Before relocating to Johannesburg three years ago, I had a certain stereotype in my mind about what it meant to be middle class in South Africa’s largest city.
I’d grown up in a small town in the Midwest, and my only knowledge of Johannesburg was from news headlines or movies which painted it as a place of stark contrasts — extreme wealth or abject poverty.
There seemed to be no in-between.
I moved there to work with an NGO, lured by the promise of adventure and the chance to make a difference. The 18-hour flight from Chicago to Johannesburg gave me plenty of time to imagine what my new life would look like.
But what I found upon arrival surprised me. The reality was far removed from what I had envisioned.
The first sign was when I rented an apartment in the city’s trendy Maboneng Precinct. The landlord, without skipping a beat, asked for a monthly rent that would have secured a luxury apartment back home.
Johannesburg was not just about the extremes I had read about; there was indeed a middle class, but it seemed to operate on a different financial scale than what I was accustomed to.
Dinner conversations with new friends often veered towards discussions about salaries, cost of living and financial struggles — topics considered too personal back home.
After three years of navigating life in Johannesburg, I’ve come to understand that the concept of “middle class” here seems to be defined differently than in the States.
It’s not just about income; it’s also about the ability to access certain amenities and lead a certain lifestyle, which comes with its own set of challenges and complexities.
Now, back in the U.S., I find myself explaining this nuanced reality of Johannesburg’s middle-class existence to friends and family who are still under the impression of the old stereotype.
So let’s delve into what being middle class in Johannesburg truly means in 2025.
Understanding Johannesburg’s middle class
I started with a basic question: How much do you need to earn to be considered middle class in Johannesburg? The answer wasn’t as straightforward as I’d anticipated.
In my first job with the NGO, I was making what would be considered a decent salary in the Midwest. But in Johannesburg, it just about covered my rent and basic necessities.
There was little left for any extras — dining out, entertainment, or even saving up. And here’s the kicker: that same salary was more than twice the median income in the city.
This led me to believe that middle class in Johannesburg was more about lifestyle than income. It wasn’t just about how much you made, but how you spent your money and what you could afford.
The ability to live comfortably and save, whilst also being able to afford certain luxuries like international travel, seemed to be a key part of the equation.
These factors, combined with the city’s high cost of living, mean that to be considered middle class in Johannesburg in 2025, I estimate you need to make at least twice what I initially made when I moved here.
But most people don’t see it this way. In the next section, I’ll delve into why this is and how I came to understand Johannesburg’s nuanced reality.
The misconceptions and the reality
The common belief, especially among those who haven’t lived in Johannesburg, is that the cost of living is relatively low compared to Western countries.
This, coupled with the idea that a middle-class income should afford a decent lifestyle, creates a misconception about what it means to be middle class in this city.
In reality, Johannesburg has one of the highest costs of living in Africa.
Rent, utilities, groceries – these essential expenses eat up a significant part of one’s salary. Add to this the high crime rate in certain areas, which necessitates additional spending on security measures.
So, while my salary may have seemed substantial on paper, it didn’t stretch as far as people back home assumed.
The middle-class lifestyle as we know it in the West was unattainable on what was considered a middle-class income in Johannesburg.
This isn’t to say that it’s impossible to lead a comfortable life in Johannesburg.
It’s just that the standards for what constitutes ‘comfortable’ seem to be different here. I’ve come to realize this over time and adjusted my lifestyle and expectations accordingly.
In the next section, I’ll share how I navigated through these complexities and adapted to my new financial reality in Johannesburg.
Adapting to a new financial reality
Navigating Johannesburg’s middle-class reality required a shift in mindset.
I had to let go of my Western notions of what being middle class meant and adapt to the local context. The first step was accepting that living comfortably did not necessarily translate into excess.
I focused on budgeting and prioritizing my expenses. Rent and utilities took up a significant chunk, but I found ways to save on groceries by shopping at local markets rather than upscale supermarkets.
I also realized that public transportation, although not as convenient as owning a car, was significantly cheaper and reliable enough for my needs.
Secondly, I sought additional income streams. I took on freelance projects in my spare time and even explored a side hustle selling handcrafted jewelry online.
This extra income eased the financial pressure and allowed me to save and enjoy some luxuries.
Lastly, I learned that being middle class in Johannesburg also meant being part of a vibrant community that valued experiences over material possessions.
I started attending local events, exploring the city’s rich culture, and making the most of what it had to offer.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, remember that adapting is key. What’s considered middle class may vary from place to place, but with the right approach, you can navigate any financial landscape successfully.
Shifting perspectives and embracing change
I realized that to thrive in Johannesburg, I had to break away from societal expectations about income and lifestyle, particularly those rooted in Western norms.
It was about understanding external influences and societal conditioning, and choosing to take responsibility for my financial situation.
Here’s what I learned:
- Taking responsibility for your situation, even when it’s not your fault, creates a mindset that helps you navigate other challenges.
- Understanding that societal expectations and cultural programming often shape our perception of normality helps you live life on your own terms.
- Acknowledging dissatisfaction or struggles is the first step to change. Avoiding blind positivity and facing the reality of your situation is key.
- Seeking self-empowerment by breaking free from societal expectations is essential.
- Questioning societal myths and expectations that limit your potential can open up new opportunities.
These lessons didn’t just help me understand the nuances of being middle class in Johannesburg; they also helped me reshape my reality.
Every day became a journey of self-exploration, a chance to align my life with my true nature.
It’s simple, practical, and tailored for different income levels. It made me realize that managing money is less about how much you earn and more about how you allocate it.
Remember, you have the power to rewrite your story. It starts with a willingness to question, to adapt, and most importantly, to embrace the journey.
