Bells HardingstoneFinding affordable accommodation in Johannesburg is not only possible but can also offer great value, from vibrant social hostels to comfortable self-catering apartments. In 2026, budget-conscious travelers can find options starting as low as $7 per night for a dorm bed, while private rooms and apartments can be found for under $30. This guide provides a curated list of the 11 cheapest places to stay in the city based on the latest data, ensuring you can explore Johannesburg without breaking the bank.
Top 11 Cheapest Accommodation in Johannesburg
Quick Reference Summary
| Rank | Property Name | Type | Approx. Price (Per Night) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fernrez@363 | Hostel | $6.36 | Calm, home-style atmosphere |
| 2 | Unnamed Hostel (Central Randburg) | Hostel | $6.36 | Conveniently located in Central Randburg |
| 3 | Brown Sugar Backpackers | Hostel | $7.76 | Back-up generator · On-site bar |
| 4 | Hostel in Orange Grove | Hostel | $8.00 | Great for solo travellers |
| 5 | Hostel in Melville (37 1st Ave) | Hostel | $8.00 | Located in the bohemian Melville suburb |
| 6 | Property on 76 Pritchard Street | Holiday Rental | $28 | Central location · Airport shuttle |
| 7 | Legacy Guest Lodge | Holiday Rental | $28 | Air conditioning · 2.6 km from city centre |
| 8 | Ecotel Southgate | Hotel | $30 | Free Wi-Fi · Parking · Swimming pool |
| 9 | Muco Guest House | Homestay | $34 | Garden view · Fax/photocopying available |
| 10 | Sandton Farmhouse | Homestay | $37 | BBQ facilities · Garden · Near Sandton Central Park |
| 11 | Property on 59 Grant Avenue | Holiday Rental | $61 | Free Wi-Fi · Spa · Airport shuttle |
Note: All prices are approximate and based on data from March-April 2026. Prices are subject to change based on season and availability.
Top 11 Cheapest Accommodation Options
1. Fernrez@363
Fernrez@363 offers a calm, home-style atmosphere in Auckland Park, close to Melville’s cafes, bars, and shops. It is a popular choice for students and travellers seeking a quiet, residential vibe.
– Price: From $6.36 per night (dorm bed).
– Type: Hostel.
– Location: Auckland Park.
– Best for: Budget travellers and students wanting a quiet, home-style stay.
2. Unnamed Hostel (Central Randburg)
Located in the heart of Central Randburg, this hostel is praised for its convenience and value, making it a great base for exploring the city.
– Price: From $6.36 per night (dorm bed).
– Type: Hostel.
– Location: Central Randburg.
– Best for: Budget-conscious travellers needing a central location.
3. Brown Sugar Backpackers
This secure and well-equipped hostel in the Bedfordview area features a swimming pool, communal kitchen, and an on-site bar. It also has a back-up generator, ensuring you stay connected during power outages.
– Price: From $7.76 per night (dorm bed).
– Type: Hostel.
– Location: Bedfordview area.
– Key Feature: Back-up generator and on-site bar.
– Best for: Social travellers and those needing reliable facilities.
4. Hostel in Orange Grove
Situated in the quiet residential suburb of Orange Grove, this hostel is a favourite for solo travellers looking for a safe and friendly environment.
– Price: From $8.00 per night (dorm bed).
– Type: Hostel.
– Location: Orange Grove.
– Best for: Solo travellers.
5. Hostel in Melville (37 1st Ave)
Located in the bohemian heart of Melville at 37 1st Avenue, this hostel puts you in the midst of Joburg’s most vibrant strip of restaurants, cafes, and bookshops.
– Price: From $8.00 per night (dorm bed).
– Type: Hostel.
– Location: Melville.
– Best for: Backpackers and social butterflies wanting to be in the heart of the action.
6. Property on 76 Pritchard Street
This centrally located holiday rental offers an airport shuttle service, making it a convenient option for travellers arriving or departing from the city.
– Price: From $28 per night.
– Type: Holiday Rental / Apartment.
– Location: City Centre (approx. 18.5 km from OR Tambo).
– Key Feature: Airport shuttle.
– Best for: Small groups or solo travellers wanting self-catering facilities.
7. Legacy Guest Lodge
This guest lodge is located just 2.6 km from the city centre and offers air conditioning for a comfortable stay.
– Price: From $28 per night.
– Type: Guest Lodge / Holiday Rental.
– Location: 2.6 km from city centre.
– Key Feature: Close to the city centre.
– Best for: Budget travellers wanting a central, private apartment.
8. Ecotel Southgate
Ecotel Southgate is a popular hotel in the Johannesburg South area, offering a range of amenities including an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.
– Price: From $30 per night.
– Type: Hotel.
– Location: Johannesburg South.
– Key Feature: Outdoor pool and free parking.
– Best for: Families and business travellers seeking affordable hotel amenities.
9. Muco Guest House
This homestay in the Northcliff area offers a garden view and features like a shared lounge and fax/photocopying services, providing a more local feel.
– Price: From $34 per night.
– Type: Homestay / Guest House.
– Location: Northcliff area.
– Key Feature: Garden view and shared lounge.
– Best for: Travellers looking for a homely, authentic experience.
10. Sandton Farmhouse
Enjoy a stay in a farmhouse setting in Sandton, complete with BBQ facilities and a garden. It is conveniently located just 0.54 km from Sandton Central Park.
– Price: From $37 per night.
– Type: Homestay.
– Location: Sandton.
– Key Feature: BBQ facilities and garden.
– Best for: Couples or solo travellers wanting a quiet, unique stay.
11. Property on 59 Grant Avenue
Situated in Norwood, this spacious property offers free Wi-Fi, a spa, and an airport shuttle. It is 5.8 km from the city centre.
– Price: From $61 per night.
– Type: Holiday Rental / Apartment.
– Location: Norwood (5.8 km from city centre).
– Key Feature: Spa and airport shuttle.
– Best for: Small groups or families needing extra space and amenities.
Tips for Finding Cheap Accommodation in Johannesburg
Choose a Hostel for the Lowest Prices: For the absolute cheapest stays, hostel dormitories are the best option, with prices starting as low as $6-$8 per night. They also offer a great way to meet other travellers.
Book on a Saturday: Data shows that Saturday is generally the cheapest day to stay in a hostel, with average rates around $18, compared to Tuesday which is the most expensive at $44.
Check the “South” District: For affordable private hotels and apartments, the Johannesburg South district offers great value, with average rates around £3-£20 per night.
Travel in April or March: The cheapest months for hostels are April ($15 average) and March, with vacation rentals being cheapest in August ($55) and March ($45).
Consider a Homestay for a Local Experience: Homestays offer a unique and often more personal way to experience the city. Properties like Muco Guest House and Sandton Farmhouse offer rooms for under $40 a night.
Use Online Price Comparison: Always use online platforms to compare prices and find the best deals. Several websites allow you to compare hostel and hotel rates across multiple booking sites at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the absolute cheapest accommodation in Johannesburg?
According to the most recent data, the cheapest accommodation options are hostel dormitories. Properties like Fernrez@363 and a hostel in Central Randburg have been listed with prices starting as low as $6.36 per night.
How much does a budget hotel cost per night in Johannesburg?
A budget hotel can cost as little as $30 per night for a place like Ecotel Southgate, which still offers amenities such as a pool, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. Holiday rentals and apartments start from around $28 per night.
What is the cheapest day to book accommodation?
The cheapest day to stay in a hostel in Johannesburg is Saturday, with an average price of $18 per night. Conversely, Tuesday is the most expensive day for hostels, with an average price of $44. For vacation rentals, Wednesday is the cheapest day to stay, with an average of $56 per night.
What is the cheapest month to find cheap stays in Johannesburg?
For hostels, April is the cheapest month, with an average price of $15 for a dorm bed. For vacation rentals and hotels in the South district, March is the cheapest month, with average rates of around $45 and £3 respectively.
Conclusion
Johannesburg offers a wide range of affordable accommodation options for budget-conscious travellers. Hostel dormitories provide the cheapest entry point, with prices starting as low as $6.36 per night at properties like Fernrez@363 and the Central Randburg hostel. For those seeking more privacy, budget hotels, holiday rentals, and homestays are available from $28 to $37 per night, offering amenities such as free Wi-Fi, swimming pools, and airport shuttles.
To secure the best rates, consider travelling in April or March, booking your stay for a Saturday, and exploring the Johannesburg South district for excellent value. With careful planning and the use of online price comparison tools, you can enjoy a comfortable and affordable stay in South Africa’s largest city without compromising on quality or location.
Note: All information is current as at the time of publishing. Rates, availability, and special offers are subject to change. Please verify details with individual properties before booking.