“You Save on Housing”: American Shows Soft Life in SA on R42k Budget Including Joburg Apartment

• An American man from Austin, Texas, shared his journey of moving to South Africa with his wife in October 2024
• The couple pays around R20,000 monthly rent for their two-bedroom Hyde Park apartment
• South Africans and international viewers welcomed the couple warmly, with many saying his story inspired them to consider relocating to Mzansi

An American couple has captured hearts online after sharing their incredible journey of relocating from Austin, Texas, to Johannesburg for a slower, more affordable lifestyle. Ahmad and Em Williams moved to South Africa in October 2024, and their story has inspired people considering a similar move.

The content creator @webnationafrica shared their documentary-style story on 20 September 2025, which quickly went viral with over 600 reactions from viewers worldwide.

Ahmad Williams explained that he and his wife had always dreamed of visiting Africa, and when they first came to South Africa, they immediately fell in love with the country's beauty and people. As African Americans, they felt a deep connection to the continent and knew it was the perfect place to live abroad.

Read also

DJ Chymamusique sells his car and motorbike after tragic car accident

The couple now lives in a comfortable two-bedroom apartment in Hyde Park, paying the equivalent of around $1,200 (approximately R21,000) monthly rent. Ahmad revealed that a similar place in Austin would easily cost double or even two and a half times that amount. He mentioned that purchasing their current apartment would cost around $400,000, compared to over half a million dollars for a similar property in Texas.

The biggest savings come from food and entertainment expenses. The couple rarely cooks and instead eats out almost every meal, spending only around $500-600 monthly (around R8,500 to R10,500). Ahmad shared an example of enjoying a 16-ounce bone-in fillet at a nice restaurant in Melrose Arch for just $12 (R207), which would have cost around $70 (R1,200) in America.

Social media users react to the US man's message

Social media users from around the world responded with excitement and support for the couple's bold move.

Read also

Tour of Private Jet Villa using Boeing 737 stuns the internet: "I want to be this rich"

@DarkDuo00 gushed:

"Congratulations to him. I can't wait to leave America."

Tee commented:

"I love SA. I'd definitely move there if I didn't have CHF."

Ma'atari shared:

"This is my confirmation ✨ I've been invited to move to South Africa, and your post helped with this decision."

✨Dr. Asiyah M., PhD✨ wrote:

"This looks absolutely amazing! 🥰"

Deep pockets added:

"Don't worry, you won't miss the US!"

user4587916664733 🇿🇦 welcomed them:

"Welcome to Africa, once here, it gets into your soul and the want to stay is real 😊🇿🇦"

Perry 🇿🇦Havillah Sandton said:

"Welcome to SA!"

Why the American couple chose SA

Ahmad explained on the TikTok page @webnationafrica that after working in transportation for nearly 25 years, he grew tired of the American rat race and long working hours. He and his wife began looking for places to live abroad, initially considering Ghana before discovering South Africa through YouTube videos. The couple was particularly influenced by content creators who spoke about the opportunities available on the continent.

Read also

DJ Black Coffee spotted in New York wearing over R6 million in designer clothing

The healthcare costs also played a major role in their decision. In America, Ahmad was paying $900 (over R15,500) monthly for medical premiums alone, but in South Africa, they spend less than $100 (Under R1,800)monthly on average for their medical needs, paying out of pocket without medical aid.

View the TikTok clip below:

Other people moving to live in SA

• Briefly News recently reported on an American woman, Tuanni Price, who shared why she left the States for Cape Town, but the stunning interior of her double-storey apartment left viewers speechless.
• A Pakistani man in South Africa showed his daily life as a store owner in a TikTok video that had local ladies swooning, though the real reason behind his success remained a mystery.
• Another American expat revealed the exact amount they spend monthly to live comfortably in Johannesburg, and the figure surprised many, considering their luxurious lifestyle.

Source: Briefly News