Budget Calculator
Build a monthly budget and see exactly where your money goes. Enter your South African take-home salary and expense categories to track your savings rate, compare against the 50/30/20 rule, and identify where you can save more.
How to Use the Budget Calculator
- Monthly Income: Enter your after-tax (net) take-home pay. Include all regular income sources.
- Housing: Your rent or bond repayment plus levies. Target: 30% or less of gross income.
- Food: Groceries and dining out combined.
- Transport: Fuel, car repayment, insurance, public transport, and Uber combined.
- Utilities: Electricity, water, internet, and cell phone.
- Savings: Amount you put into savings or investments each month.
The Extended Calculator below adds 50/30/20, Zero-Based, and Pay Yourself First budgeting tabs with a spending pie chart. The Professional Calculator provides debt payoff planning, financial goals tracker, and net worth tracker.
The 50/30/20 Budget Rule
On a R25,000 net salary: R12,500 for needs, R7,500 for wants, R5,000 for savings. This is a guideline — adjust ratios based on your situation and goals.
Example: R30,000 Take-Home Salary Budget
Single person in Johannesburg (2026)
Housing (rent, 1-bed): R9,500 (32%)
Food & groceries: R3,500 (12%)
Transport (fuel + car): R3,500 (12%)
Utilities: R1,800 (6%)
Medical aid + insurance: R2,500 (8%)
Entertainment: R1,500 (5%)
Savings & investments: R5,000 (17%)
Other: R1,500 (5%)
Total: R28,800 | Remaining: R1,200 | Savings rate: 17%
| Debt | Balance | Rate % | Min Payment | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Store Account | R 5 000 | 24% | R 200 + R 500 | #1 |
| Credit Card | R 15 000 | 21% | R 450 | #2 |
| Personal Loan | R 40 000 | 14% | R 1 200 | #3 |