While overall inflation has been trending downwards in South Africa since 2022, increases in food, petrol prices and rates have piled pressure on the average South African household.
More people are trying to make their money go further by looking for cheaper alternatives, shopping around and cutting out certain items.
If you’re trying to stretch your budget, it’s useful to have an idea of how much others spend, so you can compare this to your own monthly budget.
In this article, we look at:
- how much an average family needs per month
- how much South Africans spend on groceries
- average spending on take-out food
- cost of housing for South Africans
- average cost of petrol and transport
- surviving the cost of living in SA.
How much an average family needs per month
There’s a massive difference between the monthly costs of a middle-class family and what poorer households spend each month.
These differences stem from monthly repayments on bonds for houses and cars, tuition at expensive schools, and the high rates in upmarket areas.
According to Numbeo, the expenses for a family of four are R38,234.5 per month, excluding rent.
Expatica predicts the average disposable income in South Africa in 2025 will be R6,690 per month (R82,280 per year), well below the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average of R510,036.
Of course, reality falls well short of these figures. The average household in South Africa survives on considerably less. In 2023, more than 60% of the population was living on less than R1,558 per month.
Our country’s minimum wage is R28.79 per hour, which is R5,614 a month for someone working a 45-hour week.
How much South Africans spend on groceries
According to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group’s Household Affordability Index, the average monthly cost of the household food basket (of 44 basic foods) was R5,420.30 in April 2025.
In just one month, the average cost of the household food basket increased by R90,94 (1.7%), from R5,329.36 in March 2025 to R5,420.30 in April 2025. This is more than the annual increase of R83,99 (1,6%) from R5,336.31 in April 2024.
Additionally, while inflation dropped to 2.7% in March 2025, food inflation remained relatively sticky.
According to the index, these were the year-on-year food basket increases for major cities, with Johannesburg, the most expensive city for groceries, showing a slight decrease, and Durban and Cape Town smaller increases than the year before:
- Johannesburg decreased by R52.72 (-0.9%) to R5,559.46 per month.
- Durban increased by R168.23 (3.2%) to R5,425.23 per month.
- Cape Town increased by R129.80 (2.5%) to R5,316.56 per month.
The report found that while 17 of the 44 tracked food items became cheaper or saw no increases year-on-year, 27 experienced price hikes, and six items saw double-digit inflation. The price of tomatoes went up by 25%, onions by 11%, carrots by 20% and oranges by 18%.
Average spending on take-out food
According to a report from Discovery Insure, there’s a growing demand for food convenience. In 2024, the amount South Africans spent on take-out food and restaurant meals jumped 12%, outpacing grocery spend growth.
According to the Euromonitor Consumer Lifestyle Survey, 32% of South Africans now order takeout at least once a week – up from 26% in 2023.
Takeaways are a luxury for most people but it’s often easier to get something on the go. A study from 2017 found that higher income households spend between R1,400 and R1,500 per month on takeaways. According to one report, lower income households spend between R10 and R70.
Cost of housing for South Africans
According to Numbeo, the average rent in Johannesburg is between R6,700 and R7,600 per month. A three-bedroom apartment costs between R13,000 and R16,500, depending on the area.
In Cape Town, property rentals are considerably higher. A one-bedroom apartment will cost R9,250 to R13,600 per month. A three-bedroom apartment can be as much as R26,000, depending on the suburb.
Nationally, the average price of a property in 2025 is predicted to surpass R1,600,000. Depending on the area, this amount could buy you a three-bedroom house in a small town or a studio apartment in a city.
Average cost of petrol and transport
A recent drop in the petrol price is offering some welcome relief, but petrol – and associated public transport costs – continue to take a heavy toll on South Africans’ wallets.
Petrol prices have increased dramatically over recent years. Between 2017 and 2022, South Africa’s petrol prices more than doubled. In July 2022, the inland price for 95 was R12.86 per litre. In July 2023, the price per litre was R26.74.
Fortunately, petrol prices have come down somewhat in the past year. The current petrol cost per litre of 95 is R21.40 (inland) or R20.56 (coastal).
Surviving the cost of living in SA
Recent data from an early-wage payment solutions provider says that 76% of South African regularly run out of money before their next paycheck.
Many of these people turn to loans to make ends meet. The good news is inflation is softening and there are signs that the cost of living is starting to ease.
Unfortunately, the crunch won’t end until salaries catch up with price increases and the current cost of living.
If you need cash fast to pay for unforeseen expenses, LoanAgainst can help. We offer fast, discreet loans against a range of personal, movable assets. Contact us to find out more or apply online now.
