What Johannesburg actually looks, feels, and costs like for someone considering moving. Neighbourhoods, climate, transport, healthcare, safety, and the practical scaffolding — every figure sourced.
Country
South Africa
Africa
Population
6,200,000
metro · 2022
Area
1,645 km²
Elevation
1753 m
city centre
Time zone
Africa/Johannesburg
Currency
ZAR
Airport
JNB · O. R. Tambo International Airport
Metro
1 metro line
Walkability
●●○○○
editorial score · 1–5
Bike friendliness
●○○○○
editorial score · 1–5
Primary language
English dominant in business; isiZulu, Sesotho, and Afrikaans widely spoken. Car-dependent metro.
Johannesburg is a city of 6,200,000 people in South Africa (Africa). It is one of South Africa's largest urban centres. The main international airport is JNB (O. R. Tambo International Airport). The metro system has 1 line.
A one-bedroom city-centre apartment runs approximately €580 per month. Monthly groceries for one person run approximately €190. A monthly public-transport pass costs €55. Across the 100 cities Meridian tracks, Johannesburg ranks 16th overall on combined monthly essentials — among the cheaper.
Johannesburg's climate is continental — January is typically the warmest month with average highs around 26°C, while June is the coldest with average lows near 4°C. Annual rainfall totals approximately 719mm, wettest in January.
Cost of living
Cost of living
Total monthly essentials: approximately €900/month EUR-equivalent for a single person in a 1-bedroom flat (rent + utilities + groceries + transit). District and lifestyle swing this 30–50% either way.
Visa policy, taxation, healthcare, and broadband infrastructure are national rather than city-level — the numbers below are South Africa-wide context for someone weighing Johannesburg specifically. Each links through to the full country brief.
DHA launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) pilot programme from late 2025 — applying initially to select visa-exempt countries as a pre-travel online authorisation (similar to ESTA or ETIAS). Expected to streamline border processing and enhance security screening. Full rollout expected through 2026.
Who it affects: Visa-exempt short-term visitors from specific participating countries.
Minister Schreiber announced a comprehensive Critical Skills List review in 2025, with consultation with business and labour-market stakeholders. Publication of the revised list is expected during 2026. Likely to add emerging-technology occupations (AI, quantum, advanced manufacturing) and potentially refine healthcare and engineering sub-categories.
Who it affects: Current and future Critical Skills Work Visa applicants.
The Remote Work Visa was officially added to SA's Immigration Regulations on 28 March 2024; publicly launched by Minister Schreiber on 9 October 2024; applications fully operational from March 2025. 12-month initial visa, renewable annually up to 3 years. Income threshold ZAR 650,976/year (reduced from initially-proposed ZAR 1M).
Who it affects: Non-SA remote workers earning ZAR 650,976+/year.
A one-bedroom apartment in central Johannesburg rents for around €580 per month. Combined monthly essentials (rent + utilities + groceries + transit) total approximately €900 EUR-equivalent. Individual spend varies 30–50% by district and lifestyle.
Is Johannesburg expensive compared to other global cities?
Johannesburg ranks 16th out of 100 cities Meridian tracks for combined monthly living costs — among the cheapest quartile, and 2nd of 3 within South Africa. Rankings use EUR-normalised rent + utilities + groceries + transit.
What's the weather like in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg sees average summer highs of 26°C in January and winter lows of 4°C in June. Annual rainfall totals about 719mm. Full monthly breakdown in the Climate section above.
What visa do I need to move to Johannesburg?
Johannesburg's visa regime is set at the national level — South Africa tracks 4 residence-permit routes including Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa, Critical Skills Work Visa, General Work Visa, among others. See the South Africa country brief for full eligibility, salary thresholds, and processing times.
How do you get around in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg has 1 metro line; the city centre is not especially walkable (Meridian editorial score 2/5). Monthly transit pass cost is in the breakdown above.
What language is spoken in Johannesburg?
English dominant in business; isiZulu, Sesotho, and Afrikaans widely spoken. Car-dependent metro.
What is the main airport for Johannesburg?
Johannesburg's primary international airport is JNB (O. R. Tambo International Airport).