Cost Of Living For a Single Person in Durban 2025

Single person cost of living chart - individual average monthly expenditure in Durban

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: ZAR
3,500 25,000 170,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $1,300 $8,700

Average monthly spending for a single person or individual in Durban

How much money does an individual need in a month to survive in Durban?

A single person in Durban spends around 25,000 ZAR per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a single individual can survive with a monthly budget as low as 3,500 ZAR or as high as 170,000 ZAR. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Durban


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Durban

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

36 ZAR 72 ZAR 120 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $3.8 $6.3

Restaurant meal for one

120 ZAR 180 ZAR 370 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $9.7 $19

Fine dining meal for one

250 ZAR 370 ZAR 1,500 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $77

Cappuccino or latte

30 ZAR 48 ZAR 72 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.5 $3.8

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

24 ZAR 29 ZAR 36 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.5 $1.9

12 eggs

18 ZAR 24 ZAR 36 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.94 $1.3 $1.9

Fresh whole chicken

41 ZAR 53 ZAR 75 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.8 $3.9

Pack of beef

48 ZAR 72 ZAR 140 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.8 $7.5

Medium bag of rice

19 ZAR 26 ZAR 37 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.4 $2

Bag of tomatos

7.2 ZAR 9.6 ZAR 18 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.38 $0.50 $0.94

Bag of apples

13 ZAR 17 ZAR 28 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.67 $0.88 $1.5
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Durban


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

31 ZAR 37 ZAR 74 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $1.9 $3.9

Average car full tank

180 ZAR 240 ZAR 480 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.4 $13 $25

Average car 1-day rental

190 ZAR 250 ZAR 380 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.9 $13 $20

Average car price

90,000 ZAR 180,000 ZAR 240,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,700 $9,400 $13,000

Bus ticket one way

6.3 ZAR 9.4 ZAR 19 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.33 $0.50 $0.99

Car Service

250 ZAR 380 ZAR 750 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $20 $40
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Durban


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

210 ZAR 1,500 ZAR 9,900 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $79 $520

Internet and cable

180 ZAR 360 ZAR 480 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.4 $19 $25

Mobile phone charges

140 ZAR 240 ZAR 720 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.5 $13 $38

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

90 ZAR 120 ZAR 180 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $6.3 $9.4

One month gym membership

300 ZAR 380 ZAR 750 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $20 $40
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Durban


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

220 ZAR 310 ZAR 470 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $17 $25

Woman dress

210 ZAR 290 ZAR 940 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $50

Woman shoes

200 ZAR 270 ZAR 630 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $14 $33

Men's shoes

170 ZAR 210 ZAR 420 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9 $11 $22

Men suit

190 ZAR 240 ZAR 1,300 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.9 $12 $66

Regular t-shirt

94 ZAR 130 ZAR 380 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $6.6 $20
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Durban


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

3,100 ZAR 4,700 ZAR 13,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $250 $660

1-bedroom apartment

4,700 ZAR 7,500 ZAR 19,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $400 $990

2-bedroom apartment

6,300 ZAR 9,400 ZAR 25,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $500 $1,300

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

630,000 ZAR 940,000 ZAR 1.9M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33,000 $50,000 $99,000

1-bedroom apartment

750,000 ZAR 1.3M ZAR 4.7M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40,000 $66,000 $250,000

2-bedroom apartment

1.3M ZAR 3.8M ZAR 7.5M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66,000 $200,000 $400,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Durban


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

3,600 ZAR 4,500 ZAR 6,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $240 $310

Double Bed

2,400 ZAR 3,600 ZAR 4,500 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $190 $240

Single Bed

2,100 ZAR 2,800 ZAR 3,600 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $150 $190

Living Room

4,000 ZAR 5,100 ZAR 18,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $270 $940

Dining Table

1,800 ZAR 2,400 ZAR 4,500 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$94 $130 $240

Sofa or Couch

2,400 ZAR 3,300 ZAR 7,200 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $170 $380
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Durban


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

2,400 ZAR 3,600 ZAR 7,200 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $190 $380

Fridge or Freezer

2,100 ZAR 3,300 ZAR 4,500 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $170 $240

Washing Machine

2,800 ZAR 4,000 ZAR 7,200 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $210 $380

Stove or Cooker

2,600 ZAR 3,300 ZAR 4,500 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $170 $240

Mobile Phone

3,000 ZAR 3,600 ZAR 5,100 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $190 $270

Laptop or Computer

3,300 ZAR 4,000 ZAR 7,200 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $210 $380
Single person or Individual cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Durban

Single person expenditure to income ratio in Durban

Analysing the how affordable it is for an individual to live in Durban

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Individuals usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a single individual ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

75%

68% to 83%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Individuals in Durban spend around 75% of their monthly income. Some individuals spend as low as 68% of their income while some as high as 83%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a single person in Durban

How do individuals spend their money in Durban?

We asked thousands of individuals about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for individuals

Accomodation Cost30%

30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)

LOW$67   1,300 ZAR
AVERAGE$470   9,000 ZAR
HIGH$3,100   60,000 ZAR
Per Month

Individuals in Durban typically spend from 18% to 42% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 30% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 9,000 ZAR with expenditure ranging from 1,300 ZAR to 60,000 ZAR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for individuals

Cost of utilities8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$11   210 ZAR
AVERAGE$79   1,500 ZAR
HIGH$520   9,900 ZAR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Durban ranges from 4% to 13% of total expenses with 8% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,500 ZAR with 210 ZAR and 9,900 ZAR being the upper and lower limits for a single person.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for individuals

Cost of transport and fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$15   280 ZAR
AVERAGE$100   2,000 ZAR
HIGH$700   13,000 ZAR
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a single person resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a single person would expect to spend from 280 ZAR to 13,000 ZAR in a month on commuting with 2,000 ZAR being the norm for most individuals. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for individuals

Food and Groceries Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$30   560 ZAR
AVERAGE$210   4,000 ZAR
HIGH$1,400   27,000 ZAR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical person in a month in Durban is 4,000 ZAR. The cost of groceries can range between 560 ZAR to 27,000 ZAR. Individuals spend on average about 19% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 13% and 24% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for individuals

Cost of healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$17   320 ZAR
AVERAGE$120   2,200 ZAR
HIGH$790   15,000 ZAR
Per Month

Individuals in Durban allocate 6% to 16% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 12%. The range of medical expenses range from 320 ZAR to 15,000 ZAR with 2,200 ZAR being the norm for most individuals.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for individuals

Cost of leisure and shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$9.3   180 ZAR
AVERAGE$66   1,200 ZAR
HIGH$440   8,300 ZAR
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 180 ZAR to 8,300 ZAR with 1,200 ZAR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most individuals.

Education and schooling expenditure for individuals

Cost of education and schooling1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$3.7   70 ZAR
AVERAGE$26   500 ZAR
HIGH$170   3,300 ZAR
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different individuals. On average, education constitutes 1% of the monthly expenditure of individuals with 0.00% and 3% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 500 ZAR per month with 70 ZAR being the minimum spent amount and 3,300 ZAR being the maximum.

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$33   630 ZAR
AVERAGE$240   4,500 ZAR
HIGH$1,600   30,000 ZAR
Per Month
Percentage of individuals who manage to save money from their income every month in Durban

What percentage of individuals in Durban are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of individuals that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
67%
Not Saving
33%

Almost 67% of surveyed individuals in Durban said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 33% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


A single person savings to income ratio in Durban

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do individuals manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 25% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,000 ZAR
$53
9,000 ZAR
$480
60,000 ZAR
$3,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for individuals

Saving To Income Ratio% Individuals
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Individuals that are able to save money can put anywhere from 15% to 34% of their monthly income to their savings, with 25% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly amount of money that individuals can put aside is 9,000 ZAR with 1,000 ZAR and 60,000 ZAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money in Durban

Saving Challenges in Durban

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Durban. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans14%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later20%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the individuals said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 14% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 11% of individuals blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 20% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 13% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do individuals choose to put their savings in Durban

Typical saving choices for individuals in Durban

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings20%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks5%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for individuals to live in Durban

Affordable living in Durban

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked individuals one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Durban?


Yes
68%
No
32%

Around 68% of surveyed individuals think that living in Durban is affordable with proper budgeting while 32% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for individuals. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Durban

Low-cost alternatives in Durban

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked individuals how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options61%

Few low-cost options39%


Based on the survey, 61% of the individuals living in Durban have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 39% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Individuals

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked individuals of Durban whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes68%

No32%


Based on the survey, 32% of the individuals living in Durban said that they don't have an emergency fund while 68% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for individuals in Durban

Financial Literacy in South Africa

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy63%


We asked individuals in Durban whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 37% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 63% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether single people of South Africa have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 27% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 73% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance27%

Easily manages finances73%

Financial goals and targets of single people living in Durban

Financial goals of individuals in Durban

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Durban, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction40%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle7%
Healthcare Expenses13%
Financial Independence6%

Around 8% of individuals said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 40% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 7% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 13% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of individuals who are in debt in Durban

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Durban


Percentage of individuals who are in debt


In Debt
23%
Debt Free
77%

According to the survey, 23% of the individuals in Durban have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 77% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Durban

Debt-to-income ratio in Durban

Debt to income ratio

28%

19% to 37%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 28% of a single person's monthly income in Durban goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%17%
40% - 50%14%
30% - 40%16%
20% - 30%11%
10% - 20%13%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Durban pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 17% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 11% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Durban

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage9%
Auto Loan17%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card29%
Personal Loan42%

9% of debtors in Durban confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 29% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 17% of people and personal loans rose at 42%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Durban.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Durban

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked individuals of Durban how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never51%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Durban

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Durban

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Durban

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

3,100 ZAR 4,700 ZAR 13,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $250 $660

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

4,700 ZAR 7,500 ZAR 19,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $400 $990

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

6,300 ZAR 9,400 ZAR 25,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $500 $1,300

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

7,500 ZAR 13,000 ZAR 34,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $660 $1,800

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

15,000 ZAR 38,000 ZAR 75,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $2,000 $4,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

13,000 ZAR 19,000 ZAR 54,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $990 $2,800

House monthly rent cost

15,000 ZAR 38,000 ZAR 75,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $2,000 $4,000

Villa monthly rent cost

19,000 ZAR 47,000 ZAR 75,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$990 $2,500 $4,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Durban ranges between 3,100 ZAR and 13,000 ZAR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 4,700 ZAR to 19,000 ZAR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 6,300 ZAR and 25,000 ZAR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 7,500 ZAR to 34,000 ZAR. The average rent of a townhouse in Durban is around 19,000 ZAR while house rental costs can be as high as 38,000 ZAR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 19,000 ZAR to 75,000 ZAR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Durban

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

630,000 ZAR 940,000 ZAR 1.9M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33,000 $50,000 $99,000

1-bedroom apartment price

750,000 ZAR 1.3M ZAR 4.7M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40,000 $66,000 $250,000

2-bedroom apartment price

1.3M ZAR 3.8M ZAR 7.5M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66,000 $200,000 $400,000

3-bedroom apartment price

4.2M ZAR 6.3M ZAR 19M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220,000 $330,000 $990,000

Townhouse price

5.4M ZAR 13M ZAR 47M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280,000 $660,000 $2.5M

House price

6.3M ZAR 38M ZAR 54M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330,000 $2M $2.8M

Villa price

7.5M ZAR 42M ZAR 63M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400,000 $2.2M $3.3M

The average price of a studio apartment in Durban can range from 630,000 ZAR to 1.9M ZAR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 750,000 ZAR to 4.7M ZAR. A villa can cost you 42M ZAR on average with prices ranging from 7.5M ZAR to 63M ZAR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Durban will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


42 x123 monthly income 214
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Durban can be x123 to x214 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x123 multiples of the average monthly salary in Durban.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


22% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Durban is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 42% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
30%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.1%
AVERAGE
3.1%
TO
4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


55 ZAR 720 ZAR 7,200 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Durban

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Durban

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / A single person

210 ZAR 1,500 ZAR 9,900 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $79 $520

Internet and cable cost

180 ZAR 360 ZAR 480 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.4 $19 $25

Mobile phone bill and charges

140 ZAR 240 ZAR 720 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.5 $13 $38

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of individuals is around 1,500 ZAR. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 180 ZAR to 480 ZAR with 360 ZAR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 240 ZAR but can range between 140 ZAR and 720 ZAR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2% 5% of income 9%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Durban is around 5%. This means that people pay 5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2% to 9% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Durban

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Durban

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

36 ZAR 72 ZAR 120 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $3.8 $6.3

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Durban is approximatly 72 ZAR with meal cost ranging from 36 ZAR to 120 ZAR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

120 ZAR 180 ZAR 370 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $9.7 $19

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 120 ZAR and 370 ZAR with 180 ZAR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Durban.

Fine dining meal for one price

250 ZAR 370 ZAR 1,500 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $77

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 250 ZAR to 1,500 ZAR with the average cost being 370 ZAR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Durban.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

30 ZAR 48 ZAR 72 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.5 $3.8

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Durban is around 48 ZAR. Price ranges between 30 ZAR and 72 ZAR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

24 ZAR 29 ZAR 36 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.5 $1.9

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Durban is 29 ZAR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 36 ZAR and the minimum being 24 ZAR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

18 ZAR 24 ZAR 36 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.94 $1.3 $1.9

A dozen eggs costs around 24 ZAR on average with 18 ZAR and 36 ZAR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

41 ZAR 53 ZAR 75 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.8 $3.9

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Durban is between 41 ZAR and 75 ZAR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 53 ZAR.

Pack of beef price

48 ZAR 72 ZAR 140 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.8 $7.5

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 72 ZAR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

19 ZAR 26 ZAR 37 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.4 $2

A bag of rice in Durban costs around 26 ZAR on average with prices rangeing between 19 ZAR and 37 ZAR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

7.2 ZAR 9.6 ZAR 18 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.38 $0.50 $0.94

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 7.2 ZAR to 18 ZAR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

13 ZAR 17 ZAR 28 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.67 $0.88 $1.5

A bag of apples costs 17 ZAR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


17% 25% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Durban is around 25%. This means that individuals spend 25% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 17% to 31% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for individuals

Individuals' spending on grocery ranges from 560 ZAR to 27,000 ZAR with the location, income being the most determinite factors.

evoeicarsraw©copound