What’s R100 worth now?
There’s very little that R100 can get you in terms of groceries these days.
According to Business Tech, inflation has skyrocketed by almost 414% since 1995, with Consumer Price Indexes (CPI) calculating that the equivalent buying power of R100 in 1995 and 2025 varying significantly.
To calculate 2025’s value of R100 after inflation, you’d have to multiply R100 by the CPI of 2025 divided by the CPI of 1995.
This calculation indicates that R100 in 1995 would be roughly equivalent to R513.72 in 2025, representing an inflation figure of 413.7% over the past 30 years or 5.8% annually.
What groceries cost in 1995 and 2025
With data from StatsSA, Business Tech tabled the price of certain groceries in 1995 compared to the same or similar products today.
Prices from four of South Africa’s major retailers, inlcuding Woolworths, Checkers, Pick n Pay and Spar, were used to reach an average cost figure.
Take a look:
| Item | The average cost in 1995 | The average cost in 2025 | % difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White bread (700g) | R2.14 | R18.99 | 787% |
| 2-litre milk | R4.83 | R34.99 | 624% |
| Lamb chops (per kg) | R20.95 | R199.99 | 855% |
| Chicken fillet (per kg) | R10.09 | R69.99 | 594% |
| Apples (per kg) | R4.12 | R34.99 | 749% |
| Coca Cola (1L) | R2.68 | R18.99 | 609% |
| Eggs (6-pack) | R2.12 | R22.99 | 989% |
| Toothpaste (100ml) | R4.02 | R19.99 | 397% |
| toilet paper (4-pack) | R6.09 | R34.99 | 475% |
| 2kg white rice | R5.73 | R37.99 | 563% |
| Kellogg’s cornflakes (500g) | R7.89 | R54.99 | 597% |
| Cheese (per kg) | R22.50/kg | R179.35/kg | 697% |
Which grocery item have you seen rise the most in recent years?
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