Which place is cheaper, Johannesburg or Port Elizabeth?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Port Elizabeth or Johannesburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Port Elizabeth or Johannesburg?
Port Elizabeth
Located on the Indian Ocean coastline of South Africa, Port Elizabeth is a major sea port and tourist destination featuring a pleasant climate, opportunities for water sports, historical landmarks, wildlife areas, and clean beaches.
Johannesburg
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in South Africa, The Best Bicycle Tours in South Africa, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in South Africa, and The Best Overlanding Trips in South Africa.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPort Elizabeth $44Johannesburg $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Port Elizabeth is $44, while the average daily cost in Johannesburg is $94. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPort Elizabeth $23Johannesburg $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPort Elizabeth $46Johannesburg $108
Compare Hotels in Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg
Looking for a hotel in Port Elizabeth or Johannesburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Port Elizabeth Hotel Prices and Johannesburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Port Elizabeth $9.56Johannesburg $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Johannesburg
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Johannesburg:
-
Taxi Ride$3.19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johannesburg
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johannesburg:
- Johannesburg Airport JNB to Johannesburg Hotels Arrival Transfer: $35
- Johannesburg to Johannesburg Airport (JNB) Departure Transfer: $35
- Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport (JNB) to Johannesburg - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Comfort Private Airport Transfer: OR Tambo Airport (JNB): $37
- OR Tambo Private Airport to Hotel and Hotel to Airport Transfers : $42
- Transfers Between Lanseria Airport And Johannesburg : $43
- Apartheid Museum Private Transfers: $43
- Johannesburg Airport Private Transfers: Departures (Hotel Pickup): $43
- OR Tambo Airport Transfers Around Johannesburg: $45
- Luxury Car Johannesburg Airport Private Transfer: $51
- Johannesburg Airport Transfers: $54
- Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport (JNB) to Pretoria - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Port Elizabeth or Johannesburg?
Prices for flights to both Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayPort Elizabeth $14Johannesburg $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Johannesburg
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Johannesburg.
- Maboneng Street Art and Street Food Tour: $39
- Unique street food tour from at least 6 different cultures!: $48
- Taste of Africa Food Tour: $49
- A Private Traditional Cape Malay Cooking Class, with a MKR Finalist: $95
- Johannesburg Culture and food tour: $97
- Pan-African Cooking & Dinning Experience: $186
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Port Elizabeth $9.37Johannesburg $21
Tours and Activities in Port Elizabeth
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Port Elizabeth are as follows:
- Port Elizabeth City Walking Tour: $44
- Port Elizabeth tuk-tuk tour, experience the natural beauty.: $70
- Xhosa Township/Cultural Experience: $127
- Cape Recife Safari and City Sightseeing Tour: $140
- Addo Elephant Park Tours .: $175
- From 5-Day Garden Route Tour to Cape Town: $543
- 7 Day Garden Route Tour- Durban to Cape Town via Addo N Park: $1,543
Tours and Activities in Johannesburg
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Johannesburg are as follows:
- Johannesburg Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Jo'burg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Apartheid Museum & Soweto: $16
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Optional Soweto Tour: $16
- Architectural Walking Tour: $18
- Braamfontein Street Art Tour: $23
- Soweto: Hector Pieterson Memorial, to Orlando Towers Tour: $23
- Maboneng Street Art & Culture Tour: $26
- Ponte Experience: $27
- Colours of A Graffiti & Street Art Tour: $28
- Soweto: Bike Tour with a Local Tour Guide: $28
- (Meet the Artist)Art Gallery & Street Art tour with lunch: $29
- Johannesburg Street Art & Museum Walking or E-scooter Tour : $29
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPort Elizabeth $2.58Johannesburg $4.65
Sample the Local Flavors in Johannesburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Johannesburg:
- Wine Tasting Experience in Johannesburg: $8.08
- Wine Tasting and Cableway Half Day Tour: $111
- Experience Johannesburg Wine Tour Views and Luxury: $224
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg, we can see that Johannesburg is more expensive. And not only is Port Elizabeth much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Port Elizabeth would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Port Elizabeth and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Johannesburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Johannesburg than you might in Port Elizabeth.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Port Elizabeth Expensive? and Is Johannesburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Port Elizabeth or Johannesburg?
Johannesburg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Port Elizabeth. When comparing the sizes of Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
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.