Travel Budget for Soweto Visit Soweto on a Budget or Travel in Style

Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
Africa / South Africa /
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Soweto is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Soweto?

A typical traveler spends $82 (R1,428) per day on a trip to Soweto. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Soweto based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $38 (R656) on meals
  • $13 (R219) on local transportation
  • $68 (R1,177) on hotels

A one-week trip to Soweto for two people costs, on average, $1,153 (R19,992). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $82
    R1,428
  • One Week Per person
    $576
    R9,996
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,153
    R19,992
  • One Month Per person
    $2,470
    R42,840
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,153
    R19,992
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,306
    R39,984
  • One Month For a couple
    $4,941
    R85,680
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Soweto cost?

A one week trip to Soweto usually costs around $576 (R9,996) for one person and $1,153 (R19,992) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Soweto on average costs around $1,153 (R19,992) for one person and $2,306 (R39,984) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Soweto will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Soweto on average costs around $2,470 (R42,840) for one person and $4,941 (R85,680) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Soweto expensive to visit?

In Soweto, budget travelers spend $35 (R615) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $82 (R1,428) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $165 (R2,868) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Soweto.

Soweto is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

While Soweto can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.

Within Africa, Soweto is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Dakar or Tangier.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Soweto Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Soweto?

The average Soweto trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Soweto travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Soweto cost?

Soweto on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$15
(R253) 		$34
(R589) 		$69
(R1,196)
Local Transportation1 $5
(R95) 		$13
(R219) 		$24
(R423)
Food2 $16
(R284) 		$38
(R656) 		$75
(R1,294)
Entertainment1 $7
(R123) 		$17
(R296) 		$38
(R666)
Alcohol2 $2-5
(R31-94) 		$4-13
(R76-229) 		$10-31
(R177-530)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Soweto with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.

Who are Budget Travelers?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $35 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. It's common for visitors to Soweto to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $82 per person, per day.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $165. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag.



Accommodation Budget in Soweto

In Soweto, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak season. Off-season prices average around $, but in peak season, they can average around $. Prices generally range from $ to $, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Soweto for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $68 (R1,177). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $34 (R589) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $34
    R589
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $68
    R1,177

Hotels in Soweto

Looking for a hotel in Soweto? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Soweto

If you plan to avoid and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.



Transportation Budget in Soweto

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $13 (R219) per person, per day, on local transportation in Soweto. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Soweto is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $13
    R219

Most people visiting Soweto enter via Johannesburg. O.R. Tambo International Airport, formerly called Johannesburg International, is the main airport serving the area. It is located about 21 km (or 13 mi) from the city center of Johannesburg, and is the busiest airport in Africa as well as the connecting hub for flights to other cities in Southern Africa.

From Johannesburg, visitors can take a tour via their hotel or explore on their own via car or suburban rail. By metro rail, take the train from Johannesburg Park station bound for either Naledi (for northern Soweto), Oberholzer, or Vereeniging (for southern Soweto). Other Soweto train stations are at Merafe, Inhlazane, Ikwezi, Dube, Phefeni, Phomolong, Mzimhlophe, Mlamlankunzi, Orlando, Nancefield, Kliptown, Tshiawelo, and Midway.



Flights to Soweto
How much does it cost to go to Soweto? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Soweto
The price of renting a car in Soweto will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Soweto

Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Soweto can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Soweto is $38 (R656) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $38
    R656

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Soweto is around $38 (R656) per person, with previous travelers spending from $16 to $75. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Soweto are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $11
  • Lunch: $6 to $15
  • Dinner: $11 to $26
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $6

Cuisine of South Africa is characterized by a combination of indigenous, Dutch, French, and Indian influences. The indigenous side of things mainly consisted of harvesting fruits, nuts, bulbs, leaves, and other items gathered from wild plants as well as the hunting of wild game, though eventually domestic cattle were introduced as well as grain crops like maize. Today, a staple meal remains mieliepap-a kind of porridge or polenta made from ground maize. Meat also remains central to the South African diet with braai (barbeque) and biltong (dried & preserved) being the most common methods of preparation. Beef, mutton, goat, and chicken are all found in South African dishes. As far as foreign influences go, the Dutch brought spices like nutmeg and chili peppers as well as pickled fish and a variety of fish stews, the French brought wines and traditional recipes from France, and the Indians brought curry dishes, chutneys, and fried snacks, amongst other items.

Food & Dining Tips

A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.

Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Soweto

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Soweto typically cost an average of $17 (R296) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $17
    R296

One of the top attractions of Soweto is the Mandela Family Museum, located on Vilakazi Street. The structure itself was the home of Nelson Mandela from 1946-1962. Today it is a museum run by his former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and contains memorabilia from the short time they lived there together before Mandela went into hiding. The house of Nobel Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu is also nearby as is the Hector Pieterson Museum, which chronicles the 1976 Soweto student uprising and is named for its first victim, a 12-year-old boy.

Another top attraction of Soweto is the recently restored Credo Mutwa Village (with its Zulu and Sotho homesteads). It is an outdoor museum dedicated to showcasing the sculptures and other works of artist and traditional healer Credo Mutwa. Other sights in and around Soweto include the Regina Mundi Church (site of anti-Apartheid activism), the Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City amusement park, Thokoza Park, and the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve.



Most people visit Soweto to see the historic sights, especially the homes of the Nobel Prize winners Mandela and Tutu. These can be explored by one's own adventure, or by booking a guided tour. Most choose to visit Soweto as part of an official tour group led by a Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) accredited tour guide.

There are also plenty of options as far as nightlife goes. Wandie's Place in Dube, for example, is a cozy restaurant-bar-lounge popular with tourists, as are places like Pallazo Distella in Dube and Club 707 or Ubuntu Kraal, both in Orlando West. In addition to the popular tourist spots, there are also many shebeens or local drinking places to try out.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Soweto. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Visit Gospel service with additional Bicycle Tour of Soweto for $48 details
  • Sip & Paint Walking Tour for $37 details
  • Johannesburg: Soweto Tour with Lunch for $74 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Soweto

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $8.79 (R152) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Soweto per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $8.79
    R152
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.



Travel cost data last updated: Aug 11, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Soweto

  • Traveling a little slower can help you save money, as you can enjoy a lot of the beauty of the area while you relax. If you pack all of the activities into every day, you'll end up spending lots of money. But if you take it a little slower and enjoy your time, you'll usually end up spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Soweto doesn't have many public transport options available. You may want to consider setting up transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour or private driver. Just be aware that this might affect your budget elsewhere.
  • Hostels are scarce in Soweto, so if you're expecting a low-cost dorm stay, you might need to change your approach. Seeking out a cheap hotel or an apartment rental could be a smart move.
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Soweto Soweto, South Africa

The name Soweto is an acronym for South Western Townships, first used in 1963 to describe the groups of townships to the south west of Johannesburg. It is a city of contrasts, featuring anything from tin shanties to luxurious mansions, and is probably best known for being the home of two Nobel Prize winners.



Neighborhoods & Around

The area of Soweto consists of more than 80 townships. Klipspruit is the oldest of the townships, originally created in 1904 to house mainly black laborers who worked in mines and other industries in the city of Johannesburg. From there the adjoining towns grew, eventually making Soweto the most populous black urban residential area in the country. Many of the popular attractions are located in the Orlando West neighborhood of Soweto. Vilakazi Street, for example, is the only street in the world that features the old homes of two Nobel Prize laureates-Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Also nearby is the Hector Pieterson Museum. Old townships like Old Diepkloof and Orlando are generally barren with small, simple brown houses, while the newer "extensions" like Diepkloof Extension and Pimville Extension are characterized by relatively affluent houses with tree-lined streets, good roads, playgrounds, and schools.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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