Living in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Pretoria can feel like trying to survive a game of Monopoly — except the rent is real, and no one gives you free parking. One minute you’re excited about your first paycheck, and the next you’re wondering how your R20,000 salary disappeared faster than a plate of bunny chow at a braai.
But fear not! Stretching your salary in expensive cities doesn’t have to be painful. With a few smart strategies, a bit of discipline, and a pinch of humour, you can survive — and maybe even thrive — without constantly living on instant noodles.
1. Create a Realistic Budget (Not the “I’ll Just See What’s Left” Budget)
The first step in stretching your salary is knowing where it goes. Too many people treat budgeting like a diet: they know they should do it but ignore it until it’s too late.
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List all your income and expenses.
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Include essentials: rent, transport, food, utilities, insurance.
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Include fun stuff: Netflix, coffees, weekend outings (yes, adulting is allowed).
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Subtract your expenses from your income — what’s left is your “fun money.”
Pro tip: Treat your savings like a mandatory bill. Pay yourself first — not just your landlord, Netflix, and TikTok addiction.
2. Save on Rent Without Losing Your Sanity
Rent is usually the biggest chunk of your salary in cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town. A few ideas to save:
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Share an apartment or house — Living with roommates isn’t ideal, but it’s cheaper than eating instant noodles for every meal.
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Negotiate rent — Sometimes landlords are open to small reductions if you commit to a longer lease or pay upfront.
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Look further out — A slightly longer commute may save you thousands per month. Consider it an investment in your sanity and wallet.
3. Cut Unnecessary Expenses Without Feeling Miserable
We all love a latte or a Saturday brunch, but small daily expenses add up faster than WiFi bills in student hostels.
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Brew coffee at home — your barista won’t mind.
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Cancel subscriptions you don’t use — yes, even that meditation app you opened twice.
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Limit impulse online shopping — you don’t need three fancy notebooks, even if they’re “on sale.”
Remember: cutting costs doesn’t mean cutting fun. It means spending smarter.
4. Use Public Transport, Bicycles, or Walk When Possible
Petrol prices in South Africa can feel like a rollercoaster ride with no brakes. To stretch your salary:
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Use public transport or mini-bus taxis (safely, of course).
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Cycle or walk if your commute is manageable.
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Carpool with colleagues to share fuel costs.
You’ll save money, get some exercise, and have great stories about surviving the morning rush in Cape Town traffic.
5. Shop Smart for Food and Essentials
Groceries don’t have to break the bank.
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Buy in bulk where possible — things like rice, pasta, and cleaning supplies.
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Use loyalty cards, discounts, and specials at supermarkets.
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Shop at local markets for fresh produce — often cheaper than big chains.
Pro tip: avoid shopping hungry. Your stomach will buy things your brain didn’t approve.
6. Embrace Free and Low-Cost Entertainment
City life doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun.
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Attend free community events, markets, or festivals.
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Explore nature — Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, or nearby hiking trails.
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Host potluck dinners with friends instead of going out every weekend.
You can have a social life without selling your kidney.
7. Build an Emergency Fund (Even if Small)
Life in big cities is unpredictable. Your car may break down, your laptop may die, or your neighbour’s WiFi may mysteriously disappear. An emergency fund ensures you don’t panic when life throws you a curveball.
Start small: save R500–R1,000 a month. Even a little adds up over time, and it feels like a superpower when the unexpected happens.
8. Avoid Lifestyle Inflation
Just because you got a raise doesn’t mean you have to upgrade to fancy coffee every day or rent a bigger apartment immediately. Keep your spending in check, and put that extra money into savings or investments instead.
Your future self will thank you — and your bank account will cheer too.
9. Use Technology to Your Advantage
There are tons of apps to help South Africans stretch their salary:
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Budgeting apps like 22seven or YNAB (You Need A Budget).
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Deal apps like SnapnSave or PayLess for discounts.
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Investment apps like EasyEquities to grow your money.
A little tech-savvy management goes a long way.
10. Keep Your Goals in Mind
Finally, remember why you’re stretching your salary. Whether it’s buying your own home, going on that dream vacation, or starting a side hustle, having clear goals keeps you motivated. Budgeting and saving isn’t just about restriction — it’s about building the life you want.
Final Thoughts
Living in expensive cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town doesn’t mean your salary has to vanish into thin air. With smart budgeting, cutting unnecessary expenses, using public transport, shopping wisely, and keeping your goals in mind, you can survive — and even enjoy — city life without constant stress.
Stretching your salary isn’t about deprivation; it’s about strategy, discipline, and a dash of humour. Treat your money wisely, and it will serve you well — and maybe even leave you enough for a weekend braai with friends.