Cost-of-living comparison leaves South Africans questioning 2026 prices

A South African content creator shared a video comparing the cost of living in 2000 versus 2026, covering house prices, salaries, petrol and everyday items
The figures revealed a dramatic rise in prices across the board, with property and groceries drawing the most disbelief from viewers
South Africans flooded the comments to question where anyone could still find those prices in 2026

A side-by-side breakdown of what things cost in South Africa in 2000 compared to 2026 has left many people simultaneously nostalgic and horrified. Instagram creator [@julsfin.za] posted the infographic-style video on 20 October, overlaying bold statistics onto footage of a modern outdoor complex. The video compared house prices, average salaries, petrol, groceries, rent, and everyday items like cappuccinos and beer across the two periods.

Man shows people price comparisons two decades apart — A man showed people price comparisons two decades apart. Image: @johanto10k
Source: Instagram

The numbers told a stark story. A house that cost around R270,000 in 2000 is now listed at approximately R1.1 million. Average salaries, groceries, and fuel costs all followed the same upward trajectory, painting a clear picture of how far the rand's purchasing power has fallen in just over two decades.

For many viewers, the grocery and property figures shared by @julsfin.za were the hardest to swallow. BusinessTech shared how much more a R100 could buy in 2000. Some pointed out that the 2026 grocery estimate still felt wildly optimistic, while others noted that entry-level homes in their areas were selling for far more than R1.1 million. The beer price also caused a stir, with several commenters questioning where exactly one could still find a R20 cold one in 2026. Watch the full cost-of-living comparison here.

Mzansi divided over SA costs

South Africans had a lot to say in the comments:

@zikhali_gates wrote:

"4R00 groceries, where?"

@juliette_qobolo said:

"Some are still earning that salary in 2026 😢"

@caitlin_georgia_ commented:

"A house for R1.1M??? Where??? 😭 Try 3.5 minimum."

@saaj_69 joked:

"Clearly we should've bought a house when we were 6, instead of wasting our money on toys 😂"

@shaee_m added:

"Groceries, you mean 3 things from Woollies?"

@z.w.b.96 asked:

"Please let me know where I can get a R 20 beer?"

@jarred.simon_ laughed:

"I wish a beer was that much in 2026 😂"

@marlinlen shared:

"I just bought coffee and a packet of almonds and that was R320, unfortunately 😭"

@bryan_mokoena pointed out:

"26 years ago I was 12. Definitely didn't have R270k for a house."

@moneymoves_co.za reflected:

"This really puts things in perspective. Which item surprised you the most when you were putting this together? Property prices look like they've taken the biggest jump."

Cost-of-living comparison leaves South Africans questioning 2026 prices

Mzansi divided over SA costs

Other Briefly News stories about South Africa's cost of living crisis