What is the cost of living in Durban?

The cost of living in Durban is 76.7% cheaper than New York City (index: 23.3). Groceries are 65.4% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 65.1% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately ZAR 7,595 per month. Local purchasing power index is 98.3 (NYC = 100).

🇿🇦 South Africa · #445 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Durban?

Q: Should I move to Durban?

Durban, South Africa has a cost of living 76.7% cheaper than New York City (index: 23.3). It is ranked #445 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is strong (index: 98.3 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

76.7% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-76.7%

vs NYC

ZAR 7,595

1-BR, city centre

98.3

Purchasing Power

Strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Durban?

Cost breakdown: Durban

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

23.3 Affordable

Rent

11.5 Very affordable

Groceries

34.6 Very affordable

Restaurants

34.9 Very affordable

Purchasing Power

98.3 Strong

Rent in Durban

1-BR, city centre ZAR 7,595/mo

1-BR, outside centre ZAR 6,430/mo

3-BR, city centre ZAR 13,495/mo

3-BR, outside centre ZAR 12,764/mo

Save by going outside centre 15% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇿🇦 Pretoria

South Africa

CoL index 25.6

Compare Pretoria vs Durban →

🇿🇦 Johannesburg

South Africa

CoL index 29.2

Compare Johannesburg vs Durban →

🇿🇦 Cape Town

South Africa

CoL index 32.5

Compare Cape Town vs Durban →

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