International Schools in Johannesburg, South Africa | Scholae

Johannesburg

Name: Johannesburg
Address: Johannesburg, South Africa

South Africa

27 schools21 curricula

Johannesburg, South Africa's economic powerhouse, offers expat families excellent international schools, world-class private healthcare, and a vibrant multicultural environment. The city boasts beautiful weather year-round, numerous parks, and a rich cultural scene with museums, theaters, and galleries. Housing costs are relatively affordable, and domestic help is common and inexpensive. However, security concerns are significant, with most expat families living in gated communities and employing security measures. The infrastructure can be unreliable, with frequent power outages and water issues. Despite challenges, many expat families appreciate the outdoor lifestyle, excellent wine and dining, proximity to safari destinations, and the warmth of South African hospitality. The large expat community provides good support networks.

2/5

Safety

3/5

Quality of Life

4/5

Expat Friendly

$800

Avg Rent/mo

☀️ Climate & Weather

Monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions

26°C

Hottest (Dec)

3°C

Coolest (Jul)

Sunny days/mo avg

663mm

Annual rainfall

Avg highAvg lowRainfall

💰 Cost of Living

Monthly family budget estimates (USD)

At a Glance

$800

Avg. rent /mo

$6.00

Budget meal

$25

Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)

Dining & Drinks

Cappuccino$2.50

Domestic beer$2.00

Imported beer$3.00

Water (1.5L)$0.80

Groceries

Loaf of bread$1.00

Milk (1L)$1.10

Dozen eggs$2.20

Chicken (1 kg)$4.50

Transport

Taxi flag-drop$1.20

Taxi per km$0.70

Monthly transit pass$45

Gasoline (per liter)$1.15

Monthly Bills

Internet$40 /mo

Utilities (avg.)$100 /mo

Gym membership$35 /mo

Domestic help$350 /mo

Preschool / nursery$350 /mo

Comfortable

A 2-bedroom apartment or small house in a secure complex in Melville or Greenside, affordable private school, a reliable car, braais at home with occasional dining out, part-time domestic helper.

$2,880/mo

Rent$800

Groceries$400

Lifestyle & leisure$200

Transport$200

Utilities$130

Dining out$200

Healthcare$200

School fees (per child)$500

Domestic help$250

Established

A house in a security estate in Bryanston or Lonehill, reputable private or international school, a good car, armed response, dining at Sandton restaurants, full-time helper, weekend trips.

$6,400/mo

Rent$1,800

Groceries$600

Lifestyle & leisure$500

Transport$400

Utilities$200

Dining out$500

Healthcare$400

School fees (per child)$1,500

Domestic help$500

Premium

A luxury estate home in Hyde Park or Dainfern, top-tier international school (AISJ, St. John's), luxury SUV with security features, country club and golf membership, live-in help, frequent travel.

$13,350/mo

Rent$4,000

Groceries$1,000

Lifestyle & leisure$1,500

Transport$800

Utilities$350

Dining out$1,200

Healthcare$700

School fees (per child)$2,800

Domestic help$1,000

Johannesburg offers remarkable value for a world-class African city. At current exchange rates (~18.5 ZAR to 1 USD), expat families enjoy spacious housing, domestic help, and excellent private schools at costs well below equivalent Western cities. Security is a significant additional expense — most expat families budget for armed response, electric fencing, and secure estates.