South Africans have been grappling with rising food prices for some time, and as we move through 2025, grocery costs remain a major concern. As inflationary pressures continue to impact the economy, certain regions are seeing steeper increases in food costs than others.
But which province is the most expensive for groceries in South Africa? These are the latest trends, regional price variations, and expert insights to provide a comprehensive look at grocery costs in the country.
Grocery Costs in South Africa: A Growing Concern
In 2025, grocery costs have been steadily rising across South Africa, with the latest data revealing a worrying trend. Food inflation is consistently higher than the general inflation rate, meaning that consumers are feeling the pinch when they head to the shops. According to the latest reports, the national consumer price inflation rate was 2.8% in June 2025, but food prices have been climbing at an even faster rate.
While the entire country has experienced these price hikes, the extent to which groceries have become more expensive varies significantly from province to province. Let’s look into which regions are hardest hit.
Which Province Is the Most Expensive for Groceries in South Africa?
Gauteng is the most expensive province for groceries in South Africa as of mid-2025. This includes the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, which are among the most populous and economically significant areas in the country. On average, a household food basket in Johannesburg costs around R5,648.85 in June 2025, marking a 2.0% increase from the previous year. This makes Gauteng the priciest region for food shopping.
The higher costs in Gauteng can be attributed to a combination of factors. As the economic hub of South Africa, Gauteng has a large population and higher demand for goods, which can drive up prices. Additionally, transportation costs play a significant role in the overall cost of food, and the province’s more extensive retail infrastructure often leads to higher operational costs for food retailers, which ultimately get passed on to consumers.
Regional Variations: Comparing Other Provinces
While Gauteng remains the most expensive province, other regions have also seen notable increases in food prices. Let’s take a look at the food costs in some major cities across South Africa:
Durban: The Most Affordable Major City
In contrast to Gauteng, Durban remains one of the most affordable cities for grocery shopping. In June 2025, the average cost of a household food basket in Durban stood at R5,312.22. Although this represents a 3.6% increase from the previous year, it’s still significantly lower than Johannesburg and Pretoria. Durban benefits from being a major port city, which helps keep transportation costs lower, thereby reducing the overall cost of goods.
Cape Town: Rising Costs in the Western Cape
Cape Town, which is the capital of the Western Cape, has seen substantial increases in food prices. The average cost of a household food basket in Cape Town was R5,397.23 in May 2025, a significant rise from the previous year. The city’s geographical location and reliance on imports for certain food items contribute to these rising costs. Additionally, the ongoing effects of load shedding have also caused disruptions in supply chains, pushing up the prices of certain essential food items.
Why Are Groceries More Expensive in Some Provinces?
Several factors contribute to the regional price disparities in grocery costs across South Africa. These include:
- Transport Costs: Food items need to be transported from farms or warehouses to stores, and longer distances naturally lead to higher transportation costs. Provinces like Gauteng, with higher population densities, often have greater demand, which can lead to price inflation.
- Demand and Supply: In densely populated provinces, the high demand for food can push prices up. Additionally, limited local agricultural production in urban areas means more reliance on imports, which can further increase costs.
- Retailer Pricing Strategies: Larger retail chains that dominate urban areas, such as Johannesburg, can often set higher prices, especially if there is less competition or if operational costs are higher.
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Expert Insights on Food Price Inflation
Experts have been keeping a close eye on South Africa’s food price inflation. Gauteng consistently emerges as the most expensive province. “The cost of food in Gauteng continues to climb due to a combination of higher demand, logistical challenges, and retail pricing strategies,” says a PMBEJD spokesperson. The group also highlights that inflationary pressures on essential food items, such as maize meal and vegetables, are felt most acutely in urban centres like Johannesburg.
The Competition Commission of South Africa has also raised concerns about the pricing practices of large retail chains. The Commission’s Essential Food Price Monitoring Report notes that there is little transparency in how food prices are set, which means consumers are often left facing higher prices without understanding the underlying factors.
What Does This Mean for South African Consumers?
For consumers in South Africa, especially those living in Gauteng, grocery shopping is becoming increasingly expensive. With food inflation outpacing general inflation, many households are feeling the strain. Experts advise that consumers shop strategically, buying in bulk, taking advantage of promotions, and shopping at different retailers to compare prices, can help manage the cost of groceries.
The Cost of Living in South Africa
So, which province is the most expensive for groceries in South Africa? As of 2025, Gauteng holds that dubious distinction, with food costs in Johannesburg and Pretoria higher than in other provinces. While other regions like Durban and Cape Town are seeing price increases, they still offer more affordable options for consumers.
As food prices continue to rise across the country, it’s crucial for consumers to stay informed about local price trends and adapt their shopping habits accordingly. For those in Gauteng, it’s clear that food shopping will require more careful budgeting and planning.
