Cost of Living in Johannesburg
How much does it cost to visit Johannesburg? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Jezael Melgoza / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
ZAR 800
per day
Weekly: ZAR 5600
Monthly: ZAR 24000
Examples
- 🏨The Curiocity Johannesburg dormZAR 300
- 🍽️Bunny Chow from a local takeawayZAR 50
- 🚌Gautrain single ticket to RosebankZAR 100
- 🎟️Explore Maboneng Precinct and visit Arts on MainZAR 50
- 🎟️Visit the Apartheid Museum (entry fee)ZAR 150
- 🎟️Walk around Joubert ParkZAR 0
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
ZAR 1800
per day
Weekly: ZAR 12600
Monthly: ZAR 54000
Examples
- 🏨The Peech Hotel standard roomZAR 900
- 🍽️Lunch at The Saxon GrillZAR 400
- 🚌Uber to Constitution Hill and backZAR 200
- 🎟️Visit Constitution HillZAR 100
- 🎟️Browse the Rand ClubZAR 100
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
ZAR 4500
per day
Weekly: ZAR 31500
Monthly: ZAR 135000
Examples
- 🏨The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa suiteZAR 2500
- 🍽️Dinner at La Petite ColombeZAR 1500
- 🚌Private car service for the dayZAR 1000
- 🎟️Guided tour of the Cradle of HumankindZAR 1500
Cost by Category
accommodation
R400 - R1500 (hostel/budget hotel to mid-range)
food
R200 - R600 (street food/casual to restaurant)
Transport
R100 - R300 (rideshare/Gautrain)
activities
R100 - R500 (museums/tours to more exclusive experiences)
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rosebank | Luxury | slightly above | first-timers, business travelers |
| Braamfontein | Mid-range | around center | young travelers, nightlife |
| Melville | Mid-range | below | couples, solo travelers |
| Sandton | Luxury | significantly above | luxury, business travelers |
Money-Saving Tips for Johannesburg
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Johannesburg Costs
How much does it cost to visit Johannesburg?
Budget travellers can visit Johannesburg for around ZAR 800/day (ZAR 5600/week). Mid-range travellers should budget ZAR 1800/day, while luxury travel costs around ZAR 4500/day.
Is Johannesburg expensive?
Johannesburg is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least ZAR 800/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Johannesburg?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Johannesburg, budget ZAR 1800/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Johannesburg?
Budget travellers in Johannesburg can get by on ZAR 800/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.