Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Johannesburg
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $28-85 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Johannesburg
Accommodation
$12-30 per night
Backpacker hostels with shared dorms, budget guesthouses in residential areas, basic rooms with shared bathrooms
Food & Dining
$8-20 per day
Street food vendors, local markets, grocery shopping for self-catering, township eateries, basic cafes
Transportation
$3-10 per day
Public minibus taxis, city buses, walking, occasional ride-sharing for safety at night
Activities
$5-25 per day
Free walking tours, public parks, some museums, self-guided township visits, occasional paid attractions
Currency: R South African Rand (prices shown in USD equivalent)
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Johannesburg
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Use minibus taxis instead of ride-sharing apps for 60-80% savings on transportation
Eat at local markets and township restaurants instead of tourist areas for 50-70% lower food costs
Book accommodation in residential suburbs rather than business districts for 30-50% savings
Take advantage of free walking tours and public parks instead of paid guided tours
Shop at local grocery stores and prepare some meals yourself to cut food costs by 40-60%
Use the Gautrain for airport transfers instead of private shuttles to save 40-70%
Visit during South African school terms (avoid December-January) for 20-40% lower accommodation rates
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Staying only in Sandton business district instead of exploring affordable neighborhoods - can cost 100-200% more
Taking ride-sharing for all transportation instead of learning the minibus taxi system - typically 300-500% more expensive
Eating exclusively in shopping malls and tourist areas instead of local establishments - usually 150-300% markup