City Comparison
Johannesburg vs Durban
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Durban is ~19% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Johannesburg
South Africa
COL+Rent
26.5
Rent Index
14
Groceries
34.2
Restaurant
37.7
Durban
South Africa
COL+Rent
21.4
Rent Index
10.1
Groceries
28.7
Restaurant
30.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Johannesburg | Durban | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $610 | $441 | +$169 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $421 | $304 | +$117 |
| Groceries | $205 | $172 | +$33 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15 | $12 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $34 | $29 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $94 | $79 | +$15 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Johannesburg | Durban |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $753/mo | $580/mo |
| Typical | $1,168/mo | $901/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,526/mo | $1,182/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Johannesburg | ≈ in Durban | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,211/mo | -$289 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,615/mo | -$385 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,423/mo | -$577 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johannesburg or Durban cheaper to live in?
Durban is approximately 19% cheaper overall. Johannesburg's COL+Rent Index is 26.5 vs Durban's 21.4 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Johannesburg vs Durban?
A 1BR in Johannesburg city center costs ~$610/mo vs $441/mo in Durban. Outside the center: $421 vs $304.
What is $2,000/month in Johannesburg worth in Durban?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Johannesburg has the purchasing power of approximately $1,615/month in Durban.
Are groceries cheaper in Johannesburg or Durban?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $205 in Johannesburg vs $172 in Durban. Groceries Index: 34.2 vs 28.7 (NYC = 100).