An aerial view of the City of Cape Town featuring the city's coastline and Table Mountain.
Image: Sharaan Muruvan/Unsplash
For many South Africans, living in Cape Town has become unbearable due to its cost of living.
Gareth Gibson, a South African real estate entrepreneur, recently took to the social media platform TikTok, to share his reasons for being relieved to exit the Mother City.
In his video titled ‘Unpopular Opinion: Leaving Cape Town for Johannesburg’, Gibson stated, “I’m actually leaving Cape Town and heading back home to Joburg.
"Don’t get me wrong, living in Cape Town for the past year has been absolutely amazing in many respects, but for the most part, I’m relieved to have received this transfer to go back to Johannesburg.”
He continued, “The rental alone buries many people, and in fact, even though I’m going back home to Johannesburg, I'm quite excited about it because all my friends and family are there.
"I’m looking forward to a little bit of breathing room. Since living here in Cape Town and trying to adjust to the cost of living, I have not been able to enjoy Cape Town to its full extent.”
Gibson also mentioned that budgeting for petrol and the cost of living in the city has been a “humbling experience.”
He added, “If I have the opportunity not to do so, I’m definitely going to take it.”
Many South Africans living in the Mother City echoed Gibson's sentiments. Commenting on the video, user @stefaniemcclean said, “I moved to Cape Town last year.
People here don't like us 'outsiders' that much, all because of GP plates. It’s been lonely and expensive, but I’m trying to push through.”
Another user, @lazo.ntush, shared, “I’m from Cape Town, and in 2018, I made a conscious decision to move to Joburg due to the cost of living and mini racism. I’ve been here since, and that was the best decision ever.”
User @kgabiosike noted, “I lived in Cape Town for one and a half years and came back to JHB. People are warm and welcoming. I struggled to adjust in Cape Town, I got very lonely. Cape Town is for vacation.”
Lastly, @hustlingandbustling remarked, “Joburg's rent is glorious. I have a beautiful two-bedroom apartment in a nice area, and my rent is R4500 a month, which means I have lots of my salary left to spend on all the dental work I need.
I left London in 2022 because I had zero spending money, so yes, Joburg's magic. PE is my hometown, so I miss the sea, but like you say, having spending cash makes it worthwhile!”
For several years, mass migration from Johannesburg to the Western Cape province has dampened the Gauteng market.
However, it seems the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and a growing number of semi-migrants are beginning to reconsider their move.
Cobus Odendaal, chief executive officer of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Johannesburg, said that while the Cape has been the preferred destination for those seeking a lifestyle change and perceived better governance, Johannesburg property professionals have noted a recent shift in sentiment, largely driven by factors like Cape Town’s soaring property prices and high cost of living.
He elaborated that in recent months, they’ve started fielding a growing number of enquiries from people looking to move back to Johannesburg, with a particular interest in properties at the higher end of the market.
"Granted, the Western Cape has much to offer, especially in terms of lifestyle and scenic beauty, but many who made the move are finding it challenging to sustain the higher costs associated with living in the Western Cape, especially amid ongoing economic pressures such as inflation and high interest rates.”
Odendaal also pointed out that, “Cape Town’s infrastructure struggles, including water shortages and traffic congestion, have diminished the city’s appeal for many, as those are some of the key reasons that they left Johannesburg in the first place.”
He highlighted that many professionals who initially believed they could sustain Johannesburg-level salaries while working remotely from coastal or countryside locations are now facing the reality of corporate South Africa’s shift back to in-office work.
"Additionally, networking, career advancement, and high-level business opportunities remain concentrated in Johannesburg, making a return to the city essential for many of those who want to remain competitive in their industries.”
Johannesburg is still SA’s economic powerhouse, contributing nearly 16% of the nation’s GDP and over 40% of business services output. Sandton, home to the JSE and Africa’s largest corporations, continues to be the epicentre of commerce, solidifying Johannesburg’s status as the country’s business hub.
“Unsurprisingly, Cape Town’s skyrocketing cost of living and property prices are pushing buyers to seek better value elsewhere. As more buyers shift their focus to Johannesburg’s relatively affordable yet high-value properties, demand is set to drive up prices,” Odendaal concluded.