Cheap Places To Live In South Africa?
Cape Town
The vibrant city of Cape Town is easily one of the most popular places among expats working and living in South Africa.
The port city on the southwest coast has an ideal blend of old and new, with many historical landmarks and plenty of modern amenities.
As Cape Town is a global business hub, finding work here is easy. There are opportunities in all sectors, such as Tourism, hospitality, and transport.
Plus, as there are many international companies, there are also plenty of jobs in marketing and finance.
There is so much to do here, so Cape Town offers a fun and existing lifestyle for expats and digital nomads. Moreover, several safe neighborhoods provide a comfortable life to foreigners, including those with children.
City Bowl is one of the most popular districts at the foot of Table Mountain. It has all the amenities you’ll need and is close to some of the best international schools.
Johannesburg
As the biggest city in the country and a vast economic center, Johannesburg is naturally one of the best places to live in South Africa for expats.
Johannesburg has a relatively mild and pleasant climate as it is located in the Gauteng province in the northeast of the country.
Nicknamed the “city of gold,” Johannesburg was a 19th-century gold-mining settlement. But, today is a bustling metropolis home to around 4.4 million people.
There is always a lot going on and plenty of cool places to hang out. As a result, many parts of the city have a hipster vibe, and new cafes, bars, and boutique stores are constantly popping up.
Ongoing urban regeneration projects occur in many of the city’s districts, resulting in all types of accommodation, such as trendy loft-style apartments.
However, some parts of the inner city are high-crime areas, so it’s best to base yourself in the suburbs like Rosebank or Parkhurst. Many of these districts have gated communities for extra safety.
Durban
Although lesser known than Cape Town and Johannesburg, Durban is one of the best cities in South Africa for those who want to enjoy sunny weather and beautiful beaches.
It is on the east coast, boasting a tropical climate with all-year-round warmth and sunshine.
Durban has many gorgeous beaches and exhilarating nightlife, perfect additions to the weather. It’s also among the safest South African cities, especially if you live in one of the gated communities.
Morningside is one of the most popular neighborhoods among expats as it’s close to the financial district yet still has a peaceful vibe. There is also Glenwood, adored by young, trendy professionals, and Queensburgh, favored by families for its housing availability and proximity to schools.
Pretoria
As the administrative capital and a one-hour drive from Johannesburg, Pretoria is another of the best cities to live in South Africa.
Pretoria is also smaller, quieter, and less crowded than its bustling neighbor, making it an excellent alternative for foreigners who prefer a slower pace of life.
Another reason why expats like Pretoria is because it is full of culture and history with plenty of monuments and museums to visit. It is also full of beautiful flowers and trees, such as bright purple jacaranda trees.
In fact, there are so many that it is nicknamed “Jacaranda City.” In addition, there are some lovely parks and other nature-rich outdoor spaces.
Pretoria is home to three top-class universities and numerous research centers, resulting in many jobs in the education and science fields.
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is a smaller city located in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape. It is one of the best South African cities for those who love nature and wildlife.
This is because this part of the coast has year-round whale, dolphin, and seal sightings and several nature reserves.
Port Elizabeth is known for its friendly community vibe and windy weather. It is one of the most laid-back cities in South Africa and the sunniest, with, on average, 300 days of sunshine each year.
Because of its relaxed vibe and nature-rich setting, Port Elizabeth is particularly popular among families. In addition, there is so much in town to keep you entertained.
What is the safest place to live in South Africa?
The city of Cape Town, known as the Mother City, is consistently ranked as the safest city in South Africa.
While its crime rate is not lower than many other cities in the country, there are lovely safe areas to explore. And like cities anywhere, there are parts that are better avoided.
Where do most foreigners live in South Africa?
Although the country has 11 official languages, most locals speak English fluently. Most ex-pats live in Johannesburg, Pretoria, or Cape Town – the country’s financial and political centers.