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!”