What Does It Cost to Move from Johannesburg to PE?

There’s a vast difference between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, now officially called Gqeberha. Johannesburg is a big and busy city, with many amenities, job opportunities, and boundless entertainment options. It’s known for its cosmopolitan lifestyle, with large skyscrapers and a pumping industrial industry.

PE is almost the opposite. While it’s currently the 6th largest city in South Africa by estimated population count, this coastal city is less densely populated and provides a more laid-back lifestyle. Close to South Africa’s Wild Coast, Port Elizabeth is surrounded by the untouched wilderness of the Eastern Cape, and beautiful beaches.

Before moving to Port Elizabeth, it’s crucial to understand the cost to move from Johannesburg to PE and what to expect when you get there.

A Quick Overview: What Will I Pay for Movers from Johannesburg to Gqeberha?

Here is a breakdown of how much you can expect to pay for movers from Johannesburg to Gqeberha in 2025:

Home Size Estimated Price Range
1 Bedroom / Studio Apartment R5000-R9000
2 Bedroom Flat / House R8000-R12000
3 Bedroom House R11000-R25000
4+ Bedroom House R25000-R38000+

Moving from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth is considered a long distance journey which has more variables than a local move. Therefore the above are estimated averages, and moving company prices from Johannesburg to PE can vary depending on your specific household. 

For an accurate quote, please get in touch and one of our friendly consultants would be happy to assist with a tailored quote. Here is why clients across South Africa choose Cape Removals as their long-distance movers:

  • Over the years we’ve received many reviews, and we are currently rated the verified moving company on HelloPeter with a rating of 4.8/5.
  • With more than 7 years of experience as a local and long distance moving company, we have successfully completed thousands of moves.
  • Affordable small movers and shared load moving options.
  • We’ll customize our service to your needs, and you can add anything from packing services to temporary storage to your move.

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Cape Removals Team & Truck, best furniture movers

Moving Prices from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth: Our Services

Cape Removals offers many different moving company services from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth. Here is a list of our services:

  • Affordable Long-Distance Moves:
    Our shared load furniture removals from Johannesburg to PE is an affordable relocation option. In this case, your belongings will be sharing a truck with other clients moving in the same or a similar direction, resulting in cheaper moving prices from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth. You’ll only pay for the space your items take up in the moving truck, however, shared loads work on a fixed schedule. This means delivery may take longer and there are only specific days you can move. Deliveries along this route usually take between 2-5 days.
  • Dedicated Furniture Movers from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth:
    Our dedicated movers from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth are designed for large relocations if you have enough items to fill an entire truck. This service is also convenient for those who are in a rush and cannot wait for a fixed schedule. Your items will go directly from your old home to your new one, ensuring timely delivery. Delivery should take 1-2 days.
  • Mini & Small Load Moves:
    Our mini moving service is for single item deliveries, or if you’re just moving a few items, usually locally. For local moves our team will arrive with a smaller truck or van, depending on exactly what you’re moving. On long-distance routes, such as from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth, small moves are combined with our share load moving truck.

 

Additional Moving Company Services from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth:

 

  • Protective Wrapping: Our team can provide protective materials like bubble wrap or plastic covers to protect your belongings during transport.
  • Packing & Unpacking: We can provide boxes, pack those boxes and unpack them again once they’ve arrived at your new home.
  • Storage: Our storage units are perfect for short or long term storage. We have secure facilities with electric fencing and 24 hour surveillance, ensuring your belongings are safe and untouched.
  • Insurance: Choose between GIT (Goods in Transit) and All-risk insurance. GIT insurance provides limited cover should something happen to the truck, such as an accident or hijacking. All-risk insurance provides a more comprehensive cover, covering most types of damages, and can be arranged with your moving consultant.

How Do Furniture Movers Calculate Prices from Johannesburg to PE?

To provide an accurate moving quote, your moving company will consider multiple factors including how much space your items will take up in the truck, the distance you are moving, and any special requirement that may be connected to your move. This ensures the correct size truck and team is sent to assist and you are not charged for unnecessary resources. Here is an outline of how furniture movers calculate prices from Johannesburg to PE:

  • Volume of items: Most movers use cubic feet to measure how much space your items would take in the truck. Using this information, they’ll calculate your moving price based on volume. They will also look at fuel usage, time allocated and staff wages and incorporate this into the quote.
  • Distance & Route: The distance between your collection and delivery address is one of the most important factors in determining your quote. This affects fuel costs, toll fees, and staff overheads.
  • Additional Services: Services like packing and wrapping will increase the cost of your move. While some movers include this in their standard quotes, others don’t. Be sure to check this with your removal company.
  • Season: Just like accommodation, the logistics industry has on-peak and off-peak times. In summer months and holiday periods, especially December and January, moves tend to be more expensive due to higher demand. This also applies to weekend and end-month moves.

How to Get the Best Moving Company Prices from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth:

Here are some tips on how to get the verified moving company prices from Johannesburg to PE:

  • Be honest with your inventory and provide an accurate list. If you don’t declare something, it might end up costing extra.
  • Get multiple quotes:. Reach out to 2–3 movers so you can compare. Don’t just pick the cheapest; check reviews and make sure they’re the best furniture movers for your needs.
  • Pick the right type of move. Most companies do shared loads, dedicated loads, or mini moves. Not sure? Ask your moving consultant.
  • Book as early as you can, especially during busy periods. It makes sure you get the date you want.
  • Declutter before packing. Sell, donate, or throw away any items you don’t need. Moving fewer items will often mean paying less for your move.
cost of furniture removals

What Is Included in My Johannesburg to Gqeberha Moving Price?

Cape Removals’ professional movers are friendly, helpful, and well trained to safely transport your goods. Your Johannesburg to Gqeberha moving price will include:

  • Full support from your dedicated moving consultant before, during, and after your move.
  • A professional team to load and unload your goods.
  • Safe transportation on a fully enclosed moving truck, equipped with protective blankets and strapping to secure your items.
  • Fuel usage, staff wages and time allocated to complete your move.
  • Furniture placement in your new home.
  • GIT insurance is included on some routes, please check with your consultant.

 

The following services are usually not part of our standard quotes, but we’re happy to assist if your move has any of these requirements.

  • Packing & wrapping.
  • Dismantling & reassembly of items.
  • Storage before, during or after your move.
  • Comprehensive All-risk insurance

The Cost of Living in Johannesburg Versus Port Elizabeth

When planning a significant move, knowing what to expect around living costs can help you prepare. We did some research, and here is a quick table to compare the cost of living in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, with more detail below:

Monthly Cost Johannesburg Port Elizabeth
Renting a 1-2 Bedroom Apartment R9,000 – R12,000 R5,000 – R9,000
Renting a 3 Bedroom Family House R12,000 – R18,000 R9,000 – R15,000
Groceries Per Person R4,500 R3,500
Utilities (Water & Electricity) R2,500 R1,800
Public Primary School Fees R1,800 – R2,200 R2,000 – R2,500
Private Primary School Fees R6,000 – R7,000 R3,000
Public High School Fees R2,500 – R3,500 R4,500
Private High School Fees R11,000 – R13,000 R7,500

 

Housing & rent:


Johannesburg holds more economic importance than PE. It’s considered South Africa’s business capital, and contributes
34% to the National GDP, with many large corporations situated here. Due to the demand of housing created by these workplaces, rent tends to be more expensive in Johannesburg. 

That said, rental prices are still largely dependent on the area you choose. An area like PE Central tends to cost more than areas like Motherwell, but in upmarket neighborhoods, rent may again be more than PE Central.

Currently, a two bedroom apartment in Johannesburg will set you back around R9000-R12000 per month, whereas in PE, it’ll set you back around R6000-R9500 per month. In Summerstrand however, a high-end area, rent for a two bedroom apartment costs around R12000-R15500 per month.

The same goes for larger properties. A three bedroom in Johannesburg costs R12000-R18000 and in PE around R11000-R14500 depending on the area.

 

Groceries & Utilities:


In Johannesburg, day-to-day expenses tend to be more than PE. Basic necessities, such as a litre of milk, costs around R14 in PE and R17 in Johannesburg. While this amount may seem insignificant, it all adds up over time. For non-essential items, such as coffee, you’ll pay R120 in PE and R140 in Johannesburg. 

Utilities follow a similar pattern. The average monthly electricity cost in PE is R800 and in Johannesburg it’s R1500. This is a more significant difference, showcasing Johannesburg’s more expensive economy. In total, for groceries, you’re looking at R3500 per person in PE and R4500 in Johannesburg.

 

Lifestyle costs:


Due to the vast differences in lifestyle, Johannesburg generally has more to offer. Johannesburg provides more retail and shopping options, more restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining. In PE, there are less retail and hospitality options. You will still find casual and fine dining spots in PE, just at a lesser scale. 

Due to this, restaurants are actually more expensive in PE than Johannesburg. Casual dining in PE costs around R100-R180 and R130-R200 per person in Johannesburg. Fine dining in PE costs between R600-R800 and in Johannesburg, it costs between R700-R1100. Gym memberships also come at different rates. In Johannesburg, the typical gym membership costs R500-R700 and in PE it costs R200-R600, depending on the gym you choose. 

 

School Fees:


PE and Johannesburg have vast differences in school fees. Public schools in Johannesburg are cheaper than PE, but private schools in Johannesburg are more expensive. This is mainly due to demand.

The average price of a public primary school in Johannesburg costs between R1800-R2200, in PE it averages between R2000-R2500. For public high schools in Johannesburg, it costs R2500-R3500 and in PE it’s R3000-R4000. 

Private schools don’t follow that same pattern. Sitting at R6000-R7000 for a private primary school and R13000 for a high school in Johannesburg. In PE you’re looking at R4500-R5500 for a private primary school and R7500-R8500 for a private high school.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving from Johannesburg to Gqeberha