Johannesburg
Africa's business powerhouse, with leafy suburbs, art and a dynamic food scene.
South Africa › Johannesburg
Digimad score
6.8
Good
Best for Business + Art
About
Johannesburg is South Africa's economic heart, with a dynamic, creative energy, leafy suburbs, a thriving art and food scene and sunny winters. Professional networks are spread across distinct urban nodes such as Rosebank, Sandton and Maboneng. Distances are long and crime is a serious concern, so most people drive or use ride-hailing.
Johannesburg at a glance
Internet
Fibre is widely available and coworking spaces are plentiful.
Monthly budget
$1,700/mo comfortable, $1,100 lean
Best months
Highland climate
Community
Medium nomad density, fair English
Key points
Africa's largest business hub
A thriving art, music and food scene
Sunny, dry winters
Districts of Johannesburg
Rosebank is central and walkable by Joburg standards, Sandton is the business district, Parkhurst and Melville are leafy and artsy, and Maboneng is creative but requires care.
Cost of living
USD
Lean
$1,100/mo
Shared housing, local food
Comfortable
$1,700/mo
Private one-bed, coworking
Premium
$2,800/mo
Central, frequent dining
Local currency
ZAR
Affordable for foreign earners, though secure housing costs more.
Internet & connectivity
Fixed line
Not verified
Mobile
Not verified
eSIM
Supported
Reliability
GoodPublic Wi-Fi
FairPower stability
GoodFibre is widely available and coworking spaces are plentiful.
Nomad community
Nomad density
MediumEnglish
FairMeeting people
A business-focused community with coworking events and networking.
English is widely spoken, and the city is very diverse.
Safety
Emergency 112 (mobile)
At night
FairSolo female
FairPetty crime
FairCommon scams
ATM scams, phone snatching and car break-ins
Avoid walking at night, use ride-hailing apps and keep car doors locked.
Healthcare
Pharmacies
GoodPublic system
Public hospitals are overstretched, so most expats use private care.
Private care
Private hospitals offer world-class care.
Insurance
Choose comprehensive private medical insurance.
Getting around
Walkability
GoodPublic transport
FairAirports
- JNBO. R. Tambo International
The Gautrain links the airport, Sandton, Rosebank and Pretoria. Uber is widely used.
Climate & seasons
Highland climate
Warm summers with afternoon thunderstorms, and dry, sunny winters with cold nights.
All ratings
Watch out for
Crime, long distances and a car-dependent lifestyle