Relocating from South Africa to London: Things to Know Before Your Move

When relocating from South Africa to London, one of the most noticeable differences is lifestyle. London is a bustling global hub, whereas South African cities, while vibrant, offer a mix of fast-paced and laid-back living depending on the location.

• Johannesburg vs. London: Johannesburg is South Africa’s economic powerhouse, similar to London in its focus on business and finance. Both cities offer numerous career opportunities and are home to a diverse population. However, Johannesburg offers more space and outdoor activities, while London’s lifestyle revolves around city living, public transport, and a faster pace.
• Cape Town vs. London: Cape Town’s blend of mountains, beaches, and vibrant culture offers a stark contrast to London’s urban environment. While Cape Town is slower-paced with an emphasis on outdoor activities, London is busier and offers more professional opportunities, cultural diversity, and international networking. However, Cape Town’s cost of living is lower compared to London, particularly in housing.
• Durban vs. London: Durban is known for its warm climate, laid-back beach lifestyle, and strong Indian cultural influence. London, on the other hand, offers a much faster pace and a diverse population from all over the world. While Durban’s climate is tropical, London’s weather is more varied, with colder winters and mild summers. London is ideal for those seeking a more international lifestyle and job market.
• Pretoria vs. London: Pretoria, as the administrative capital, is more relaxed and government-focused compared to London’s global finance hub. Pretoria is quieter, with a smaller population and a stronger community vibe. London, in contrast, is far more hectic and offers countless opportunities in business, education, and culture.

For anyone relocating from South Africa to London, one of the biggest adjustments will be the cost of living. London is notably more expensive than the major cities in South Africa, especially when it comes to rent and public transport.

• Rent: London’s rental market is significantly more expensive than in South Africa’s major cities. In central London, rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages between £2,000 and £3,000 per month. In Johannesburg, a similar apartment would cost between ZAR 8,000 and ZAR 15,000, which is about £350-£650. Cape Town is more expensive than Johannesburg, with rent ranging between ZAR 10,000 and ZAR 18,000 for a one-bedroom, still much cheaper than London. Durban and Pretoria offer more affordable rental options, with one-bedroom apartments ranging between ZAR 6,000 and ZAR 12,000.
• Utilities: Monthly utility costs (electricity, heating, cooling, water) in London average between £150-£200 for an 85 m² apartment. In Johannesburg, utilities for a similar-sized apartment cost around ZAR 1,500-2,500 (£65-£110). Cape Town’s utility prices are similar to Johannesburg’s, while Durban and Pretoria offer slightly lower utility costs due to the warmer climate.
• Groceries: London’s grocery bills are generally higher than those in South Africa. On average, a single person in London can expect to spend £200-£300 per month on groceries. In Johannesburg, the same groceries would cost around ZAR 3,000-4,000 (£130-£175), while Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria have similar, slightly lower, grocery costs.
• Transport: Public transport in London is efficient but expensive. A monthly travelcard for Zones 1-3 costs around £180. In Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria, public transport is much cheaper, with monthly transport costs ranging from ZAR 700-1,500 (£30-£65) depending on the city. However, the public transport infrastructure in South Africa is not as developed as London’s, so many people rely on private vehicles.

Renting in London will likely be one of the most significant financial adjustments for anyone relocating from South Africa to London. London’s rental prices are considerably higher, and the competition for housing is intense.

• Johannesburg: One-bedroom apartments in Johannesburg’s city center range from ZAR 8,000 to ZAR 15,000 (£350-£650), much lower than London. Suburban areas are even more affordable.
• Cape Town: Cape Town is South Africa’s most expensive city for renting, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from ZAR 10,000 to ZAR 18,000 (£450-£800). However, this is still far cheaper than London’s central areas, where similar properties cost at least £2,000 per month.
• Durban: Durban offers more affordable rent, with central apartments costing between ZAR 6,000 and ZAR 12,000 (£260-£520). Those relocating to London should prepare for much higher rental costs.
• Pretoria: Rent in Pretoria is affordable compared to London, with one-bedroom apartments ranging between ZAR 6,500 and ZAR 12,000 (£280-£520). London’s outer zones may offer lower rent options, but overall, it’s still a considerable increase.

Public transport is a key consideration for anyone relocating from South Africa to London. London’s public transport system is extensive but costly, while South African cities have limited but more affordable options.

• Johannesburg: Public transport in Johannesburg relies primarily on buses and the Gautrain, a fast train connecting the airport, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. Monthly costs range between ZAR 1,200 and ZAR 1,500 (£50-£65), but the network is not as extensive as London’s.
• Cape Town: Cape Town offers the MyCiti bus service and a limited rail network. Public transport is affordable, with monthly costs around ZAR 700-1,200 (£30-£50), but many people rely on cars for commuting.
• Durban: Public transport in Durban is more limited, with buses being the main option. Monthly public transport costs are low, between ZAR 600 and ZAR 1,000 (£25-£45), but the infrastructure does not compare to London’s.
• Pretoria: Pretoria has a well-developed bus system and is connected to Johannesburg via the Gautrain. Monthly public transport costs are similar to those in Johannesburg, around ZAR 1,200-1,500 (£50-£65), making it much cheaper than London.

In contrast, London’s public transport system, including the Underground, buses, Overground, and trains, is one of the most developed in the world. However, the costs reflect this, with monthly travelcards for central London priced around £180.

For families relocating from South Africa to London, understanding the differences in education is important. South Africa offers excellent schooling options, particularly in private and international schools, but London’s education system is vast and diverse.

• Johannesburg: Johannesburg offers many international and private schools alongside government-funded schools. Fees for private schools can range from ZAR 40,000 to ZAR 150,000 (£1,700-£6,500) per year, depending on the institution. London offers similar educational structures but with more international schools catering to expatriate families.
• Cape Town: Cape Town also offers a wide range of public and private schools, with fees similar to Johannesburg. London provides a broader variety of schools, with numerous international institutions offering globally recognized curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB).
• Durban and Pretoria: Both cities have good public schooling options, with fewer international schools compared to Johannesburg or Cape Town. Private school fees are comparable, ranging from ZAR 40,000 to ZAR 120,000 (£1,700-£5,200) per year.

London’s school system offers more options, particularly for international students. There are many independent schools with a global focus, but competition for places can be high.

The cultural experiences in South Africa and London vary significantly, though both places are vibrant and offer a mix of local and international influences.

• Johannesburg vs. London: Johannesburg is rich in history, arts, and music, particularly with its strong African cultural heritage. However, London’s cultural scene is more international, offering everything from world-class museums and theaters to festivals from various cultures worldwide.
• Cape Town vs. London: Cape Town’s blend of natural beauty and a relaxed lifestyle contrasts with London’s urban hustle. London’s cultural diversity is one of its biggest draws, and while Cape Town offers a unique local culture, London’s global influences make it a center for international arts, cuisine, and entertainment.
• Durban and Pretoria vs. London: Durban’s strong Indian and Zulu influences create a culturally rich city, but it doesn’t have the international scope that London offers. Pretoria is quieter and more focused on government, making it less of a cultural hub than London.

Yes, London is significantly more expensive, especially in terms of rent and public transport.

London’s public transport is more extensive but comes with higher costs.

Yes, London has many international and private schools catering to expat families.

London is more fast-paced and urban, while Johannesburg and Cape Town offer a more balanced work-life approach.