Durban
Pretoria

Durban vs Pretoria — Cost of Living Comparison

Durban
South Africa
VS
Pretoria
South Africa
Estimated average living costs are ~10% lower in Durban

Durban

$1,050

avg. monthly cost

Population

3,500,000

Safety

33/100

Quality

46/100

Cost
30
Safety
33
Life
46

Pretoria

$1,150

avg. monthly cost

Population

2,600,000

Safety

34/100

Quality

47/100

Cost
31
Safety
34
Life
47

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~10% lower in Durban

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Durban

$1,050

estimated per month

Pretoria

$1,150

estimated per month

Difference

+9.5%

Monthly savings

$100

Yearly savings

$1,200

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)

$82,143

+$7,143/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

ItemDurbanPretoriaDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$420.00$480.00
+14.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$280.00$320.00
+14.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$850.00$950.00
+11.8%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$550.00$620.00
+12.7%
ItemDurbanPretoriaDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$4.50$5.00
+11.1%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$24.00$26.00
+8.3%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.50$4.50
0.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.90$0.90
0.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.80$0.85
+6.2%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.00$1.05
+5.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.00$2.00
0.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.00$4.10
+2.5%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.30$1.35
+3.8%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.90$0.95
+5.6%
ItemDurbanPretoriaDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$35.00$38.00
+8.6%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.65$0.70
+7.7%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.85$0.85
0.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.60$0.60
0.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20$1.20
0.0%
ItemDurbanPretoriaDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$80.00$82.00
+2.5%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$17.00$18.00
+5.9%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$30.00$32.00
+6.7%
ItemDurbanPretoriaDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$30.00$30.00
0.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$25.00$26.00
+4.0%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$8.00$8.00
0.0%
ItemDurbanPretoriaDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$25.00$26.00
+4.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$5.00$5.00
0.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$1.90$2.00
+5.3%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.20$2.20
0.0%
ItemDurbanPretoriaDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$42.00$44.00
+4.8%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$24.00$25.00
+4.2%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$65.00$66.00
+1.5%

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

Frequently asked questions: Durban vs Pretoria

Is Durban or Pretoria more expensive?
Pretoria is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 31 compared with 30 for Durban.
How much cheaper is Durban than Pretoria?
Living in Durban is around 3% cheaper than Pretoria, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Durban and Pretoria?
Durban scores 30 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Pretoria scores 31 — where New York City equals 100.