Johannesburg
1,644 km²
Philadelphia
370 km²
South Africa
United States
Area Comparison
Johannesburg is 4.4x larger than Philadelphia
Population Comparison
Johannesburg has 3.0x more people than Philadelphia
Yes — Johannesburg is 4.4x larger than Philadelphia by area. Johannesburg spans 1,644 km² (635 mi²) while Philadelphia covers 370 km² (143 mi²) — a difference of 1,274 km². You could fit Philadelphia inside Johannesburg approximately 4 times.
To put Johannesburg's size in perspective, its area of 1,644 km² is roughly the same size as London. Meanwhile, Philadelphia at 370 km² is about 1.6x smaller than Seoul.
In more relatable units, Johannesburg's 1,644 km² is about 230,000 American football fields, 28 times the area of Manhattan, or 16 times the area of Paris. Philadelphia, by comparison, equals about 52,000 American football fields, 180 times the area of Monaco, or 110 times the area of Central Park.
Johannesburg, colloquially known as Jozi, Joburg or "The City of Gold", is the most populous city in South Africa. The City of Johannesburg itself has a population of 5,538,596, while the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality has a population of 6,599,190, making it one of the 100 largest urban areas in the world. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, and seat of the country's highest court, the Constitutional Court.
Known as "Jozi", Johannesburg covers 1,644 km² with a population of 4.8 million. The city was established in 1886. Johannesburg is known for Apartheid Museum, Soweto township, Constitutional Court, among other attractions.
Johannesburg ranks among the world's 100 largest urban areas, with a metro population of about 6.6 million.
Philadelphia, colloquially referred to as Philly, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, and the sixth-most populous city in the United States, with a Census-estimated population of 1,574,281 in July 2025. The Philadelphia metropolitan area has 6.33 million residents and is the nation's ninth-largest metropolitan area. Philadelphia is known for its culture, cuisine, and history, maintaining contemporary influence in business and technology, sports, and music.
Often called "Philly", Philadelphia has an area of 370 km² and is home to 1.6 million people. Its history stretches back to 1682. Visitors come for Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Philly Cheesesteak, and much more.
Philadelphia is the sixth-most populous US city, with an estimated 1,574,281 residents as of July 2025.
Johannesburg has a population density of 2,920 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Philadelphia, with 4,324 people per km², is a moderately dense city. Both cities have comparable density, though Philadelphia is slightly more compact.
Size Ratio
Philadelphia fits inside Johannesburg ~4 times
Density Gap
Philadelphia is 1.5x more densely populated
History
Philadelphia is ~204 years older
Johannesburg covers 1,644 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Bogotá (1,578 km²), London (1,572 km²), Bangkok (1,569 km²), Houston (1,725 km²), or São Paulo (1,521 km²).
Philadelphia covers 370 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Seattle (369 km²), Dhaka (368 km²), Portland (376 km²), Atlanta (348 km²), or Denver (401 km²).
The straight-line distance from Johannesburg to Philadelphia is 12,915 km (8,025 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~15h 42m.
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