Cost of Living in Durban

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Durban costs around 7,000 ZAR per month, while the same outside the city center costs around 5,000 ZAR. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around 14,000 ZAR per month, while the same outside the city center costs around 10,000 ZAR.
Apartment Purchases	The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is around 15,000 ZAR, while the same outside the city center is around 10,000 ZAR.
Transportation	A one-way ticket on local transport costs around 15 ZAR, while a monthly pass costs around 500 ZAR. The starting tariff for a normal taxi is around 30 ZAR, with an additional 15 ZAR per kilometer. The cost of gasoline is around 16 ZAR per liter.
Groceries	The average cost of a liter of milk is around 15 ZAR, a loaf of fresh white bread is around 14 ZAR, a kilogram of local cheese is around 80 ZAR, a dozen eggs is around 30 ZAR, a kilogram of chicken fillets is around 80 ZAR, a kilogram of apples is around 20 ZAR, a kilogram of bananas is around 15 ZAR, a kilogram of oranges is around 20 ZAR, a kilogram of tomatoes is around 20 ZAR, a kilogram of potatoes is around 20 ZAR, and a 1.5 liter bottle of water is around 15 ZAR.
Restaurants	A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 100 ZAR, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around 500 ZAR. A regular cappuccino costs around 25 ZAR, a 0.33 liter bottle of domestic beer costs around 30 ZAR, a 0.33 liter bottle of imported beer costs around 40 ZAR, and a 0.75 liter bottle of mid-range wine costs around 80 ZAR.
Utilities	The average monthly cost of basic utilities (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) for an 85m2 apartment is around 1,500 ZAR. The monthly cost of a 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL internet connection is around 800 ZAR.
Private School Tuition	The average annual cost of private preschool or kindergarten tuition is around 30,000 ZAR, while the same for elementary school is around 50,000 ZAR, for middle school is around 60,000 ZAR, and for high school is around 70,000 ZAR.

Please note that these costs are averages and can vary depending on the specific location within Durban, the quality of the goods or services, and individual lifestyle choices. Also, the costs are given in South African Rand (ZAR), and the exchange rate to other currencies can fluctuate.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Durban

"The cost of living in Durban, is generally considered to be lower than in many other major cities in the country. Housing is relatively affordable, with the cost of renting an apartment in the city center being significantly less than in cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town. The cost of groceries and dining out is also relatively low, making everyday expenses manageable for many residents. Public transportation in Durban is also quite affordable, with a variety of options available including buses, taxis, and trains. However, owning and maintaining a car can be more expensive due to the cost of petrol and car insurance. Healthcare in Durban is a mix of public and private providers. The cost can vary greatly depending on whether you use public or private healthcare services. Public healthcare is less expensive but may not offer the same level of service as private healthcare, which can be quite costly. Education costs in Durban can also vary. Public schools are less expensive than private schools, but the quality of education can differ significantly. In terms of entertainment, Durban offers a range of affordable activities. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, which are free to enjoy. There are also numerous parks, museums, and cultural sites that offer low-cost or free admission. Overall, while the cost of living in Durban is lower than in many other South African cities, it's important to note that salaries and wages also tend to be lower. Therefore, the affordability of living in Durban can depend largely on one's income and lifestyle choices," said one expat living in Durban.

Can I live in Durban on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Durban for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to many other cities, but it's still important to be mindful of your spending. Firstly, housing is going to be your biggest expense. There are some neighborhoods that are more affordable than others. For instance, Morningside and Glenwood are both nice areas with a good mix of amenities and are relatively affordable. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $400-$500 a month. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Umhlanga and Durban North are more upscale and expensive, so you might want to avoid these if you're on a tight budget. Food is another major expense, but it's quite affordable here. You can expect to spend around $200-$300 a month on groceries if you cook at home. Eating out can be a bit pricey, especially in touristy areas, but there are plenty of affordable local eateries where you can get a meal for under $10. Transportation costs can also add up, especially if you're using a car. Petrol prices are quite high and there's also the cost of maintenance and insurance to consider. Using public transportation or a bike can be a more affordable option. As for utilities like electricity, water, and internet, you can expect to pay around $100-$150 a month. It's worth noting that electricity can be quite expensive, especially in the colder months when you might be using heaters. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of affordable or even free activities to do in Durban. The city has beautiful beaches, parks, and hiking trails that you can enjoy without spending a dime. However, if you're into more expensive hobbies like dining out at high-end restaurants or going to concerts and theater shows, you might need to cut back on these. In conclusion, while $1,500 a month is not a lavish budget, it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Durban if you're mindful of your spending. It's all about finding the right balance between enjoying the city and sticking to your budget," commented an expat living in Durban.

Can I live in Durban on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Durban for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious neighborhoods. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. Durban has a range of neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique character and price range. If you're looking for more affordable options, consider areas like Glenwood, Morningside, or Musgrave. These neighborhoods are centrally located, have a good sense of community, and are close to amenities like shops, restaurants, and parks. You can find a decent two-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $500 to $700 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking at more upscale neighborhoods, you might want to consider Umhlanga or La Lucia. These areas are known for their beautiful beaches, high-end shopping centers, and luxury homes. However, the cost of living here is significantly higher. A two-bedroom apartment can easily cost you over $1,000 a month. In terms of other expenses, groceries can cost you around $200 to $300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, can add another $100 to $200 to your monthly expenses. Transportation is relatively affordable in Durban. If you're using public transport, it can cost you around $30 to $50 a month. If you're driving, petrol costs are around $1 per liter. One thing to keep in mind is that healthcare in South Africa can be expensive, especially if you're used to free healthcare. It's advisable to get a good health insurance plan, which can cost you around $100 to $200 a month. So, while you might have to make a few sacrifices, living in Durban on $3,000 a month is definitely doable. You just need to budget wisely and choose your neighborhood carefully," said one expat living in Durban.

Can I live in Durban on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Durban for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For instance, you can rent a nice two-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood for around $600-$800 a month. If you're looking for affordable neighborhoods, I'd recommend areas like Morningside, Glenwood, or Westville. They're safe, have good amenities, and are close to the city center. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Umhlanga or La Lucia are more upscale and expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you're on a budget. When it comes to utilities, including electricity, water, heating, cooling, and garbage, you're looking at about $100 a month. Internet is around $50 a month for unlimited data. Groceries would cost you around $300 a month if you eat at home most of the time. Eating out is also quite affordable. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant would cost you around $10, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant would be about $40. Transportation is also quite affordable. A monthly pass for public transport costs around $30. If you prefer driving, gasoline costs around $1 per liter. As for healthcare, private health insurance costs around $200 a month for a comprehensive plan. However, you might need to make some sacrifices. For instance, imported goods, especially electronics, are quite expensive due to high import taxes. So, if you're a gadget freak, you might need to cut back on that. Also, while public healthcare is available, it's not up to the standards you might be used to, so you'd need to budget for private health insurance. But overall, I'd say that living in Durban on $5,000 a month is quite doable and you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without making too many sacrifices," commented an expat living in Durban.