Genki Logo
Genki offers international health insurance tailored for digital nomads, expats, and long-term travelers, providing worldwide coverage and flexibility.

Worldwide coverage, simple plans.

Affiliate disclosure

Johannesburg vs Lubumbashi – Digital Nomad Guide

Trying to decide between Johannesburg, South Africa and Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.

💰 Cost of Living

Johannesburg has a monthly cost of $2,780, which is 24.1% higher than Lubumbashi's $2,240.

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

For internet speeds, Johannesburg offers 30 Mbps, while Lubumbashi provides 10 Mbps making Johannesburg's connection 200.0% faster .

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in Johannesburg is currently 19°C 🌤️, while Lubumbashi is experiencing 25°C 🌤️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Johannesburg has a safety score of 38.0 , while Lubumbashi scores 35.0 .

Costs
$2,780
per month
Internet
30
Mbps
Weather
19° 🌤️
High today
Costs
$2,240
per month
Internet
10
Mbps
Weather
25° 🌤️
High today
Wise Logo
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a trusted money transfer service used by millions of digital nomads worldwide.

Global transfers for digital nomads.

Affiliate disclosure

Overall Johannesburg wins

62.0
Overall Score
40.0

Johannesburg is 22% better

Quality of Life Johannesburg wins

38.0
Safety
35.0
65.0
Healthcare
30.0

Johannesburg is 35% better

Cost

71.0
Cost of Living
71.0

Climate Johannesburg wins

40.0
Air Quality
37.0

Infrastructure Johannesburg wins

67.0
Internet Speed
38.0

Johannesburg is 29% better

Social Johannesburg wins

72.0
Nightlife
40.0

Johannesburg is 32% better

84.0
Culture
67.0

Johannesburg is 17% better

79.0
Food Scene
60.0

Johannesburg is 19% better

Total Cost of Living Comparison

Category Johannesburg Lubumbashi Difference
Monthly Total $2,780 $2,240 +24.1%
Daily Average $93 $75 per day

Housing

Item Johannesburg Lubumbashi Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) $450.00 per month $250.00 per month +80.0%

Daily Life

Item Johannesburg Lubumbashi Difference
Coffee $1.50 per cup $0.80 per cup +87.5%

Transportation

Item Johannesburg Lubumbashi Difference

Utilities

Item Johannesburg Lubumbashi Difference
GetStake Logo
GetStake allows you to invest in fractional real estate in Dubai's premium properties, with investments starting from just $500.

Dubai real estate from $500.

Affiliate disclosure

Final Verdict: Johannesburg vs Lubumbashi

Johannesburg ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 22.0% higher than Lubumbashi overall.

💰 Cost Analysis

  • Monthly Budget: $2,780 vs $2,240
  • Daily Expenses: $93 vs $75
  • Lubumbashi is 24.1% cheaper for digital nomads

🌐 Infrastructure

  • Internet Speed: Johannesburg leads with 200% faster connection
  • Public Transport: Lubumbashi has better public transportation

🎯 Key Advantages

Johannesburg Wins In:
  • Overall Score (22% better)
  • Healthcare (35% better)
  • Internet Speed (29% better)
  • Nightlife (32% better)
  • Culture (17% better)
  • Food Scene (19% better)
Lubumbashi Wins In:
  • No significant advantages found

💡 Final Recommendation

Choose Johannesburg if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Overall Score. However, Lubumbashi might be preferable if Overall Score is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.

GetStake Logo
GetStake allows you to invest in fractional real estate in Dubai's premium properties, with investments starting from just $500.

Own shares in Dubai properties.

Affiliate disclosure

Feedback Thank You!

Thank you!

Your feedback has been submitted successfully.