Pretoria is an exciting 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 Pretoria?
You should plan to spend around $60 (R1,118) per day on your vacation in Pretoria. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $25 (R475) on meals
- $12 (R217) on local transportation
- $49 (R924) on hotels
A one week trip to Pretoria for two people costs, on average, $838 (R15,652). 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
$419
R7,826
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$838
R15,652
-
One Month
Per person
$1,796
R33,540
-
One Week
For a couple
$838
R15,652
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,676
R31,304
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,591
R67,080
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Pretoria cost?
A one week trip to Pretoria usually costs around $419 (R7,826) for one person and $838 (R15,652) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Pretoria on average costs around $838 (R15,652) for one person and $1,676 (R31,304) 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 Pretoria will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Pretoria on average costs around $1,796 (R33,540) for one person and $3,591 (R67,080) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Pretoria expensive to visit?
Pretoria is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You may find Pretoria to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $26 (R492) per day, mid-range travelers spend $59 (R1,118) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $112 (R2,142) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Pretoria.
Within Africa, Pretoria is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Africa for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Dahab, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Dar es Salaam.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Pretoria Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Pretoria?
The average Pretoria trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Pretoria travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Pretoria cost?
Pretoria on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$11
(R201)
|
$25
(R462)
|
$48
(R894)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$5
(R95)
|
$12
(R217)
|
$22
(R415)
|
|
Food2
|
$11
(R208)
|
$25
(R475)
|
$49
(R907)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$6
(R117)
|
$14
(R267)
|
$27
(R510)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$7-20
(R126-378)
|
$15-46
(R288-864)
|
$29-88
(R550-1,650)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Pretoria. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $26 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Pretoria has plenty of hostels available, like Birchway's Backpackers. Here, you can enjoy low-cost dorm lodging and a vibrant social environment, though amenities might be minimal.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to Pretoria often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $59 per person, per day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $112. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private local authentic soweto Moto taxi experience - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Pretoria
Hotel prices in Pretoria can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $ up to around $. From $ for budget options to $ for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Pretoria for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $49 (R924). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $25 (R462) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Pretoria? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you plan your trip outside of and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Pretoria
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $12 (R217) per person, per day, on local transportation in Pretoria. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Pretoria is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$12
R217
O.R. Tambo International Airport, formerly called Johannesburg International, is the nearest airport serving the area. It is located about 21 km (or 13 mi) from the city center of Johannesburg, and is the busiest airport in Africa as well as the connecting hub for flights to other cities in Southern Africa. The Albertina Sisulu Highway or R21 leads from the airport to Pretoria. It is also possible to take a taxi or walk to Isando, 1.5 km from the airport, and take a MetroRail suburban train to Pretoria (the train ride is about 55 minutes).
Airport shuttles are also available at the airport or can be pre-booked. Additionally, there are a number of major bus lines that connect to all major cities in South Africa.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Airport transfers, door to door .private transfers for $38 details
- Private Airport Transfers to Sandton & Joburg CBD for $27 details
- Private Oneway Transfer from Johannesburg to Johannesburg Airport for $35 details
How much does it cost to go to Pretoria? 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 Pretoria 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.
Food Budget in Pretoria
Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Pretoria can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Pretoria is $25 (R475) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$25
R475
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Pretoria is around $25 (R475) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 to $47. 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 Pretoria are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $4 to $10
- Dinner: $7 to $17
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Cuisine of South Africa is characterized by a combination of indigenous, Dutch, French, and Indian influences. The indigenous side of things mainly consisted of harvesting fruits, nuts, bulbs, leaves, and other items gathered from wild plants as well as the hunting of wild game, though eventually domestic cattle were introduced as well as grain crops like maize. Today, a staple meal remains mieliepap-a kind of porridge or polenta made from ground maize. Meat also remains central to the South African diet with braai (barbeque) and biltong (dried & preserved) being the most common methods of preparation. Beef, mutton, goat, and chicken are all found in South African dishes. As far as foreign influences go, the Dutch brought spices like nutmeg and chili peppers as well as pickled fish and a variety of fish stews, the French brought wines and traditional recipes from France, and the Indians brought curry dishes, chutneys, and fried snacks, amongst other items. Being a major city, Pretoria features restaurants of both local and international cuisine, as well as popular franchises.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Pack a water bottle to avoid buying drinks on the go. Plus, it's beneficial for the planet.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Pretoria, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Feisty Food Tour for $74 details
- Pan African Cooking Class & Organic food experience for $197 details
- Lesedi Cultural Experience + Lunch or Dinner for $104 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Pretoria
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Pretoria typically cost an average of $14 (R267) 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.
$14
R267
Many of Pretoria's attractions revolve around the natural world. Even its governmental Union Buildings are designed with beautiful gardens. Other top nature sights include the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, which is home to succulents, herbs, a wetland area, arboretum, and wildlife, as well as the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, which includes a 210-acre zoo and research hub that features a reptile park, aquarium, and exotic tree collection. Combining the best of history and nature, another popular attraction of Pretoria is the Wonderboom Nature Reserve, a public park with a 19th-century fort, Stone Age site, and a 1,000-year-old fig tree.
As far as historical monuments and museums go, the Voortrekker Monument commemorates the Afrikaans settlers who arrived in the country during the 1830s. Other important sights include the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (formerly known as the Transvaal Museum), the living history Victorian settlement at the Pioneer Museum, Freedom Park memorial and museum dedicated to those killed in past wars, the Melrose House Victorian mansion, and the Pretoria Art Museum which features a collection of Dutch masters and South African works.
For those interested in higher education, Pretoria is also home to the University of Pretoria, University of South Africa, and Tshwane University of Technology.
Pretoria has plenty of opportunities to get out and do some sightseeing-from historical museums and art galleries to nature reserves, gardens, and zoos. Beyond the list mentioned above, a few additional popular places to visit include the Fort Klapperkop Heritage Site (which encompasses a museum and nature reserve), the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, and Groenkloof Nature Reserve which features wildlife like zebra and giraffe as well as plenty of hiking and biking trails.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Pretoria. 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:
- Elephant Experience & Lesedi Cultural Village for $144 details
- Soweto & Apartheid Museum Tour for $138 details
- Guided Walking with Lions Bush-walk Tour for $274 details
Nightlife Budget in Pretoria
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $31 (R576) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Pretoria per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$31
R576
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 9, 2025
Traveling in Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa
Located in Gauteng Province, Pretoria is the administrative capital city of South Africa, making it home to many government buildings and three universities. It is actually one of three capital cities, being home to the executive branch, with Cape Town as the legislative capital and Bloemfontein as the judicial capital. Within South Africa, Pretoria is also known as the "Jacaranda City" due to the thousands of jacaranda trees lining its streets, parks, and gardens.
Neighborhoods & Around
Pretoria is divided into 5 regions: Eastern, Southern, Central Western, North West, and North East. Much of the city is made up of sprawling suburbs that feature corporate offices, small businesses, shops, and government departments. The traditional center of government and commerce, however is concentrated in the central business district. The city center also consists of many banks, large corporations, shopping centers, and other businesses. With a few towering skyscrapers, this area of Pretoria additionally features historical buildings, monuments, and museums like the Pretoria City Hall, Pretorius Square, Church Square, the Ou Raadsaal, and the Transvaal Museum. Other attractions include the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Melrose House Museum, Pretoria Art Museum, and the African Window Cultural History Museum-again all concentrated in the city center.
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.