Durban, South Africa
Cost of living · 2024 · Africa · Rent +6.4% vs 2023
Rent trend in Durban (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Durban (2024)
Estimated monthly budget in Durban
Based on 2024 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in South Africa (2024)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Durban |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durban | ZAR 10,000 | ZAR 4,500 | ZAR 850 | ZAR 2,000 | — |
| Cape Town | ZAR 17,000 | ZAR 5,500 | ZAR 1,100 | ZAR 2,600 | +70% |
| Johannesburg | ZAR 13,500 | ZAR 5,000 | ZAR 950 | ZAR 2,300 | +35% |
Other Africa cities (2024)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Durban in 2024?
In 2024, a single person living in Durban needs approximately ZAR 18,310/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around ZAR 35,990/month. Durban is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.
How much is rent in Durban in 2024?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Durban costs approximately ZAR 10,000/month in 2024. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around ZAR 19,000/month. Rent has changed +6.4% vs 2023.
How much do groceries cost in Durban?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Durban are approximately ZAR 4,500 in 2024. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.
What does public transport cost in Durban?
A monthly public transport pass in Durban costs ZAR 850 in 2024, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Durban?
Monthly utility costs in Durban average ZAR 2,000 in 2024, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.
Is Durban expensive to live in?
Durban is located in South Africa (Africa). With a 1-bed rent of ZAR 10,000/month and total single-person expenses around ZAR 18,310/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.
How much does eating out cost in Durban?
A typical restaurant meal for one person in Durban costs approximately ZAR 120 in 2024. Budget around ZAR 960/month if dining out a few times a week.
How have living costs in Durban changed over time?
LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Durban from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 24.7% over this period (from ZAR 8,800 in 2022 to ZAR 10,972 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.
What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Durban?
To live comfortably in Durban in 2024, a single person needs approximately ZAR 18,310/month. This covers rent (ZAR 10,000), groceries (ZAR 4,500), transport (ZAR 850), utilities (ZAR 2,000) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around ZAR 35,990/month.