Dress | 30.86 $ | 32.77 $ |
5.8%
South Africa is
5.8%
cheaper
|
| 1 Pair of Running Shoes | 92.05 $ | 63.16 $ |
45.7%
South Africa is
45.7%
more expensive
|
| 1 Pair of Business Shoes | 79.62 $ | 87.75 $ |
9.3%
South Africa is
9.3%
cheaper
|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | 446.87 $ | 624.64 $ |
28.5%
South Africa is
28.5%
cheaper
|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) | 365.35 $ | 424.63 $ |
14.0%
South Africa is
14.0%
cheaper
|
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | 893.98 $ | 1,366.33 $ |
34.6%
South Africa is
34.6%
cheaper
|
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) | 713.54 $ | 825.90 $ |
13.6%
South Africa is
13.6%
cheaper
|
| Apartment Price (City Center) per m² | 999.37 $ | 6,447.80 $ |
84.5%
South Africa is
84.5%
cheaper
|
| Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² | 770.38 $ | 3,555.73 $ |
78.3%
South Africa is
78.3%
cheaper
|
| Average Monthly Salary (after tax) | 1,317.47 $ | 2,177.14 $ |
39.5%
South Africa is
39.5%
cheaper
|
| 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate | 11.55 | 1.82 |
534.6%
South Africa is
534.6%
more expensive
|
Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Japan. Enter your monthly expenses in South Africa to see the equivalent costs.
Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:
Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.
Understanding the cost of living differences between South Africa and Japan goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:
While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:
Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:
While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.
Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.
