Is R 35 000 a Good Salary in Johannesburg? (2024)

The Verdict

Below Typical Professional Income

At R 35 000, your income is below the estimated professional median for Johannesburg (~R 56 500). Budgeting will be essential, especially for housing in central districts.

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Estimated Monthly Allocation

Monthly Net Income

R 2 858

Full Tax Breakdown

Housing & Utilities

R 1 286

Target 30-35% of net. Covers rent/mortgage in outer districts.

Groceries & Transport

R 1 000

Core living expenses adjusted for Johannesburg CPI.

Lifestyle & Leisure

R 429

Dining out, entertainment, and personal care.

Savings & Investment

R 143

Remaining allocation for long-term wealth.

Other salary checks in Johannesburg

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Compare R 35 000 across peer hubs

Same salary, different macro-region hubs to benchmark opportunity cost.

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Salary FAQs

What does R 35 000 translate to after tax in Johannesburg?↓

Our deterministic engine estimates roughly R 34 300 per year (~R 2 858 monthly) after South Africa income taxes and mandatory social contributions for a single filer.

Can R 35 000 comfortably cover housing in Johannesburg?↓

Allocating about R 1 286 (45% of monthly net income) keeps housing and utilities within the recommended 30–35% band even in prime districts.

How much could I save earning R 35 000 in Johannesburg?↓

Following the Sovereign allocation, you could direct roughly R 143 per month (5% of take-home pay) toward investments, reserves, or debt payoff.