![The Cost of Living in Durban [2024]](https://cdn.wisemove.co.za/image/blog/8269f29186cb3c209c1271a9c5054728.jpeg "The Cost of Living in Durban [2024]")
Durban, South Africa’s coastal gem, is loved by many for its sun-drenched beaches, lively culture, and year-round warm weather.
From family holidays to girl’s trips and even destinations for lottery winners, Durban is a favourite. But do you really need to win the jackpot to live there?
Affectionately called eThekwini, this city offers a unique mix of urban and coastal living. If you’re considering making Durban your new home, it’s essential to understand the cost of living.
Durban is a city of endless summer, offering warm weather and beautiful beaches year-round. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, this makes it a haven for water sports like surfing and swimming, as well as activities like hiking. The subtropical climate ensures that Durban always feels like a vacation, even when you’re just going about your daily life.
But Durban’s appeal goes beyond the weather. It’s one of South Africa’s most culturally diverse cities.
In Durban, Nelson Mandela’s vision of a Rainbow Nation comes to life as the city’s cultural diversity is reflected in its food, festivals, and everyday life.
Durban is deeply influenced by Zulu and Indian cultures, which blend with colonial history to create a city unlike any other. And despite being a major urban centre, Durban maintains a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle, offering the best of both worlds: big-city amenities with a slower pace of life.
This melting pot of cultures is reflected in the city’s food, music, festivals, and art scene. The iconic Bunny Chow, a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, is a testament to Durban’s rich Indian influence and is a must-try and will only set you back around R70 ($4).
Economically, Durban plays a vital role in the country’s logistics and shipping industry as it is home to Africa’s busiest port. The tourism industry and the rise of call centres also contribute to job opportunities.
Best of all, Durban’s cost of living is lower than that of other major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, making it a more affordable option for many South Africans.
Salaries in Durban vary depending on the industry, qualifications, and experience. Although Durban’s salaries are generally lower than those in Johannesburg or Cape Town, the city’s lower cost of living balances this out.
Entry-level salaries in the hospitality industry can start as low as R5,000 per month, while professionals in managerial roles can earn up to R50,000 or more.
Whether you’re a fresh graduate or currently in the workforce, Durban has many high-paying jobs that are on the rise. In terms of more experienced professionals, here are the average salaries you can expect:
If you’re planning to move to Durban, it’s essential to factor in how South Africa’s individual income tax will impact your cost of living. This is especially important if you’re considering settling in the vibrant city center or along Durban’s coastline. So, how does the South African Revenue Service (SARS) tax your chosen profession?
Understanding how taxes apply to your income can help you budget effectively and make informed decisions as you settle into life in Durban.
Renting in Durban is considerably more affordable than in Johannesburg or Cape Town. Whether you’re looking for a modern apartment in the city or a cosy beachside flat, Durban offers great options that won’t break the bank.
In central areas like Berea, Glenwood, and Morningside, you can expect to pay between R7,000 and R12,000 monthly for a two-bedroom apartment. These areas are known for their vibrant communities, access to amenities, and proximity to the city centre.
For beach lovers, Durban North and Umhlanga offer luxury living closer to the coast, but with slightly higher rental prices. A two-bedroom apartment in these upmarket areas ranges from R10,000 to R18,000 per month.
If you’re looking for more affordable options, neighbourhoods further from the coast, such as Pinetown and Westville, offer a quieter suburban feel and lower rents. In these areas, you can rent a two-bedroom apartment for as little as R5,000 to R8,000 per month, making them popular among families.
When renting, it’s important to budget for utilities. Water, electricity, and refuse removal will add an extra R1,000 to R2,500 per month to your living expenses, depending on the size of your property and usage.
Purchasing property in Durban is also more affordable than in Johannesburg or Cape Town, making the city a great option for buyers looking for a good investment or a forever home.
In sought-after areas like Umhlanga, La Lucia, and Durban North, a three-bedroom house can range from R3 million to R6 million. These areas offer proximity to the beach, top schools, and high-end amenities like the luxury Oceans Mall.
For those looking for a more central location, neighbourhoods like Glenwood, Berea, and Morningside offer a range of older homes with character, as well as new developments. Property prices in these areas range from R1.5 million to R4 million, attracting a variety of buyers.
If you’re working with a more modest budget, areas like Pinetown, New Germany, and Queensburgh are worth considering. Here, three-bedroom houses sell for between R800,000 and R1.5 million. These neighbourhoods not only offer affordable homes but also a quieter, suburban lifestyle with easy access to the city.
Durban is home to a range of neighbourhoods, each offering something unique. Here are some of the most notable:
Read more about the best Durban neighbourhoods:
Durban has no shortage of activities for locals and visitors alike. The city’s beaches are a major draw for those interested in surfing, swimming, or simply relaxing on the sand. North Beach, South Beach, and Umhlanga Rocks are popular choices for beachgoers.
For families, uShaka Marine World is a must-visit, offering water slides, dolphin shows, and one of the largest aquariums in the southern hemisphere all for as little as R183 per ticket. Art lovers can explore Durban’s many galleries, including the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA) and Durban Art Gallery.
Nature enthusiasts can enjoy Durban’s many parks and nature reserves, such as the Durban Botanic Gardens (free entry) and Paradise Valley Nature Reserve (R13 per person), which features a beautiful waterfall. For hiking or a day out in nature, there’s always something to explore.
Sports fans will enjoy catching a rugby match featuring the Durban-based Sharks or watching a football game with local teams like AmaZulu FC or Lamontville Golden Arrows. For regular Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches, ticket prices typically range from R40 to R100 for general admission. However, while tickets for a local Sharks rugby match at Kings Park generally range from R50 to R150, high-profile matches, such as international games, can cost significantly more, ranging from R350 to R2000 per ticket.
And, as for shopping, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping and the new Oceans Mall offer endless stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Read more things to do in Durban:
Durban offers a variety of transportation options, making it easy to get around. The most popular and affordable way to travel is by minibus taxis, which are known for their loud music and unique designs (R10 and R20 depending on the distance and route). They’re a cultural experience in themselves and offer the cheapest way to navigate the city.
For more comfort, you can use ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt or opt for metered taxis (a short trip within the city centre may cost around R30 to R50, while longer distances, like a trip from the city centre to Umhlanga, can range from R100 to R150).
Durban also has a public bus system, although it doesn’t cover all areas of the city. Prices vary, but a one-way ticket on the People Mover bus service (which serves the central business district) costs about R6.
And, if you prefer to drive, Durban’s well-maintained roads make it a good option, although parking in the city centre can be a challenge during peak hours.
Durban’s warm weather, cultural diversity, affordable living, and relaxed coastal vibe make it an attractive place to call home.
Whether you’re looking to rent, buy, or simply enjoy the city’s beaches and lifestyle, Durban has something for everyone.
Offering the best of both worlds—a laid-back atmosphere with the convenience of urban living—Durban is an excellent choice for anyone considering a move to South Africa’s coastal gem.
When you're ready to make the move, let Wise Move help you get there. With Durban's top removalists ready to help you settle in, you can make the move to Durban your easiest one yet.
Read more South African cost of living guides:
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