Cape Town
Durban

Cape Town vs Durban — Cost of Living Comparison

Cape Town
South Africa
VS
Durban
South Africa
Estimated average living costs are ~22% lower in Durban

Cape Town

$1,350

avg. monthly cost

Population

4,620,000

Safety

35/100

Quality

50/100

Cost
32
Safety
35
Life
50

Durban

$1,050

avg. monthly cost

Population

3,500,000

Safety

33/100

Quality

46/100

Cost
30
Safety
33
Life
46

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~22% lower in Durban

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Cape Town

$1,350

estimated per month

Durban

$1,050

estimated per month

Difference

-22.2%

Monthly savings

$300

Yearly savings

$3,600

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$58,333

-$16,667/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemCape TownDurbanDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$600.00$420.00
-30.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$400.00$280.00
-30.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,200.00$850.00
-29.2%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$750.00$550.00
-26.7%
ItemCape TownDurbanDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$6.00$4.50
-25.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$30.00$24.00
-20.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.00$4.50
-10.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.00$0.90
-10.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.90$0.80
-11.1%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20$1.00
-16.7%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.30$2.00
-13.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.50$4.00
-11.1%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.50$1.30
-13.3%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.10$0.90
-18.2%
ItemCape TownDurbanDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$45.00$35.00
-22.2%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.80$0.65
-18.8%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.00$0.85
-15.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.70$0.60
-14.3%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20$1.20
0.0%
ItemCape TownDurbanDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$90.00$80.00
-11.1%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$20.00$17.00
-15.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$35.00$30.00
-14.3%
ItemCape TownDurbanDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$35.00$30.00
-14.3%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$30.00$25.00
-16.7%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$10.00$8.00
-20.0%
ItemCape TownDurbanDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$30.00$25.00
-16.7%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$5.50$5.00
-9.1%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.20$1.90
-13.6%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.50$2.20
-12.0%
ItemCape TownDurbanDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$48.00$42.00
-12.5%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$28.00$24.00
-14.3%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$70.00$65.00
-7.1%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Cape Town vs Durban

Is Cape Town or Durban more expensive?
Cape Town is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 32 compared with 30 for Durban.
How much cheaper is Durban than Cape Town?
Living in Durban is around 6% cheaper than Cape Town, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Cape Town and Durban?
Cape Town scores 32 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Durban scores 30 — where New York City equals 100.