The Hague vs Johannesburg
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Johannesburg is ~48% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
The Hague
Netherlands
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
34.8
Groceries
55.8
Restaurant
57.7
Johannesburg
South Africa
COL+Rent
26.5
Rent Index
14
Groceries
34.2
Restaurant
37.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | The Hague | Johannesburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,546 | $610 | +$936 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,214 | $421 | +$793 |
| Groceries | $319 | $205 | +$114 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $15 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $34 | +$59 |
| Utilities | $179 | $94 | +$85 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | The Hague | Johannesburg |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,785/mo | $753/mo |
| Typical | $2,422/mo | $1,168/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,003/mo | $1,526/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in The Hague | ≈ in Johannesburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $781/mo | -$719 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,041/mo | -$959 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,562/mo | -$1,438 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: The Hague vs Johannesburg for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Johannesburg is approximately 48% more affordable than The Hague when combining rent and daily living costs. The Hague's COL+Rent Index of 50.9 vs Johannesburg's 26.5 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in The Hague costs $1,546/month versus $610/month in Johannesburg — giving Johannesburg a $936/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $11,232 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in The Hague ($319/mo) vs Johannesburg ($205/mo) reflect Johannesburg's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 vs $15 show Johannesburg offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Johannesburg offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,168 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.