🇿🇦 Cost of Living in Durban - Prices & Budget Guide
Last updated: March 2026
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$15,456 (2024)
Inflation Rate4.4% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$537 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend6.7% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)6.0% (2024)
Source: World Bank Open Data
The cost of living in Durban is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in South Africa, with a daily budget of $30-60 USD per day for backpackers, $60-120 USD per day for mid-range travelers, and $150-250 USD per day for those seeking comfort.
Quick Facts
Cost LevelAffordable
Daily Budget (Backpacker)$30-60 USD
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)$60-120 USD
Daily Budget (Comfort)$150-250 USD
CurrencyZAR
Tipping Customexpected (10-15% in restaurants and bars)
How Expensive Is Durban?
Durban is a coastal city in South Africa, known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. Compared to other major cities in South Africa, such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, Durban has a relatively low cost of living. The city offers a great balance of affordability and quality of life, making it an attractive destination for tourists, expats, and locals alike. In terms of global averages, Durban is considered to be a moderately priced city, with prices for accommodation, food, and transportation falling somewhere in between those of Western cities and those of other African cities.
In comparison to its neighbors, Durban is more affordable than some of the major cities in Southern Africa, such as Maputo in Mozambique and Gaborone in Botswana. However, it is more expensive than some of the smaller towns and cities in the region. Overall, Durban offers a great value for money, with a wide range of accommodation options, dining experiences, and activities available to suit all budgets.
Accommodation Prices
Type
Price Range (USD/night)
Notes
Hostel/Budget
$10-25
typical quality, dorms and private rooms available
Mid-Range Hotel
$40-80
what to expect, 3-star hotels with basic amenities
Luxury/Resort
$150-300
what to expect, 5-star hotels and resorts with high-end amenities
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$200-600
city center vs outside, 1-bedroom apartments available
Food & Dining Prices
Meal Type
Price Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery
$3-5
Casual Restaurant
$10-20
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)
$25-40
Fine Dining
$50-100
Beer (local)
$2-5
Coffee
$1-3
Water (1.5L bottle)
$1-2
Transport Costs
Transport
Cost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride
$0.50-1.50
Taxi (per km)
$1-2
Domestic flight
$100-200
Fuel (per liter)
$0.80-1.20
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget ($)
Mid-Range ($)
Comfortable ($)
Rent
200-400
400-600
800-1,200
Food
200-300
300-500
600-800
Transport
50-100
100-200
200-300
Utilities
50-100
100-150
150-250
Entertainment
100-200
200-300
300-500
Total
650-1,200
1,200-2,150
2,150-3,500
Money-Saving Tips
Consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse instead of a hotel to save on accommodation costs.
Eat at local eateries and street food stalls to experience the city's cuisine at a lower cost.
Use public transportation or walk/bike whenever possible to save on transport costs.
Take advantage of the city's many free or low-cost attractions, such as the beach and the promenade.
Shop at local markets or supermarkets instead of tourist-oriented shops to save on food and souvenirs.
Look for package deals or discounts on activities and tours to save on entertainment costs.