Sub-Saharan Africa Updated
Average Cost of Living in Durban
The average cost of living in Durban, South Africa is $743 per month for a single person, and $1,584 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $441 per month. The local average net salary is $1,334 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 16.9 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $743 / month
- Family of 4
- $1,584 / mo
- Student
- $435 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Durban
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$1,334.25 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Durban | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Durban | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Durban | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Durban | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Durban | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Durban | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Durban | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Durban | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Durban | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Durban | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Durban FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Durban. |
Rent & Property Prices in Durban
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $441 | $349 – $610 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $378 | $275 – $519 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $881 | $610 – $1,404 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $804 | $672 – $1,282 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $909 | $855 – $1,270 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $598 | $549 – $733 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $441$349 – $610
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $378$275 – $519
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $881$610 – $1,404
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $804$672 – $1,282
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $909$855 – $1,270
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $598$549 – $733
Grocery Prices in Durban
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.17 | $0.92 – $1.83 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.01 | $0.69 – $1.22 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.62 | $1.22 – $1.83 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $2.51 | $1.78 – $3.66 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $8.94 | $3.36 – $11 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $5.20 | $2.56 – $6.10 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $7.10 | $5.49 – $9.16 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $1.98 | $1.22 – $2.56 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.78 | $1.04 – $2.44 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.96 | $0.92 – $3.05 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $1.68 | $0.92 – $2.44 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.57 | $0.92 – $2.14 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.47 | $0.92 – $2.75 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $1.25 | $0.92 – $1.40 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $1.19 | $0.85 – $1.71 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $5.49 | $3.30 – $9.16 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.64 | $1.22 – $2.44 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.12 | $1.53 – $2.75 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $3.66 | $3.17 – $4.27 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.17$0.92 – $1.83
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.01$0.69 – $1.22
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.62$1.22 – $1.83
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $2.51$1.78 – $3.66
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $8.94$3.36 – $11
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $5.20$2.56 – $6.10
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $7.10$5.49 – $9.16
- Apples (1 kg) $1.98$1.22 – $2.56
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.78$1.04 – $2.44
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.96$0.92 – $3.05
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $1.68$0.92 – $2.44
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.57$0.92 – $2.14
- Onions (1 kg) $1.47$0.92 – $2.75
- Lettuce (1 Head) $1.25$0.92 – $1.40
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $1.19$0.85 – $1.71
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $5.49$3.30 – $9.16
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.64$1.22 – $2.44
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.12$1.53 – $2.75
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $3.66$3.17 – $4.27
Public Transport & Car Costs in Durban
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $1.83 | $1.53 – $5.19 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $22 | $22 – $85 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $0.43 | $0.43 – $1.22 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.74 | $0.74 – $0.92 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $7.69 | $7.69 – $7.69 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.34 | $1.26 – $1.53 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $35,957 | $21,977 – $36,903 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $30,673 | $24,419 – $34,205 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $1.83$1.53 – $5.19
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $22$22 – $85
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $0.43$0.43 – $1.22
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.74$0.74 – $0.92
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $7.69$7.69 – $7.69
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.34$1.26 – $1.53
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $35,957$21,977 – $36,903
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $30,673$24,419 – $34,205
Utility & Internet Costs in Durban
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $162 | $122 – $218 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $34 | $15 – $43 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $38 | $30 – $61 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $162$122 – $218
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $34$15 – $43
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $38$30 – $61
Childcare & Preschool in Durban
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $316 | $244 – $432 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $6,825 | $4,884 – $10,676 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $316$244 – $432
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $6,825$4,884 – $10,676
Clothing Prices in Durban
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $53 | $31 – $73 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $31 | $15 – $55 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $97 | $61 – $122 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $84 | $61 – $116 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $53$31 – $73
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $31$15 – $55
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $97$61 – $122
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $84$61 – $116
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Durban
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $32 | $12 – $43 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $9.31 | $6.10 – $12 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $6.41 | $5.98 – $9.16 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $32$12 – $43
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $9.31$6.10 – $12
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $6.41$5.98 – $9.16
Restaurant Prices in Durban
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $7.33 | $4.88 – $18 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $37 | $31 – $73 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $5.80 | $4.88 – $6.10 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $2.44 | $1.53 – $3.66 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.90 | $2.14 – $3.66 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.62 | $1.83 – $3.36 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.10 | $0.92 – $1.83 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.85 | $0.61 – $1.22 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $7.33$4.88 – $18
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $37$31 – $73
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $5.80$4.88 – $6.10
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $2.44$1.53 – $3.66
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.90$2.14 – $3.66
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.62$1.83 – $3.36
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.10$0.92 – $1.83
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.85$0.61 – $1.22
Salaries & Mortgages in Durban
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $1,334 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 11.67% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $1,334
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 11.67%
Compare Durban with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
South Africa
Johannesburg
Monthly / 1 person
$899
vs NYC
20.4/100
South Africa
Pretoria
Monthly / 1 person
$938
vs NYC
21.3/100
South Africa
Cape-Town
Monthly / 1 person
$1,056
vs NYC
24/100
Ghana
Cape-Coast-Ghana
Monthly / 1 person
$743
vs NYC
16.9/100
Ivory Coast
Abidjan-Ivory-Coast
Monthly / 1 person
$776
vs NYC
17.6/100
Ethiopia
Addis-Ababa-Ethiopia
Monthly / 1 person
$784
vs NYC
17.8/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Durban?
- An estimated $743 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Durban. A family of four needs around $1,584 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $435.
- How much money do I need to live in Durban?
- Plan for at least $743 per month as a single person, $1,584 per month for a family of four, or $435 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Durban.
- What is the average rent in Durban?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Durban rents for around $441 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $881 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Durban?
- The average monthly net salary in Durban is around $1,334. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 33% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Durban?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Durban costs around $7.33. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $44 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.17/L) and bread ($1.01/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Durban?
- A monthly public transport pass in Durban costs around $22. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Durban?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Durban costs around $38 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.