"Puts Things in Perspective": Man's 2000 Vs 2026 Cost of Living Comparison Divide Sa

• 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.

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.

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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."

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

• A viral TikTok clip detailing NielsenIQ and TransUnion consumer data highlighted the extreme budget cuts South Africans are making to cope with cumulative inflation, high electricity tariffs, and elevated food prices.
• Research by the Living Wage South Africa Network (LWSAN) revealed that South Africans need a net monthly income of at least R20,000 to achieve a humble yet dignified standard of living.
• Instagram user @johanto10k posted a viral video detailing how a R24,000 monthly income is quickly consumed by basic living expenses—including rent, food (R4,000), transport (R2,500), and utilities (R2,000).

Source: Briefly News