17 September 2025
Johannesburg has been ranked the least walkable city in the world in 2025, placing last in a global study of 90 urban areas conducted by Compare the Market.
The study revealed the city scored 18.38 out of 100, making it the most car-dependent metro worldwide.
Johannesburg also recorded the lowest safety score in the dataset at 19.17, while only 8% of residents live within 1km of a car-free space such as a park or plaza.
“Johannesburg is the least walkable city in 2025, ranking 90th worldwide. Its safety score is the lowest in the dataset at 19.17,” said Compare the Market.
The report also highlighted that only 13% of locals live within 1km of healthcare or education facilities, leaving many residents reliant on private vehicles for basic needs.
“Despite attractions such as rooftop bars in the CBD and the iconic Soweto cooling towers, Johannesburg remains highly car-dependent,” the report said.
General manager of money at Compare the Market Stephen Zeller said the findings highlighted the urgent need for walkable infrastructure.
“As cities strive for greater sustainability, the need for walkable infrastructure becomes more important than ever. By investing in walkable infrastructure, cities such as Prague and Vienna are setting a global example. With the improvements, the quality of life for residents increases significantly and cities can become more sustainable in the long term,” said Zeller.
He said walkability also affects affordability.
Source:timeslive
