Johannesburg has retained its position as the most expensive city for groceries in South Africa for the fifth consecutive month as of September 2025, according to new data released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity (PMBEJD) group.
The PMBEJD, which continually monitors the price of a standard household food basket across the nation’s three largest metropolitan areas, indicated that although overall consumer price inflation has cooled, food costs remain a important burden for many families.
Grocery Costs Across Key South African Cities
Table of Contents
- 1. Grocery Costs Across Key South African Cities
- 2. Inflation Trends in Food & Beverage
- 3. City-by-City Breakdown – September 2025
- 4. Understanding Food price Inflation
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions about South African Grocery Prices
- 6. What percentage savings can be achieved by choosing generic brands over name brands?
- 7. South AfricaS Most Expensive Province for Groceries: A Cost Analysis
- 8. Grocery Costs Across South African Provinces – A Deep Dive
- 9. Why is the Western Cape More Expensive?
- 10. Provincial Grocery Cost Comparison (September 2025 Estimates)
- 11. Key Grocery Item Price Differences
- 12. Impact of Shopping Habits on Grocery Costs
- 13. Case Study: A Cape Town Family’s Grocery Budget
The report revealed that of the 44 items typically included in a household food basket,30 experienced price increases over the past year,while 14 either decreased in price or remained stable. Notably, seven items saw double-digit inflation, intensifying financial pressures on consumers.
Despite these increases, national annual consumer price inflation decreased to 3.3% in August 2025, down from 3.5% in July 2025, with easing food and fuel costs contributing to the decline.The Consumer Price Index (CPI) itself registered a 0.1% month-on-month decrease in August, impacting four of the thirteen measured categories.
Inflation Trends in Food & Beverage
Annual inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages lessened to 5.2% in august 2025, a drop from 5.7% in July.Price reductions were observed across several categories, including cereals, fish, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
Certain staple goods have become more affordable year-over-year, notably hot cereals, which experienced a 7.8% price decrease, and white rice, down 7.2%. Bread and pasta products also saw minimal price fluctuations.
However, essential items such as samp and maize meal have become considerably more expensive, with price increases of 14.8% and 8.2% respectively.
The price of beef continues to rise considerably, even though the monthly increase in August was the lowest since april. Beef mince prices have increased by 27.2% over the last year, while stewing beef saw a 32.3% annual increase. Beef steak prices are 28.6% higher than they were a year ago.
These escalating beef prices are linked to recent outbreaks of foot and mouth disease at major feedlots, severely disrupting supply chains. The annual rate for fuel decreased to -5.7% from -5.5% in July. Petrol prices fell by 28 cents per litre, representing a 1.3% monthly decline,though diesel prices actually rose by 2.5% over the same period.
City-by-City Breakdown – September 2025
As of late September 2025, the average cost of a household food basket, comprising 44 essential items, amounted to R5,379.42 nationally. This represents a 2.4% year-on-year increase, or R123.74 more than in September 2024. The month-on-month increase was minimal, at just R1.20.
However,a deeper look into individual city costs reveals significant variations. The average household food basket in Johannesburg cost R5,554.41 in September 2025, a 1.3% increase from the previous year. this price is R6.42 higher than the average recorded in August. Johannesburg’s basket price exceeds the national average by R174.99, solidifying its status as the most costly city for groceries.
Durban has surpassed Cape Town as the most affordable city for groceries,even though it still experienced an annual price increase.cape Town’s food basket averaged R5,364.04, a 1.0% increase (R52.46) from August 2025, and a 6.4% (R323.86) increase year-on-year.The basket remains R190.37 cheaper than in Johannesburg.
Durban’s food basket decreased to R5,229.11 in September 2025,a 0.5% decrease from the previous month.Year-on-year, the basket cost increased by only R2.38 (0.0%).
| City | September 2025 Basket Cost | Year-on-Year Change | Month-on-Month Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | R5,554.41 | 1.3% | 0.1% |
| Cape Town | R5,364.04 | 6.4% | 1.0% |
| Durban | R5,229.11 | 0.0% | -0.5% |
Did You Know? The price of beef has been especially volatile, driven by health concerns affecting livestock supply. This highlights the vulnerability of food prices to unforeseen events.
Pro Tip: Consider incorporating more affordable protein sources into your meals, such as legumes and beans, to mitigate the impact of rising meat prices.
What strategies are you employing to combat rising grocery costs? Do you foresee these trends continuing into the new year?
Understanding Food price Inflation
Food price inflation is a complex issue influenced by a multitude of factors, including weather patterns, global commodity markets, exchange rates, and local supply chain disruptions.While South Africa has experienced a moderation in overall inflation, food prices often remain elevated due to the essential nature of these goods and the inelasticity of demand. This means that even during economic downturns, people still need to purchase food, leading to sustained price pressures.
Long-term strategies to address food security and affordability include investing in agricultural infrastructure, supporting local farmers, and reducing reliance on imported goods. Consumers can also play a role by adopting mindful shopping habits, reducing food waste, and exploring alternative food sources.
Frequently Asked Questions about South African Grocery Prices
- What is driving up the cost of groceries in South Africa? Several factors contribute, including global commodity prices, exchange rate fluctuations, supply chain issues, and local agricultural conditions.
- Which city is currently the cheapest for groceries? According to the latest data,Durban is currently the most affordable city for groceries in South Africa.
- What’s causing the increase in beef prices? Outbreaks of foot and mouth disease at major feedlots have significantly disrupted the supply of beef, leading to price increases.
- Are there any food items that are getting cheaper? Yes, some items like hot cereals, white rice, potatoes, eggs, and corned meat have experienced price decreases.
- What is the current rate of food inflation in South Africa? Annual inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages subsided to 5.2% from 5.7% in July.
- How can consumers cope with rising grocery prices? Consumers can adopt mindful shopping habits, reduce food waste, compare prices across different retailers, and explore lower-cost alternatives.
- What is a household food basket? A household food basket is a standardized collection of 44 essential food items used to track changes in grocery prices over time.
Share your thoughts on these rising costs in the comments below! What adjustments are you making to your shopping habits?
What percentage savings can be achieved by choosing generic brands over name brands?
South AfricaS Most Expensive Province for Groceries: A Cost Analysis
Grocery Costs Across South African Provinces – A Deep Dive
Determining teh most expensive province for groceries in South Africa isn’t straightforward. Costs fluctuate based on location within a province, shopping habits, and seasonal price changes. However,consistently,the Western Cape emerges as the province were your grocery bill is likely to be highest. This analysis breaks down the factors contributing to this, comparing costs across key provinces and offering strategies for savvy shopping. We’ll focus on essential grocery items and average household spending.
Why is the Western Cape More Expensive?
several factors contribute to the higher grocery prices in the Western Cape:
* transportation Costs: Being geographically distant from major agricultural hubs in other provinces increases transport costs for goods. This is especially noticeable for fresh produce.
* Tourism Impact: High tourist volumes drive up demand, and retailers frequently enough adjust pricing accordingly, especially in popular areas like Cape Town and the Garden Route.
* Land Costs & Retail Rent: Higher land and rental costs for retail spaces are passed on to consumers through increased product prices.
* Climate & Seasonal Availability: While the Western Cape produces some agricultural goods, its climate can impact the year-round availability and pricing of certain items.
* Import Dependence: Reliance on imported goods, particularly specialty items, adds to the overall cost.
Provincial Grocery Cost Comparison (September 2025 Estimates)
Here’s a comparative overview of average monthly grocery costs for a family of four, based on a basket of essential items (data compiled from various sources including Stats SA, Pick n Pay, Checkers, and consumer surveys):
| Province | Estimated Monthly Grocery Bill |
|---|---|
| western Cape | R8,500 – R10,000 |
| Gauteng | R7,800 – R9,000 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | R7,500 – R8,500 |
| Eastern Cape | R6,800 – R7,800 |
| Northern Cape | R6,500 – R7,500 |
| limpopo | R6,200 – R7,200 |
| Mpumalanga | R6,700 – R7,700 |
| North West | R6,300 – R7,300 |
| Free state | R6,000 – R7,000 |
These figures are estimates and can vary significantly based on individual consumption patterns.
Key Grocery Item Price Differences
Let’s look at specific price differences for commonly purchased items:
* Milk (2L): Western Cape – R30-R35; Gauteng – R28-R32; Eastern Cape – R26-R30
* Bread (White, 700g): Western Cape – R25-R30; gauteng – R23-R28; KwaZulu-Natal – R22-R26
* Eggs (Dozen): Western Cape – R40-R45; Gauteng – R38-R42; Free State – R35-R40
* Chicken (Whole, 1.5kg): Western Cape – R80-R95; KwaZulu-Natal – R75-R85; Limpopo – R70-R80
* Potatoes (10kg): Western Cape – R60-R75; Eastern Cape – R55-R65; North West – R50-R60
These price discrepancies, while seemingly small per item, accumulate significantly over a month.
Impact of Shopping Habits on Grocery Costs
Your shopping choices dramatically influence your grocery spend. Consider these factors:
* Brand Loyalty: Opting for generic or store-brand products can save you 15-30% compared to name brands.
* Shopping Frequency: More frequent, smaller shops often lead to impulse purchases. Plan meals and shop with a list.
* Retailer Choice: Different supermarkets have different pricing strategies. Compare prices across retailers (Checkers,Pick n Pay,Woolworths,Shoprite) to find the best deals.
* Seasonal Eating: Buying fruits and vegetables when they are in season is significantly cheaper.
* Bulk Buying: For non-perishable items, buying in bulk can offer substantial savings.
Case Study: A Cape Town Family’s Grocery Budget
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