Johannesburg is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Johannesburg?
You should plan to spend around $104 (R1,993) per day on your vacation in Johannesburg. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $28 (R541) on meals
- $16 (R301) on local transportation
- $106 (R2,024) on hotels
A one week trip to Johannesburg for two people costs, on average, $1,460 (R27,902). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$730
R13,951
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,460
R27,902
-
One Month
Per person
$3,129
R59,790
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,460
R27,902
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,920
R55,804
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,258
R119,580
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Johannesburg cost?
A one week trip to Johannesburg usually costs around $730 (R13,951) for one person and $1,460 (R27,902) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Johannesburg on average costs around $1,460 (R27,902) for one person and $2,920 (R55,804) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Johannesburg will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Johannesburg on average costs around $3,129 (R59,790) for one person and $6,258 (R119,580) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Johannesburg expensive to visit?
Johannesburg is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Johannesburg to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $52 (R945) per day, mid-range travelers spend $109 (R1,993) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $226 (R4,144) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Johannesburg.
Within Africa, Johannesburg is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Antsiranana or Jinja.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Johannesburg Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Johannesburg?
The average Johannesburg trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Johannesburg travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Johannesburg cost?
Johannesburg on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$22
(R417)
|
$53
(R1,012)
|
$121
(R2,313)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7
(R125)
|
$16
(R301)
|
$35
(R669)
|
|
Food 2
|
$12
(R238)
|
$28
(R541)
|
$53
(R1,006)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7
(R140)
|
$20
(R390)
|
$62
(R1,193)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-3
(R19-57)
|
$2-7
(R44-131)
|
$5-14
(R87-262)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Johannesburg, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $52 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in Johannesburg, such as CURIOCITY Joburg , Brown Sugar Backpackers, and Lebo's Soweto Backpackers. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Many visitors to Johannesburg are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $109 per person, per day.
In Johannesburg, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. The Peech Hotel is a great choice for families, and Thaba Eco Hotel is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Johannesburg.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $226 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Half Day Pretoria City Tour from Johannesburg or pretoria - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Johannesburg
In Johannesburg, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $54, but during peak season they jump to an average of $101. You can find budget options starting at $34 up to luxury rates at $202. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Johannesburg for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $106 (R2,024). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $53 (R1,012) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Johannesburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Johannesburg include:
- Amohela Guesthouse starting at $46
- Midrand Wild Goose B&B & Conference Venue starting at $66
- Grace Guest House starting at $46
- The Peech Hotel starting at $241
- Hyde Park Guest House starting at $87
By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding ), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Johannesburg
Unfortunately, Johannesburg does not have a reliable public transit network.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $16 (R301) per person, per day, on local transportation in Johannesburg. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Johannesburg is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$16
R301
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Luxury Car Johannesburg Airport Private Transfer for $38 details
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Johannesburg APT-HTL (JNB) for $38 details
- Shuttle Transfer From Tambo Airport To Kruger National Park for $54 details
How much does it cost to go to Johannesburg? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Johannesburg will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The typical transit costs in Johannesburg are outlined below, based on data from actual travelers. These figures provide an estimate of overall transportation expenses in the city. Remember, your personal costs will depend on how you choose to get around, as taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than using public transportation.
Food Budget in Johannesburg
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Johannesburg can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Johannesburg is $28 (R541) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$28
R541
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Johannesburg is around $30 (R541) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $55. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Johannesburg are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $4 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $21
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
As a large, international city, you can expect to find almost any type of food in Johannesburg at any range of budget. There are some specific streets that have a high concentration of great restaurants worth checking out. 4th Avenue in Parkhurst is an upmarket area with a lot of cafes and restaurants. Illovo Junction also has a growing number of restaurants. 7th Street, in Melville, has a variety of restaurants that appeal to the student population. Gleneagles Road in Greenside is also a great option on weekends when the music scene is thriving. Grant Avenue in Norwood has some simple restaurants that offer pizza, Italian, or sushi. For good Indian food head to Fordburg and Cyrildene has the best Chinese restaurants. In the central business district you'll find the best restaurants around the Market Theatre in New Town.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Johannesburg. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Unique street food tour from at least 6 different cultures! For $50 details
- Johannesburg Culture and food tour for $98 details
- Zulu Food Cooking and Dining Experience with a local Chef for $81 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Johannesburg
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Johannesburg typically cost an average of $20 (R390) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$20
R390
There are plenty of interesting attractions and sights in Johannesburg. The city's Central Business Disstrict was heavily revitalized leading up to the 2010 World Cup. Of particular interest are the Newtown and Market Theatre areas. This is the city's cultural district and has many music venues and a decent nightlife. Also make sure you visit the Top of Africa, which is Africa's tallest building, and check out some of the museums and art galleries in the area such as the Johannesburg Art Gallery, the Standard Bank Gallery, and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre. In the city's northern suburbs you'll find the Johannesburg Planetarium, the South African National Museum of Military History, the James Hall museum of Transport, and Cherie De Villiers Gallery.
Many visitors head to the Soweto area as well. Popular sights in the area include the Mandela Family Museum, the Apartheid Museum, and the Absa Money Musuem.
There are some interesting tours that you can arrange in Johannesburg. Township Tours to Soweto will guide you through the Soweto region. Make sure you only use official tour operators. Sophiatown Heritage Tours are informative and fascinating as well. Walking tours begin at the original 1930s house of Dr AB Xuma.
Other areas of interest include the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Constitution Hill, Lesedi Cultural Village, Lion Park, Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, and Gold Reef City.
Outside of the city are plenty of activities and options which make for great day trips or multi-day excursions. One of the best things to do is to visit the Panorama Route in South Africa, as it offers amazing mountain landscapes, hiking, and nice places to stay.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Johannesburg. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Full Day Soweto and Johannesburg Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria for $133 details
- Half Day Apartheid Museum Tour for $74 details
- Soweto Night Tour with Pickup for $98 details
Nightlife Budget in Johannesburg
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $4.58 (R88) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Johannesburg per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$4.58
R88
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Johannesburg. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Wine Tasting Experience in Johannesburg for $8 details
- Wine Tasting for $11 details
Travel cost data last updated: Nov 30, 2024
Traveling in Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa with a population of over 3 million people. Most of the population is made up of South Africa's black residents, who predominately reside in the Soweto area. There are approximately half a million white residents and 300,000 residents of other descent. Half of the population live in the Soweto area as well as the nearby suburbs.
Johannesburg is at the economic center of the country, but there is a very extreme and obvious inequality of wealth distribution. While some of the population lives a first world quality of live, there remains a large portion of the population that lives a third world quality of life. This disparity has caused the city to have one of the world's highest crime rates, a fact that intimidates many travelers. Don't be disillusioned by this fact though, because it is very possible to travel safely and confidently in Johannesburg if you make wise decisions and take the necessary precautions.
Johannesburg's climate is subtropical highland. The summer months, between October and April, have hot days and cool evenings with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The winter months, between May and September are dry with sunny days and cold nights, with temperatures dropping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Snow is extremely rare, although freezing temperatures may occasionally occur.
Neighborhoods & Around
Notable neighborhoods in Johannesburg include Soweto, Newtown (downtown), Sandton, Rosebank, Parkhurst, Melville, Alexandra, Braamfontein, and Fourways. Soweto is the largest and most famous black township and the home of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Newtown has been revitalized and has a lot to offer visitors looking for culture and music. Sandton is located in the northern suburbs and is a business and entertainment hub. Rosebank, also in the northern suburbs, has many shopping and entertainment areas. Parkhurst is often compared to Soho or Greenwich Village. Melville is a nice area to walk around with restaurants, bars, and tree lined streets. Alexandra is a historic area with a variety of tours available. Braamfontein is the university area and Fourways has many shopping and entertainment areas.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.