Discover the Best Neighborhoods to Live in South Africa

Thinking of moving to South Africa? It’s one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, full of breathtaking landscapes and stunning wildlife. With a deeply multicultural population of over 57 million people, “The Rainbow Nation” has long been a home for expats. However, you still need to know where in South Africa you’ll be living. The country has nine different provinces and many different major cities to choose from. It all depends on your tastes; some places are very relaxed and coastal while others are fast-paced and central.

Choosing the right place to live is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. For expats, finding the perfect location often comes down to balancing priorities like job prospects, cost of living, quality of schools, healthcare, and the type of community you’d like to be part of.

South Africa truly has something to offer every expat - from Cape Town’s breathtaking scenery and cosmopolitan lifestyle, to Johannesburg’s career opportunities, Durban’s warm coastal charm, and the more relaxed pace of cities like Pretoria.

Let's explore some of the most popular cities and regions for expats, highlighting what makes each one unique.

Cape Town

Cape Town is one of South Africa’s three capital cities, and is the most popular destination for expats. Known as “The Mother City”, this is where urban living and natural beauty blend together perfectly. The Telegraph named Cape Town the best city in the world in 2020, and there’s no wondering why; it’s truly stunning.

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Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Living in Cape Town means enjoying a dynamic lifestyle with a thriving tech scene and a culturally diverse community.

There’s the South Atlantic Ocean on one side, mountains on the other, and a spine of hills running right through the centre of this southwestern city. There aren’t many backdrops more unique than the flat-topped Table Mountain, which overlooks the whole city. It's one of the natural wonders of the world, and about 3.5 million Capetonians get to live right next to it.

Cape Town has moderate air pollution and is surrounded by sea and mountains. In 2022, it was named the most sustainable city in Africa and, a year later, the greenest city in South Africa.

Unsurprisingly, all this scenery means there’s a lot to do in Cape Town. The hills and mountains are perfect for hiking and cycling, while the gorgeous stretch of coastline is full of opportunities for diving and surfing. There are also local wineries, the flowery Cape Floral Kingdom, and the colourful Cape Malay district of Bo-Kaap.

What’s more, the weather is unlikely to ruin your plans; it’s nice and temperate, meaning it’s rarely too hot or too cold. Winter temperatures range around 7-18°C, while in summer they’re generally between 15-25°C. The coolest thing about the Cape Town weather is the layer of cloud that regularly forms on top of Table Mountain, known as “the tablecloth”.

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The cost of living in Cape Town is approximately 60% lower than in London, offering a more affordable lifestyle. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Cape Town is 60% lower than it is in London. You get a sweet dose of natural beauty and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to live there.

However, living in Cape Town has its drawbacks as well. The Afropolitan city is not as culturally diverse or racially integrated as, for example, Johannesburg or Durban. Cape Town has a recorded murder rate of 68 per 100,000 inhabitants (2023), and some areas are considered dangerous. Rent and property prices can be high and the city has many power blackouts.

Cape Town offers a variety of neighbourhoods, each with its unique charm and appeal.

Popular Neighborhoods in Cape Town:

• Victoria & Alfred Waterfront: One of the most visited attractions in Cape Town, featuring the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, Watershed, V&A Food Market, top-class hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions like Zeitz MOCAA.
• Bo-Kaap: A historical neighborhood on the slopes of Signal Hill, known for its brightly colored houses, museums, mosques, and Cape Malay cuisine.
• Sea Point: Overlooking Three Anchor Bay, with a seaside promenade, high-rise apartments, and trendy restaurants.
• Camps Bay: Famous for its palm-tree-lined beach, million-dollar mansions, restaurants, shops, hotels, and beach-side bars.
• Gardens: A buzzing inner-city suburb with Kloof Street, restaurants, pubs, shops, art galleries, and the Labia Theatre.
• Hout Bay: A seaside town with a working harbor, Mariner’s Wharf, seafood restaurants, and the Bay Harbour Market.
• Woodstock: A creative hub with workshops, art galleries, co-working spaces, restaurants, breweries, and street art.
• Observatory: Known for its bohemian vibe, Lower Main Road nightlife, thrift shops, and the Heart of Cape Town Museum.
• Muizenberg: A relaxed seaside suburb with Surfers Corner, a popular beach for swimmers and surfers.
• Kalk Bay: A village with restaurants, cafes, thrift shops, art stores, and a bustling working harbor.

Cape Town City Bowl

Johannesburg

Over in northeast South Africa is Johannesburg, or “Joburg”, or “Jozi”, or “Joni”, or “Jo-whatever you want”. It’s also known as “The City of Gold”, because it all started with a gold rush back in 1886. While Joburg is not one of South Africa’s three capital cities, it is South Africa’s largest city (with around 4.4 million people).

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Johannesburg, often referred to as ‘Jozi,’ is the economic powerhouse of South Africa, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and growing skyline. This major city is South Africa’s largest city and Africa’s richest square mile, reflecting its status as a hub for opportunity and innovation, alongside other capital cities.

It’s not beside the sea or anything, but you do get some of the best career opportunities that South Africa has to offer. Cape Town is all about the magnificent scenery and the laid-back atmosphere, but Joburg is all about the lively hustle and the fast-paced bustle. The city’s central business district (CBD) - known as “the African Manhattan” - is the heart of South Africa’s financial and entertainment industries.

The shopping scene in Joburg is world-class. Not only are there lots of fancy malls full of designer boutiques (e.g. Sandton City) and glitzy casinos, but there is also a wide range of multicultural markets. For example, Yeoville Market is full of treasures, bursting with colourful textiles, spices and food from all over the continent.

Meanwhile, nature lovers can still get their fix; Joburg’s got some stunning botanical gardens and Lion Park (full of lions) is only a 45-minute drive away. There’s also the nearby town of Soweto, where you can hike, bike, bungee jump and generally just get away from Joburg’s intense city vibes.

The city experiences fairly mild and pleasant weather, aside from the famous thunderstorms that tend to hit the city in the summer (they make incredible viewing). Summer temperatures range between 14-26°C while winter temperatures are generally between 2-18°C.

According to Numbeo, living costs in Joburg are about 41% lower than in London, making it more expensive than Cape Town, but the salaries tend to be higher too.

A downside of living in Joburg is the high crime rate, which recorded around 50 murders per 100,000 inhabitants (2023). Many affluent people live in gated communities or neighborhoods with security. So, while culturally diverse, it’s also more segregated than Durban. In 2023, the city had the second-most traffic congestion in South Africa.

Johannesburg is home to several safe and affluent neighbourhoods that cater to different lifestyles and budgets. Sandton, Rosebank, and Parkview are known for their affluent living conditions and are popular among expatriates and affluent residents, including South African citizens.

Johannesburg CBD skyline

Durban

Over on the east coast of South Africa is the scorching city of Durban. Its main draw is undoubtedly the tropical weather, which means it’s warm all year round. The 3.1 million people who live there have got the best beaches and nightlife in the country.

Durban is known for its cultural diversity, balmy weather, and beautiful beaches, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a coastal lifestyle. The city offers a sun-soaked coastal lifestyle rich in cultural experiences, with a lower cost of living compared to other South African cities.

The Golden Mile promenade (which actually measures about four miles) is basically South Africa’s answer to the Miami Strip. People party all night and then watch the sunrise over the Indian Ocean in the morning, probably a little bleary-eyed.

Sport is big in Durban. The city’s fierce rugby team (one of the best in South Africa) are known as “The Sharks”, and they play in a 52,000-seat stadium nicknamed “The Shark Tank”. Fitting with the shark theme, along the Golden Mile you’ll also find uShaka Sea World, an incredible 16-hectare water park where you can be dropped (safely) into a shark tank.

You don’t need to love sharks to live in Durban, but it might help a bit. The city is also famous for its huge Indian community - so huge, in fact, that people joke about Durban being “the largest Indian city outside India”. The Indian markets here are very colourful affairs, and you’ll struggle to find a bad curry.

Durban’s vibrant culinary culture is showcased through popular dishes like Bunny Chow, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage. Durban offers access to beautiful beaches, nature trails, and golf courses for outdoor enthusiasts.

In Mercer’s latest Quality of Living report, Durban proudly scored the highest of all African cities, ranking 88th in the global table. The cost of living is distinctly cheaper in Durban than Johannesburg or Pretoria, being about 48% lower than in London (according to Numbeo).

Often described as a bit of a sleepy town, Durban is less flashy than Cape Town and quieter than Johannesburg and Pretoria. Though there are more dangerous cities in South Africa, the murder rate is 55 per 100,000 inhabitants (2023).

Umhlanga Rocks, Durban

Pretoria

Pretoria (technically called Tshwane) is the second of South Africa’s three capital cities. It is so close to Johannesburg (about 34 miles northeast) that people think the pair will form one big megacity by 2030. The name change to Tshwane in 2005 was a controversial attempt to break with the country's Apartheid history, but it hasn't really stuck.

Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, is celebrated for its historical significance and the beautiful jacaranda trees that line its streets, making it a true jacaranda city. Located about 34 miles northeast of Johannesburg, Pretoria offers easy accessibility to the bustling economic hub while maintaining a quieter, family-oriented lifestyle.

One name that everyone's happy with is “Jacaranda City”, which is inspired by the sheer number of bright purple jacaranda trees all over the city. As the country’s administrative capital, Pretoria is full of important government buildings. Most of them are are a nice sandstone colour, so they go well with the pretty jacarandas.

Pretoria is also a very academic city, home to three universities and numerous research centres. This means a hearty chunk of the 2.1 million people in Pretoria are either civil servants or students. Depending on which group you end up with, bars can either be very civilised or rather rowdy.

Beyond all the impressive government buildings and museums, Pretoria also has some cracking wildlife on offer. Not only are there botanical gardens and a zoo, but there’s also the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre. This place is famous for successfully breeding African wild dogs, brown hyenas and Cape vultures - just try and name a more attractive trio of animals. Don’t worry, they have cheetahs too.

Being so close to Joburg, the climate and living costs in Pretoria are basically identical to those of its sister city.

Public transport in Pretoria is well-rated, promoting ease of mobility for residents. Brooklyn is a popular suburb known for its appeal to retirees and its family-centric atmosphere. Pretoria is known for providing excellent education opportunities through a variety of schools, including public, private, and international options.

As one of the capital cities of South Africa, crime rates are high, and there are often mass demonstrations near the Union Buildings. Heavy traffic is also an inevitable issue.

Union Buildings, Pretoria

Other Notable Locations

Besides the major cities, South Africa offers several other attractive locations:

• Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth): Recognised for its friendly atmosphere and appealing coastal scenery, offering outdoor activities, wildlife encounters, and a vibrant community vibe.
• Garden Route: Known for its lush forests, pristine beaches, and charming towns, offering a picturesque setting with vibrant landscapes.
• KwaZulu-Natal Midlands: Known for its rural, community-focused lifestyle that emphasizes arts and crafts.
• Drakensberg Region: Offers a unique living experience with its luxurious resorts and charming villages, conveniently located near Durban and Johannesburg.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in South Africa can vary significantly depending on the region. For instance, the cost of living in Cape Town is approximately 60% lower than in London, offering a more affordable lifestyle.The cost of living across South Africa is generally lower than in many countries in Europe and North America. Typically, housing, groceries, and healthcare may be more expensive in larger cities or the closer you live to the center.

Here's a general comparison of living costs in South African cities relative to London:

City	Cost of Living (Compared to London)
Cape Town	60% Lower
Johannesburg	41% Lower
Durban	48% Lower
Port Elizabeth	50% Lower
Bloemfontein	45% Lower

Important Considerations for Expats

Here are several factors to keep in mind when considering a move to South Africa:

• Safety and Security: Research neighborhoods carefully and consider secure areas or gated communities.
• Cultural Adjustments: South Africa is a diverse country with a rich mix of cultures.
• Cost of Living: While South Africa is generally more affordable than Europe or North America, expenses vary widely depending on location.
• Private Health Insurance: Essential for expatriates to access better healthcare services in South Africa.
• Education: Many expatriates choose international schools for their children, which follow recognised curricula like the International Baccalaureate or British A-Levels in many countries.

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