Why Should You Move To Durban, South Africa?
Hey Friends! The Cost Of Living In Durban, South Africa, makes it possible to Live For Around $830 – $3050 (ZAR 14,110 – ZAR 51,850).
So You Want to Live in the beautiful port city of Durban, South Africa, On a budget? This article explains how we lived in Durban for under $1200 per month, how others did it, and how you can Live in Durban as an expat, traveler, retiree, or live there in general.
- We also included many videos that will help give even more information on this incredible country and one of the most unique cities in the world of Durban!
- We’ll explain all the important details about living in Durban – from the cost of living in Durban to tips on traveling the different cities and renting an apartment in Durban monthly, Utilities, healthcare, transportation, Things to do in Durban, and more.
- We’ll also provide a monthly cost of living in Durban table of expenses in each section, so you can know how much money you’ll need to make each month to live comfortably in Durban, South Africa. This article will be the most comprehensive on the internet and will continually be updated with information.
Cost Of Living in Durban, South Africa Quick Facts:
- Durban, South Africa, has so many things to see:
- Great weather.
- Beautiful beaches
- world-class surfing
- Durban is the 3rd biggest city in South Africa, with a population of about 3.44 million.
- Incredible nature and things to do around Durban
- A modern, clean city
- Some of the world’s most natural landscapes
- Amazing UNESCO world heritage sites
- Amazing national parks
- Durban is close to many things to do take a road trip around the country.
- Incredible mountains
- Hikes, treks near drakensberg
- safaris nearby
- incredible history
- Diverse, unique cultures around the Durban
- A thriving digital nomad, expat community.
- And so much more!
- Here’s a breakdown of some key expenses: Total Monthly Living Costs in Durban, South Africa, Is $830 – $3050 (ZAR 14,110 – ZAR 51,850) Per Month. For all expenses, and if you budget smartly, you can expect to spend $1150 to $1700 per month for all expenses.
- Durban, South Africa, is 5.4 times cheaper than New York City, United States.
- With a monthly income of less than $1900 is possible to live well, and sometimes even as low as $1300 per month if you are on a tight, extreme budget, which we will discuss later in this article.
- Your budget and spending habits determine the monthly rent in Durban, South Africa, food and groceries, housing expenses, and transportation options.
- You would need around $1900 (32,300R ZAR) in Durban, South Africa, to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $9,500.00 in New York, NY.
- Rent In Durban, South Africa, is 78% less than in New York City, New York.
- The average monthly cost of living in Durban, South Africa, is $500 For the Local Natives. Expats and Digital Nomads will spend more to keep up with their living standards of around $1200 to $1700 per month while Living in Durban.
- The City of Durban has excellent local food that you should try, like bunny chow. They also have a strong Indian population in Durban and eat the local food, which is another tip to save money. While living in Durban, South Africa, try eating at local markets and supermarkets. You will save a lot of money doing this.
We’ve been digital nomads for almost 4.5 years. We also lived in Durban before and have been traveling the globe since then, so we’ll share our experiences with you! Let’s do it!
Table Of Contents
Our Personal Monthly Cost of Living in Durban South Africa: Table of expenses Breakdown 2024
This Is a table of expenses of everything we spent living as digital nomads each month in Durban, South Africa, to give you an idea of your costs. Sometimes, we spent less or more depending on the total monthly cost was $1,150 – $1,600 (ZAR 19,550 – ZAR 27,200).
Our Monthly Cost of living In Durban, South Africa, went as follows:
- Rent and accommodation in Durban, $380 a month for a studio apartment condo near the local food markets and gyms, saved us even more on food and transportation.
- Food and Groceries Costs in Durban were $280 – $500 per month. We always ate the local food and street food in Durban and did weekly grocery shopping at the local supermarkets.
- Monthly Utilities in Durban were around $150 a month for electricity, water, wifi, and phone data from MTN combined.
- Gym Costs in Durban: We trained at MMA, Muay Thai, and jiujitsu gym and worked out at a local weightlifting gym. Altogether the cost was $90 per month.
- The cost of Transportation in Durban was around $120 to $200 per month between renting a scooter and uber.
- Activities and things to do in Durban, South Africa, were around $100 to $150 per month.
Here is a table of Expenses for what we personally spent in Durban, South Africa:
| Our Personal Average Monthly Expenses In Durban | USD $ | South African Rand USD/ZAR ZAR |
| Our Rent and Accommodation in Durban Per Month | $380 | ZAR 6460 |
| Our monthly Utilities in Durban such as water, electricity, Wifi, Mobile phone plan from MTN | $150 | ZAR 2,550 |
| Our Monthly Gym and MMA, Jiu Jitsu, and Muay Thai expenses in Durban | $90 | ZAR 1,530 |
| Our Monthly Cost of Food and Groceries expenses In Durban | $270 – $500 | ZAR 4,590 – ZAR 8,500 |
| Our Monthly Transportation Costs in Durban | $120- $200 | ZAR 2,040 – ZAR 3,400 |
| Our Monthly Activities and Things to do in Durban expenses | $100 – $150 | ZAR 1700 – ZAR 2,550 |
| Monthly Health Insurance (SafetyWing, World Nomads) In Durban | $40 – $150 | ZAR 680 – ZAR 2,550 |
| Our personal Cost of Living In Durban Per Month Total Expenses | $1,170 – $1,640 | ZAR 19,890 – ZAR 27,880 |
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Durban South Africa Summary Cost Of Rent, Groceries, Transportation, Healthcare: $830 – $3050 Per Month
The cost of living in Durban, South Africa, ranges from $830 – $2950 per month. The cost of living in Durban, South Africa, is 78% lower than in New York City, United States. With a family of four estimated monthly costs of $2,210, depending on your spending habits, it could be more or less than what is listed here.
You can reduce your monthly budget in Durban with some research, budget planning, eating local food, shopping at the local supermarkets, and renting on Airbnb monthly or finding a cheaper apartment locally in Durban on Property24, Facebook marketplace, etc., and renting a scooter.
Living in Durban, South Africa, is super affordable and has incredible beaches. You can live a greater quality of life here than back in the United States, etc. there are a lot of beautiful cheap rent and accommodations, food, and transport options available anywhere.
- The range of costs ranges from $830 – $3050 + per month, depending on your budget and spending habits.
- A budget food and grocery plan will cost you around $280 to $700 per month, although this will vary depending on your location and budget.
- Overall, a monthly budget of $1200 to $2000 is a realistic estimate for the cost of living in Durban, South Africa. You should re-evaluate your budget and spending habits if you spend above that.
- A family of four estimated monthly costs in Durban is $2210.
- A single person estimated monthly costs in Durban is $1200 to $2000.
- On average, the cost of living in Durban, South Africa, is 78% lower than in the United States.
- On average, rent in Durban, South Africa, is 78% lower than in the United States.
- Transportation costs in Durban expect to spend an estimated $120 to $200 each month on transportation.
Estimated Monthly Cost Of Living In Durban South Africa: Table of Expenses 2024
The Cost of living in Durban table below is An intensive research poll of Digital Nomads, our experience, Expats, retirees, travelers, locals, and Numbeo users that lived in Durban, South Africa, was used to put this together.
$1 USD equals 17.44 South African Rand ZAR. This estimate is based on an extremely Strict Budget Vs A luxury Budget in Durban, South Africa, per month! The Cost Of Living Per Month In Durban, South Africa, is $830 – $3050, depending on your spending habits! The lowest spend is $830 per month, which is the strictest budget.
Here is a table of expenses for a couple living in Durban, South Africa, per month:
| Average Monthly Expenses In Durban South Africa | USD $ | South African Rand USD/ZAR ZAR |
| Rent (Homestay, Guesthouse, studio vs Full Private 2+ Bedroom Villa) In Durban South Africa | $270 – $1600 | ZAR 4590 – ZAR 27200 |
| Electricity (Including water) In Durban South Africa | $50 – $200 | ZAR 850 – ZAR 2,550 |
| Mobile Phone (including SIM Card data) In Durban South Africa from Voda Com and MTN | $20 – $50 | ZAR 340 – ZAR 850 |
| Internet (WiFi) in Durban South Africa from Vodacom and MTN | $20 – $50 | ZAR 340 – ZAR 850 |
| Food (groceries, dining out, partying, nightlife) in Durban South Africa | $280 – $700 | ZAR 4,760 – ZAR 11,900 |
| Transportation (motorbike, fuel, renting, Taxi) In Durban South Africa | $120 – $200 | ZAR 2,040 – ZAR 3400 |
| Healthy Activities (Gym, MMA, Yoga, Massages, etc) In Durban South Africa | $30 – $100 | ZAR 520 – ZAR 1700 |
| Health Insurance (SafetyWing, World Nomads) In Durban South Africa | $40 – $150 | ZAR 680 – ZAR 2,550 |
| Cost of Living In Durban South Africa Per Month Total Expenses | $830 – $3050 | ZAR 14,110 – ZAR 51,850 |
Cost Of Rent and Accommodation in Durban South Africa Summary: $270 – $1600
The Cost of Renting an apartment or Airbnb in Durban, South Africa, is affordable if you set the right budget. Renting an apartment in Durban, South Africa, will cost $270 to $600 for a simple apartment per month to $600 or more for a luxury apartment.
It’s important to research to make sure you are getting the best value for your money. We recommend using Airbnb, Property24, or Facebook marketplace. as you see in the video and image above, you can rent beautiful places for a great price.
We recommend renting on Airbnb in Durban. It is faster than going through a rental agency you don’t have to pay an upfront deposit which, as digital nomads, is what we look for unless that is what you want.
- Renting an apartment monthly from Airbnb will be the best option if you want to live on a budget in Durban, South Africa. On average, apartments in Durban cost $300 to $700 per month on Airbnb.
- Renting a home in Durban with two or more rooms will cost you around $600 or more per month.
- You’ll have to choose between renting a flat, studio, 2+ bedroom apartment, sharing the rent, hostels, guesthouses, bed, and breakfasts, and Couchsurfing, property24, Facebook marketplace, or Airbnb.
- To save money on total expenses, eat at the local food places in Durban, shop at the local supermarkets, and look for an apartment in Durban in the surrounding areas close to local markets, local food stalls, supermarkets, or local transportation areas. A lot of great food is at the curry food shops in Durban; these are all tips on how to save while living in Durban.
- Digital Nomads in Durban, South Africa, and Expats in Durban, South Africa, are just a few of the Facebook groups available For you. Facebook groups are a fantastic resource! It is an excellent place to start.
When finding accommodation in Durban, it’s essential to do your research. The cost of rent can vary depending on where you decide to live in Durban. In general, central areas are more expensive than suburbs or rural areas.
Monthly Cost Of Rent and Accommodation in Durban South Africa: Table Of Expenses 2024
Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Rent and Accommodation in Durban, South Africa, per month:
Average Monthly Rent and Accommodation In Durban South Africa | USD $ | South African Rand USD/ZAR ZAR |
| Studio Apartment in Durban | $270 – $600 | ZAR 4590 – ZAR 10200 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment in Durban | $600 – $1200 | ZAR 10200 – ZAR 20400 |
| 3+ Bedroom Apartment in Durban | $1200 – $2000+ | ZAR 20400 – ZAR 34000 |
Cost Of Transportation in Durban South Africa Explained
Public transport in Durban is an excellent option for those who don’t have a car or want to reduce their monthly expenses. I suggest renting a scooter monthly to explore Durban, South Africa, to its fullest potential and navigate your way around the traffic. I also recommend using the metro and rail system. Budget around $120 to $200 per month in transportation and exploring Durban.
The public transportation system in Durban, South Africa, consists of mainly 12 transportation options:
- King Shaka International Airport in Durban provides both domestic and international flights.
- You can take many boats from Durban or the islands to other port cities.
- The train service Spoornet operates passenger Trainrail services from Durban: a daily service to and from Johannesburg and a weekly service to and from Cape Town from Kimberley and Bloemfontein.
- Metrorail operates a passenger train rail service in Durban for the surrounding areas. The Metrorail service runs from Durban Station to Stanger on the north coast, Kelso on the south coast, and Cato Ridge inland.
- Try to rent a scooter monthly in Durban.
- Use bolt taxi, a bit cheaper than uber from Durban international airport, and everyday transport.
- Use uber in Durban
- Use the local metro train in Durban.
- Carrier Vans
- Tour Buses
- Hire a private driver
- Rent a car, and This is the most expensive. I don’t recommend it, and Durban, South Africa, has crazy traffic, so it’s possible to damage your car, and you’ll have to pay more.
- Domestic flights to other cities from Durban
Monthly Cost Of Transportation in Durban South Africa: Table of Expenses in 2024
Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Public Transportation in Durban South Africa, per month:
| Average Monthly Transportation Expenses in Durban South Africa | USD $ | South African Rand USD/ZAR ZAR |
| Monthly Transportation Costs in Durban South Africa including scooter rental and taxi | $120 – $200 per month | ZAR 2040 – ZAR 3400 |
| Durban South Africa Metro Train, Metrorail, spoornet | $1 a day to $35 monthly | ZAR 17 – ZAR 578 |
Cost Of Food In Durban South Africa Explained: Monthly Food Table of Expenses 2024
Monthly Food and grocery Costs in Durban, South Africa cost $280 to $700 per month. You can save money if you eat at local food places, local markets, local supermarkets, and street food and Indian curry shops. We recommend this, or you will spend too much on tourist food spots!
The Food in Durban is world class! Skip the touristy food spots and only eat at the local street food, local supermarkets, and cheaper dining areas around town, like a local African food shop or Indian curry shop! The best food is at the local food stalls, and street food also, try the Bunny Chow!
We will also be making a dedicated article on the best food in Durban, South Africa, so stay tuned for that. We will link it here!
Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Food in Durban South Africa per month:
| Average Monthly Food Costs in Durban South Africa | USD $ | South African Rand USD/ZAR ZAR |
| African and Indian Local Food Markets, Street food and Local Supermarkets and cheaper dining options Per month (Budget Food Costs) in Durban South Africa | $280 – $700 | ZAR 4,760 – ZAR 11,900 |
| Eating out at Mid range restaurants and expensive restaurants per month (No Budget) In Durban South Africa | $700 – $1000 + | ZAR 11,900 – ZAR 17000 |
Best Cost of Flights To Durban South Africa Tips
Did you know you can fly one way to Durban, South Africa, affordably? This is How:
- If you Fly to Durban, South Africa, One-Way From New York City, the cost is $550 to $750 per person.
- If you Fly to Durban, South Africa, from Europe and other Asian countries, the costs will be from $320 to $420 per person.
- You Can Check On Google Flights here!
- Also, if you Have Travel Credit Card Miles and frequent Flyer miles, you can fly to Durban, South Africa, For almost free!
- Try searching for low-cost airlines or fly during off-peak times or off-season. If you’re determined to visit Durban, South Africa, book your flight as far in advance!
Cost of healthcare in Durban South Africa
Medical Tourism is massive in Durban, South Africa. Many hospitals and clinics throughout Durban, South Africa, provide high-quality care at reasonable prices. With many doctors that studied in the USA, UK, and Australia. I recommend researching the best hospitals for expats in Durban, South Africa.
We recommend The best travel health Insurance available by SafetyWing We always have travel insurance monthly for international trips and living abroad. It covers any health or medical procedure done.
We suggest you also have it, especially if you live in Durban, South Africa as an expat, and we always use SafetyWing for international travel insurance and medical concerns. They start at $42 a month! It’s incredible and always reliable!
Main FAQS Section About Durban South Africa
What is the monthly cost of living in Durban South Africa?
The cost of living in Durban South Africa, on average, is around $830 – $3050 per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other costs like utilities and phone bills.
What is the Cost of Accommodation in Durban South Africa?
The Cost of Accommodation in Durban South Africa costs around $270 to $700 per month.
Is Durban South Africa a safe city to travel to?
Durban, South Africa, is generally considered a safe place to visit. However, like any other city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
Some areas of the city are known to have higher crime rates, so it is always a good idea to research and avoid these areas.
Additionally, it is always a good idea to be cautious when carrying valuable items and to avoid walking alone at night. Overall, Durban can be a safe and enjoyable place to visit with proper care and attention.
How Much does it cost to live in Durban South Africa?
On average, living in Durban South Africa costs around $1200 to $2000 per month.
What is the Cost of Utilities in Durban South Africa?
The Utilities in Durban South Africa Cost around $50 to $200 per month, depending on your energy consumption!
What is the Cost Of Living in Durban South Africa Vs the USA?
The Cost Of Living in Durban South Africa is around 78% less than living in the USA, and the average monthly Cost of living in Durban South Africa is $1200 to $1700 per month in Durban South Africa vs $5500 to $8400 per month living in New York City, United States.
What is the Cost of Food in Durban South Africa vs the USA?
The Cost Of Food in Durban South Africa is 56% less than in the United States. Monthly Food Costs in Durban South Africa is from $280 to $600 per month.
What is the Cost Of Rent in Durban South Africa VS USA?
The Cost of Rent in Durban South Africa is 78% less Than in the United States A 1 bedroom apartment costs $270 to $600 per month on average, and 1 bedroom Apartment in New York City, United States, Costs over $2370 per month.
What is the Cost Of Accommodation in Durban South Africa vs the USA?
The Cost of Accommodation in Durban South Africa is 78.2% less Than in the United States; a studio bedroom apartment costs $270 to $600 per month on average, and 1 bedroom Apartment in New York City, United States, Costs over $2300 per month.
What is the Food Expenses In Durban South Africa?
The Food expenses in Durban South Africa is from $280 to $700 per month. Make sure to eat the local Food to save more!
What is the Rental Expenses In Durban South Africa?
The monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Durban South Africa is from $270 to $600.
What is the Expenses for a Single Person in Durban South Africa?
The Expenses for a Single Person in Durban South Africa is from $1200 to $2000 per month all expenses.
What is the average cost of Rent In Durban South Africa?
The Average cost of rent in Durban South Africa is around $280 to $600 Per Month in Durban South Africa.
What is the average Cost of Accommodation In Durban South Africa?
The Average cost of accommodation in Durban South Africa is $280 to $600 per month.
What is the Average cost of Utilities in Durban South Africa?
The Average cost of Utilities in Durban is around $50 to $200 per month.
What is the Cost of living in Durban South Africa?
The Cost of Living in Durban is around $830 – $3050 Per Month For all expenses.
What is the Cost of Mobile Phone SIM and Internet Data In Durban South Africa?
The Cost of Phone Data and internet in Durban is around $20 to $50 per month with Vodacom and MTN.
What is the Cost of Food in Durban South Africa?
The Cost of Food in Durban South Africa costs around $280 to $600 per month
Is Durban South Africa a cheap city to live in?
Durban South Africa’s cost of living is approximately 78% less than the USA. Durban is Extremely cheap and affordable to live in.
What is the average salary in Durban South Africa?
The Average Monthly Salary in Durban South Africa is 31,100 ZAR Durban South African Rand equals $1,790 United States Dollars.
What is a good salary to live in Durban South Africa?
A great Salary to live on in Durban South Africa is around $3050 per month.
Cost Of Living in Durban South Africa Conclusion
We hope that you have found this blog post helpful! We have summarized the cost of living in Durban South Africa and provided a table of expenses, provided information on rent, accommodation, food costs, and more! We will be continually updating this blog post! Also, below are many excellent travel resources that will help you in your Journey around the world!
We created a full post On The Cost Of Living in South Africa Click Here!
also if you are interested in the Cost of living in Cape Town South Africa Click Here!
And if you are interested in the Cost of living in Johannesburg South Africa Click here!
Cost of Taxes in Durban, South Africa by Percentage
Here is in-depth information for the cost of Taxes in Durban, South Africa for each type of Tax and make sure to contact a local Durban Tax Professional for more Information:
Individual Income Tax in Durban, South Africa
- Tax Type: Individual Income Tax
- Tax Rate: 18% – 45%
- Important Information:
- Progressive tax rates from 18% to 45% based on taxable income.
- 45% top rate applies on income above R1.5 million.
- Tax free thresholds for under 65s and over 65s.
Value-Added Tax (VAT) in Durban, South Africa
- Tax Type: Value-Added Tax (VAT)
- Tax Rate: 15%
- Important Information:
- Standard VAT rate of 15% on goods and services.
- Certain basic food items are zero-rated.
- Compulsory registration threshold at R1 million turnover.
Corporate Income Tax in Durban, South Africa
- Tax Type: Corporate Income Tax
- Tax Rate: 28%
- Important Information:
- Base corporate tax rate of 28% for all companies.
- Special rates for small business corporations and micro businesses.
- Various tax incentives to attract investment.
Dividends Tax in Durban, South Africa
- Tax Type: Dividends Tax
- Tax Rate: 20%
- Important Information:
- Final tax of 20% on dividends paid by companies.
- To be withheld and remitted by companies paying dividends.
- Lower 15% rate applies in some cases.
Customs Duties in Durban, South Africa
- Tax Type: Customs Duties
- Tax Rate: 0% – 45%
- Important Information:
- Import duties levied on goods brought into South Africa.
- Rates vary from 0% to 45% depending on the product.
- To encourage local manufacturing.
Table of Tax Rates in Durban, South Africa
| Tax Type in Durban, South Africa | Tax Rate in Durban, South Africa |
|---|---|
| Individual Income Tax | 18% – 45% |
| Value-Added Tax (VAT) | 15% |
| Corporate Income Tax | 28% |
| Dividends Tax | 20% |
| Customs Duties | 0% – 45% |
Travel Resources and Reliable Sources For Durban, South Africa
- Travel Insurance: We always have travel insurance monthly for international trips and living abroad. We suggest that you also have it. And we always use SafetyWing for international travel insurance and medical concerns. SafetyWing is one of the few policies covering Covid-19, starting at $42 a month! It’s incredible and always reliable! SafetyWing is perfect for Digital Nomads and long-term travelers!
- Heath and Safety: We use the travel guides on the CDC website to research recommended precautions.
- Official South Africa Tourism Board Tourist Friendly Site
- The South African Government Tourism Board
If you want to keep up with our travels, go ahead and follow us on our travel page on Instagram @onelifepassport! Comment below what else you would like to know/see about our experiences traveling the world! Also, check out our YouTube Channel!
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