Where Are Expats Moving to in South Africa?

South Africa lives up to its “alive with possibilities” slogan, so it is no wonder that expats from around the world are drawn to its shores. Our diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique cultural mix offer a variety of lifestyles.

Thanks to the exchange rate, South Africa is incredibly affordable for remote workers who earn in foreign currency, allowing them to enjoy an even better quality of life here than they would in their home countries.

Here are some of the most popular destinations for expats living in South Africa.

Cape Town: The Mother City

Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations for any expat moving to South Africa. One of the main attractions is the stunning natural beauty with the iconic Table Mountain and beautiful beaches that will become the backdrop of your daily life.

The laid-back yet cosmopolitan vibe of Cape Town offers expats a chance to work, play and enjoy life at any time.

@lauren9dudley Replying to @user3284758040223 South Africans are the BEST people 🥹 #capetown #southafricatiktok #southafrica #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #capetowntiktok #capetownsouthafrica🇿🇦 ♬ original sound - Lauren | healing in my 20s

Expat and TikTokker, Lauren Dudley notes that some of her favourite aspects of living in Cape Town are the affordability, the gorgeous views, but most importantly, how welcoming South Africans are.

"Moving to South Africa was TERRIFYING for me and I think what is just amazing is how welcoming the locals can be, and how nice people here are…it’s so amazing how welcoming you guys are, it changes everything!"

Why Expats Love Cape Town:

• Natural Beauty: With the sea on one side and mountains on the other, the picturesque city provides plenty to look at, and even more to do. Outdoor activities include visits to local wine farms, or the Wine Tram, hiking, surfing, and playing in the waves with some penguins.

• Cultural Diversity: Thanks to its rich blend of cultures and languages, integrating into Cape Town is a breeze for expats. This diversity also allows them a chance to explore cultures and realities that are different from their own, widening their worldview.

• Expat Communities: The Atlantic Seaboard, Constantia, Hout Bay, and surrounding areas have become popular with expats, particularly from Europe. This gives them a chance to form a community with people who are just like them.

• International Work Opportunities: Cape Town is the place to be for those who work in creative fields, IT and tourism making it incredibly attractive to expats in these industries.

Estimated number of expats: Cape Town hosts about 100,000-150,000 expats, with a significant portion from Europe, particularly the UK and Germany.

Read more on the living costs in Cape Town:

• Cost of living in Cape Town

Johannesburg: The Economic Powerhouse

EGoli– the place of gold (or Johannesburg, Jozi or Joburg as we affectionately call it) is the economic heartbeat of South Africa and what it lacks in aesthetics, it makes up for in amazing vibes, a more affordable cost of living, robust job opportunities and some of the most hardworking people you will ever meet!

In August 2023, American expat Chrystle Jones moved her family to Johannesburg, and based on her social media, this was one of the best moves they could have made. One of her favourite things about living in Johannesburg is how family-friendly the city is. In a TikTok video, she remarked:

"In South Africa, they are so intentional about making sure that there are things that families can do together…moving out here, we don’t have sitters that can look after the kids so it’s amazing that we can bring them along and include them on the experiences that we’re having so they can be cultured and well versed."

Why Expats Love Johannesburg:

• Job Market: Many expats move to Johannesburg for business and job opportunities, particularly in the finance, mining, and corporate sectors. Johannesburg is a city where the hustle is truly alive and is the best place for expats who are trying to advance their careers or businesses.

• Modern Lifestyle: Africa’s richest square mile - Sandton - is situated in Johannesburg, and with other upscale areas like Hyde Park, Melrose, and Rosebank, expats can enjoy world-class shopping, dining, and business facilities at a fraction of the cost of doing so in their home countries.

• Networking: Johannesburg is one of the best places to network with professionals and business owners. The city is a hub for professional networking, with conferences, expos, and business gatherings creating opportunities for both local and international connections.

• Affordable Luxury: Johannesburg offers luxury living in affluent areas like Sandton at significantly lower costs than in cities like Cape Town or overseas, making it appealing for expats seeking comfort without the high price tag.

@hey_mrsjones Cost of living in South Africa #costofliving #southafricacostofliving #southafrica #johannesburg #expat #fyp #microinfluencer #nanoinfluencer ♬ original sound - Chrystle | Lifestyle Creator

Find out what it will set you back to live in Jozi:

•  The cost of living in Johannesburg

Estimated number of expats: Gauteng is home to over 50% of the expat population, with an estimated 200,000-300,000 living in the region.

Hidden Expat Gems: Underrated Destinations You Shouldn't Overlook

While cities like Durban and Pretoria are not as popular with expats, they may be worth considering for their exceptional lifestyle.

Durban

Durban offers year-round warmth with their subtropical weather. Areas like Ballito and Umhlanga are perfect for expats as they provide luxury and ease of access at a fraction of the cost.

Additionally, the cost of living in Durban is lower than in Johannesburg and Cape Town, giving expats more value for their money.

Why Expats Will Love Durban:

• Stunning Beaches: Durban boasts a long stretch of golden sandy beaches along the Indian Ocean, perfect for surfing, swimming, and enjoying year-round sunshine.

• Warm Climate: With mild winters and hot summers, Durban's subtropical climate offers expats ideal weather for outdoor activities and beach living.

• Cultural Diversity: Durban is a melting pot of cultures, blending Zulu heritage, Indian influences, and modern urban life, providing a rich cultural experience for expats.

• Affordable Living: Compared to other major cities in South Africa, Durban offers a lower cost of living, making it attractive for expats seeking quality accommodation, dining, and leisure without breaking the bank.

_{Behind the crashing waves and fancy hotels lies an expat heaven.}

Estimated number of expats: Around 20,000-50,000.

One thing going for Durban is the exceptionally low cost of living, read on to plan your budget:

• The cost of living in Durban

Pretoria

Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, is home to government institutions and is the city of choice for diplomats and other expats working in government. It is a quieter alternative to Johannesburg but is still close enough to enjoy the benefits of a major city.

Why Expats Will Love Pretoria:

• Laid-back Lifestyle: Pretoria offers a more relaxed and slower-paced lifestyle compared to Johannesburg, making it ideal for expats who prefer a quieter, more peaceful environment.

• Green Spaces and Gardens: Known as the "Jacaranda City" due to its tree-lined streets, Pretoria is filled with parks, gardens, and nature reserves, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

• Rich History and Culture: Home to many historical landmarks, museums, and cultural institutions, this city offers expats an opportunity to deep dive into South Africa’s history and heritage.

• Proximity to Johannesburg: While Pretoria provides a more relaxed atmosphere, its close proximity to Johannesburg (and the Gautrain) ensures a quick commute to the economic and business hub of South Africa, giving expats the best of both worlds.

Pretoria also boasts some of the country’s top educational institutions like the prestigious University of Pretoria and offers expats quiet, luxurious living in its exclusive suburbs and estates.

Estimated number of expats: Pretoria has a smaller but concentrated expat community, likely 30,000-50,000.

Ready to take up life in sunny SA?

South Africa offers a wide range of options when it comes to expat communities, from vibrant cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg to peaceful warm coastal cities like Durban.

Whether you are drawn to natural beauty, a warm community, an affordable cost of living, job opportunities, or a slower pace of life, the country provides a variety of lifestyles to suit diverse needs.

Expats moving to South Africa will find an incredible mix of culture, outdoor activities, and a warm community to help them feel right at home.