Moving to South Africa can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
More than 2 million foreign-born nationals already call it home, drawn by the country’s diverse culture, affordable cost of living, and natural beauty.
Most expats settle in the “big three” – Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. These cities have a bit of everything, each with its own flavor.
But South Africa is much more than just those three hubs. Limiting yourself to them means missing out on smaller cities and towns that may offer an even better experience.
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Choosing the best place for you
South Africa has 9 provinces, each with its own unique character and opportunities.
- Major cities offer a fast-paced lifestyle with modern amenities, nightlife, great food, diverse communities, and easy access to nature.
- Smaller towns move at a slower pace. Amenities can be farther apart, but you gain a laid-back lifestyle, lower costs, tight-knit communities, and closeness to nature.
The right place for you depends on your budget, lifestyle, and stage of life. Sometimes the best choice is to test out a few towns before you commit.
Spending a month or two in your top picks will give you a feel for where you feel most at home.
Other factors to consider when choosing a place to live are:
- Safety.
- Job opportunities.
- Proximity to school.
- Proximity to healthcare.
The best cities to live in South Africa
Cape Town - Natural beauty and technological hub
Cape Town is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and certainly one of the most beautiful.
Within a two-hour drive, you can reach mountain ranges, pristine beaches, sprawling winelands, and even the dry Karoo desert.
But there’s more to Cape Town than scenery. Its unique location has made it a true melting pot of cultures.
You’ll find cuisines from across South Africa and the world, along with vibrant art, beautiful people and music, and a buzzing nightlife.
And then there’s the wine. The Cape Winelands, just an hour away, are home to some of the world’s most celebrated vineyards.
Wine has been made here since the 1600s, and many estates still carry that heritage forward today.
Cape Town has also become South Africa’s tech hub, and arguably Africa’s.
Startups thrive here thanks to strong support, and the growing ecosystem has created a steady demand for talent.If you’re an entrepreneur, there’s no shortage of opportunity.
The catch? Cape Town is also the most expensive city in South Africa. If you can handle the higher costs, though, it may be the best place to put down roots.
Johannesburg - For young professionals
Johannesburg, Jo’burg, or simply Jozi, is South Africa’s economic capital.
It’s a city of rich cultural heritage, a deep and complex history, and has the youngest population in the country.
It’s also a bit more affordable than Cape Town. With many of the country’s largest companies headquartered here, job opportunities are plentiful, making it a top choice for ambitious young professionals.
Living in Jozi, you feel the hustle. There’s an energy in the streets as young adults build their careers and businesses.
While the city lacks Cape Town’s natural beauty, it makes up for it with culture and social life. You’ll find endless chances to network and connect with people from every background.
And because Johannesburg was at the center of South Africa’s apartheid struggle, living here means you’re surrounded by history and reminders of resilience.
Joburg is massive and car-friendly, most places are best reached by car. If that works for you, it’s a city worth serious consideration.
Port Elizabeth - Golden beaches and year-round perfect weather
Now known as Gqeberha, Port Elizabeth is a coastal city in the Eastern Cape famous for its golden beaches and warm Indian Ocean.
Thanks to its mild climate, it’s ranked among the top cities in the world for year-round pleasant weather.
Life here means more time outdoors. You can swim, surf, snorkel, or fish along Algoa Bay.
The bay is also home to dolphins, seals, and whales, which you can spot throughout the year.
Just outside the city, Addo Elephant National Park offers a chance to see the “Big 7”: elephants, buffalo, rhinos, leopards, lions, plus great white sharks and southern right whales.
Families thrive in Port Elizabeth too. The city is home to Nelson Mandela University as well as top public and private schools such as Alexander Road High, Pearson High, and Collegiate Girls’ High.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly city where you can combine ocean sports with easy access to wildlife, Port Elizabeth deserves a spot high on your list.
Pietermaritzburg - A City with a Small-Town Feel
Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, is the second-largest city in the province with a population of over 600,000.
It’s an important industrial hub, producing aluminum, timber, and dairy. Yet despite its size, it is still regarded as a small town in a city’s disguise.
That’s part of the appeal. Many families and young professionals choose Pietermaritzburg for its slower pace, affordable housing, and great schools.
The city is surrounded by greenery, rivers, and countryside views, giving it a relaxed atmosphere.
Pietermaritzburg is also rich in culture. Its Victorian-era architecture, museums, galleries, and historic sites offer plenty of ways to explore South Africa’s past, both pre- and post-apartheid.
If you want the benefits of a city without the stress of big-city living, Pietermaritzburg may be the right balance.
Hermanus - Quite sea-side town
Hermanus is a holiday destination but is a great place to settle into if what you crave is a quiet sea-side town.
Hermanus is best known as the world’s top spot for land-based whale watching.
Once just a holiday destination, it’s now attracting families who want to settle down thanks to good schools, quality healthcare, and great weather.
Cape Town is only 120 km away (about a two-hour drive), but Hermanus offers a much quieter lifestyle and a close-knit community.
Traffic is minimal compared to the city, and day-to-day life feels relaxed.
The town does get crowded in summer when tourists arrive for whale season and beach holidays. But that’s typically 2 – 3 months in the year.
For most of the year, it’s calm and peaceful, perfect if you want the benefits of coastal living without city chaos.
Simon's Town - Old navy town for the close-to-retiring crowd
Simon’s Town, about 35 km from Cape Town, is one of South Africa’s oldest towns with a rich maritime history.
For over 200 years it has been home to naval bases, first British Naval base, now South African Naval base.
Today, it’s a quiet village with stunning sea and mountain views. Residents enjoy hiking, water activities, and there’s a famous African penguin colony at nearby Boulders Beach.
The town has essential amenities like a medical center and shopping, and Cape Town is only a 45-minute drive away (longer during rush hour).
Simon’s Town tends to attract older professionals of 40yrs above, many nearing retirement, rather than younger families.
Housing can be expensive, but the scenery and pace of life make it worth it for those looking for a slower lifestyle.
Stellenbosch - Strong student community
Founded in 1679, Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second-oldest town. It’s a picture perfect wine region filled with cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and world-class restaurants.
But the town’s biggest draw is its academic excellence. Stellenbosch University, one of South Africa’s top universities, attracts over 30,000 students from across the globe.
This gives the town a youthful, vibrant energy and a thriving arts and music scene.
While not as expensive as Cape Town, the cost of living is still relatively high. Demand from students and tourists keeps prices elevated, especially for housing.
If you want a blend of history, culture, academics, and wine country charm, Stellenbosch is hard to beat.
Durban – South Africa’s Playground
Durban, the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal with over four million residents, is also Southern Africa’s busiest port city.
It offers year-round warm weather, though summers can be very hot and humid.
Unlike Cape Town’s freezing ocean, the Indian Ocean here is warm and perfect for swimming and water sports.
Thanks to its tropical climate and lively tourism scene, Durban has earned the nickname “South Africa’s Playground”.
But despite its popularity, it’s still more affordable than Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Durban is also home to excellent schools and five tertiary institutions, making it attractive for students and families.
One of its natural highlights is the Sardine Run, a massive annual migration where millions of sardines migrate to the east coast, drawing sharks, dolphins, whales, and seabirds into a spectacular feeding frenzy.
If you’re looking for warm weather, ocean living, and a vibrant social scene, Durban is an easy choice.
Other underrated towns you shouldn’t ignore
Nelspruit
Nelspruit, also called Mbombela, is the capital of Mpumalanga. It’s known for its warm climate, lush vegetation, and outdoor lifestyle.
The town sits right next to Kruger National Park, making it a dream location for wildlife lovers. It’s not unusual for locals to spot hippos wandering near the CBD.
Nelspruit is also surrounded by nature reserves, gardens, and waterfalls, perfect for hikes and family outings and picnics.
Just 30 minutes away lies Kaapsehoop, a historic mining town famous for its wild horses.
The wild horses horses roam freely through town and across hiking trails and roads, adding to the area’s unique charm.
Nelspruit’s cost of living is one of the lowest in South Africa, and the town is growing fast with solid healthcare, shopping centers, and sports facilities.
Growth is stronger on the western side, while the eastern areas still struggle with poverty and a weaker infrastructure.
De Kelders
De Kelders is a small coastal town between Hermanus and Gansbaai. It’s an important archaeological site where discoveries relevant to human evolution were made.
Today it’s a holiday village known for seafood, caves, and whale watching.
Located on the shores of Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary, it’s one of the best places in the world to watch southern right whales.
The whales often come within meters of the rocky shoreline which is very awe-inspiring to see up close.
The coastline is also famous for its underground cave systems, filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and clear pools that are perfect for a swim.
De Kelders has low crime, welcoming locals, and a peaceful village vibe. It’s especially suited to families, retirees, and pensioners. For singles, the lack of a strong social scene might make it less appealing.
Garden Route - Wilderness, George, Sedgefield, Mossel Bay
The Garden Route is a 300 km stretch of coastline from Mossel Bay to Storms River. It’s famous for its lush vegetation, lagoons, lakes, and scenic drives.
Along the way, you’ll find some of South Africa’s most charming towns: Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Mossel Bay, and Jeffreys Bay.
Each has its own appeal, from beaches and forests to golf courses and wildlife reserves.
The region has good amenities, hospitals, and proximity to George Airport, making it both livable and accessible.
Property investors have taken note, and these towns are steadily growing in popularity.
With its mix of mountains, forests, beaches, and outdoor activities, the Garden Route is a paradise for anyone who loves variety. It’s hard to imagine ever being bored here.
Hazyview
Hazyview, in Mpumalanga, is best known for farming bananas and macadamia nuts.
In fact it’s one of the major contributions to South Africa’s banana and macadamia nut production.
But for residents, its biggest appeal is its location, right on the edge of Kruger National Park.
Here, wildlife is part of daily life. For tourists, Kruger is about spotting the Big Five. For locals, it’s about living alongside nature year-round.
The town offers plenty of adventure: hot air balloon rides, cultural experiences, hiking, and, of course, safaris.
Its name comes from the shimmering haze that often hangs over the town, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Ballito Bay
Ballito Bay, a beautiful seaside holiday town on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, is famous for its golden beaches and warm waters.
Dolphins play in the surf year-round, and whales pass through during migration season.
The town has grown rapidly in recent decades, but it still holds a strong sense of community.
You’ll find everything you need to make it home: schools, shopping malls, hospitals, hotels, guesthouses, and a lively beachfront promenade.
Life in Ballito suits active people who love the ocean and water sports. With year-round warm weather and a vibrant coastal vibe, it’s a popular spot for both families and young professionals.
Salt Rock
Just north of Ballito, Salt Rock is a smaller fishing village with scenic beaches and tidal pools. Locals love its laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty.
It’s ideal for remote workers and young professionals who want the ocean at their doorstep.
Days are spent tanning, surfing, or tossing a frisbee on the beach. Evenings can mean casual dinners at local pubs or restaurants, with Ballito’s nightlife just minutes away.
Salt Rock offers the charm of village life with the convenience of being close to a larger town.
Howick
Howick, in KwaZulu-Natal, blends natural beauty with modern convenience.
It has solid infrastructure, good healthcare, and excellent schools, making it especially attractive for families.
The town offers something for everyone: quiet living, outdoor adventures, and cultural activities.
Surrounded by waterfalls, hiking trails, and history, Howick is a place where you can slow down without giving up access to city amenities.
Its location is another advantage. Howick sits close to King Shaka International Airport, Pietermaritzburg, and Durban, giving residents easy access to bigger cities and wider job opportunities.
Lions River
Lions River, near Howick, is a quiet rural village known for its breathtaking views of the Dargle Valley.
Life here is peaceful and slow, with few distractions, perfect for anyone who wants to escape busier, tourist-filled towns.
The locals are deeply committed to conservation, working to preserve the area’s rural character and natural beauty.
Living here means enjoying wide-open landscapes and mountain views, while still being within driving distance of larger towns and cities.
For those drawn to country living, Lions River offers simple beauty and a strong sense of place.
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