Port Elizabethis 11% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (36/10) vs Johannesburg "Fair" (40/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $15/night.
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 🇿🇦 Port Elizabeth | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $36 | $32 cheaper | $4/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $54 | $50 cheaper | $3/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $80 | $75 cheaper | $5/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 🇿🇦 Port Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $11.99 | $10.79 10% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $21.15 | $20.98 1% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.70 | $2.70 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.36 | $2.10 11% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $1.80 | $1.20 33% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇿🇦▼
Johannesburg
South Africa
40
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night). Strong hostel scene (10 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMelville House (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels10
🇿🇦▼
Port Elizabeth
South Africa
36
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $15/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelRiverfront Backpackers (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$15/night
Total hostels5
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Johannesburg & Port Elizabeth
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇿🇦 Johannesburg
1. NasrecFree
2. Everard Read GalleryFree
3. Indian War MemorialFree
4. John Vorster Square 1971 - 1990Free
5. Koningin Elizabethbrug 1953Free
🇿🇦 Port Elizabeth
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Johannesburg or Port Elizabeth cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Johannesburg vs Port Elizabeth?+
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