Moving to Johannesburg

Living in Johannesburg as an expat

Johannesburg (or Joburg, as the city is commonly known) is the rhythmic centre at the heart of South Africa. Expats moving to Johannesburg will find themselves not only in the country’s economic engine room but also in one of the foremost financial centres in Africa.

Well known for its role in South Africa’s tumultuous history, the city is founded on gold, dust, contrast, and conflict. The pace of life in Joburg can be frenetic as business people pursue their ambitions and consumers shop with apparent abandon. The nickname eGoli, given to the city by locals, means ‘place of gold’ and refers to the gold found below the ground and the proliferation of wealth above it.

Despite its industrial reputation for mining and commerce, Joburg is not without its own unique brand of natural beauty. Its affluent neighbourhoods are spacious, leafy, and quiet, and beyond the electrified fences one can find landscaped gardens of pastoral splendour.

Working in Johannesburg

Although Johannesburg is South Africa’s commercial hub, it also has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. That said, most expats move to Johannesburg for specialist roles, for which there is a general skills shortage. The healthcare, finance, and engineering sectors are popular industries for those looking to work in Johannesburg.

As an expat, you’ll need a work visa, which must be applied for from a mission outside the country. Generally, your employer will help with this process, but it remains bureaucratic and tiresome.

Working in Johannesburg 
Visas and Residence Permits for South Africa 
Work Permits for South Africa

Lifestyle in Johannesburg

The lifestyle in Johannesburg is more corporate and fast-paced than in Cape Town. Still, most locals and expats still find the time to play as hard as they work. It’s also easy to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, thanks to the abundance of nearby weekend getaway spots in Clarens, Cullinan, and Hartebeespoort.

Within Johannesburg itself, there are a fair few hiking trails and botanical gardens that residents can enjoy. Locals also enjoy keeping fit, with a strong road running and cycling culture across the city.

Johannesburg is also home to some of the biggest shopping malls in South Africa, making it a haven for shopaholics. Sandton City Mall, Fourways Mall, and Mall of Africa are some of the most popular, offering a wide range of luxury and value brands.

Lifestyle in Johannesburg 
Shopping in Johannesburg 
Sport and Fitness in Johannesburg

Finding accommodation in Johannesburg

For those who can afford to live in the relative safety of its wealthy suburbs, Johannesburg offers an exceptionally high standard of living coupled with great economic opportunity. You can find a wide range of accommodation options in Johannesburg, including freestanding homes, townhouses, apartments, and homes in security estates.

Accommodation in Johannesburg is more affordable than in Cape Town, and most of the city’s neighbourhoods have both budget and luxury housing. Some of the most popular neighbourhoods in Johannesburg include the ritzy Sandton, Rosebank, and Fourways. Northcliff, Randburg, and Lonehill are some family-friendly areas in Johannesburg.

Advice on Renting Accommodation in Johannesburg 
Best Places to Live in Johannesburg

Cost of living in Johannesburg

The cost of living in South Africa is generally lower than overseas and roughly on par with better-developed African countries. Living in Johannesburg is about half as costly as in European capitals. Expats with a foreign-currency income will be able to live well, and local salaries, while lower, can still afford a good quality of life.

Accommodation in Johannesburg is reasonably priced, if not slightly higher than in most other South African cities. Grocery costs are on par with those in other cities. Petrol costs a bit more than in coastal cities, but otherwise, transport costs are about the same. Private education and healthcare, although costly, are more likely to meet expats’ standards.

Cost of Living in Johannesburg

Living in Johannesburg with children

Expat families can enjoy outdoor outings to destinations such as the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve, and Zoo Lake. The Highveld game and nature reserves outside the city also allow expats to connect with nature and experience the country’s iconic grasslands and wildlife.

That said, many Joburg locals looking for entertainment simply head to the city’s mega malls for shopping, socialising, movies and excellent eateries.

Healthcare in Johannesburg

Finding a school in Johannesburg

Parents may be surprised by the lack of options in international schools in Johannesburg, as it’s a fairly large city. That said, education and schools in Johannesburg are generally exceptional. You can also find top-rated higher education institutions like the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Johannesburg.

Public education in the wealthier suburbs is typically better, but most expats prefer sending their children to private or international schools. Private schools usually offer the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) or the International Baccalaureate, and they are frequently more affordable than international schools.

Education and Schools in Johannesburg 
Private Schools in Johannesburg 
International Schools in Johannesburg

Getting around in Johannesburg

One of the downsides of moving to Johannesburg is the public transport situation. Unreliable public transport in the city forces those who can afford it to use a car as their primary mode of transport.

Kamikaze-like minibus taxis, which are the most commonly used public transport, are a constant source of irritation and danger on the roads. Due to safety concerns, walking in certain areas is also inadvisable. The local government is working on improving public transport, and there are plans to extend the Gautrain and Rea Vaya systems.

Getting Around in Johannesburg

Climate in Johannesburg

Expats often remark on Johannesburg’s ideal climate, and the weather certainly is one of the major attractions for many people moving to Joburg. Summer is characterised by hot, clear days and spectacular late-afternoon thunderstorms, while its frosty winter mornings resolve into dry, warm days.

While Johannesburg may have its flaws, just like any expat destination, new arrivals typically find they enjoy the high quality of life and low cost of living. They are also often welcomed by the friendly locals, leading to many expats choosing to call Joburg home permanently.

Climate Chart for Johannesburg