Is Cape Town more expensive than Durban?

Cape Town is 39.5% more expensive than Durban overall. Rent is 96.5% higher, groceries 12.1% more expensive, and restaurants 20.3% more expensive.

Which city has better purchasing power, Durban or Cape Town?

Durban has a purchasing power index of 98.3 while Cape Town has 97.2 (NYC = 100). Durban offers better purchasing power.

Durban vs Cape Town: Cape Town is 39.5% more expensive, rent 97% higher (2026)

Category	🇿🇦 Durban	🇿🇦 Cape Town	Difference
Cost of Living	23.3	32.5	+39.5%
Rent	11.5	22.6	+96.5%
Groceries	34.6	38.8	+12.1%
Restaurants	34.9	42.0	+20.3%
Purchasing Power	98.3	97.2	-1.1%

Data from October 2026 · Cost of living: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available. Rent, groceries, restaurants and purchasing power: Numbeo (NYC = 100) · Indices reflect relative costs; absolute prices vary by neighbourhood.

Explore

🇿🇦 Cost of Living in Durban

Explore

🇿🇦 Cost of Living in Cape Town

Explore

🇿🇦 Should I Move to Durban?

Explore

🇿🇦 Should I Move to Cape Town?

🇿🇦 Durban vs 🇿🇦 Cape Town

Add your salary for a personalized comparison