Should I Visit Durban or Accra for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Durban or Accra?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Durban and Accra. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Durban or Accra?

Durban

The third largest city in South Africa, Durban sits on the east coast of the country in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The city also has the country's most active port. The city's comfortable weather and vast beaches make it one of the country's major tourist centers. There's a population of about 3.5 million in the entire metropolitan area that spreads over 2,295 square kilometers.

Accra

Accra is the capital city of Ghana, located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Popular attractions include the National Museum of Ghana, local beaches, markets, and cultural landmarks like those dedicated to Civil Rights activist W.E.B. DuBois.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.

Which place is cheaper, Accra or Durban?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Durban Prices
South Africa Prices

Accra Prices
Ghana Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Durban $63

Accra $41

The average daily cost (per person) in Durban is $63, while the average daily cost in Accra is $41. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Durban and Accra in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Durban $24

Accra $17
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Durban $48

Accra $34

Compare Hotels in Durban and Accra

Looking for a hotel in Durban or Accra? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Durban Hotel Prices and Accra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Durban $13

Accra $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban

Also for Durban, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Private Transfers - Minibus - Durban Arrivals and Departures: $43
1-3 Passenger Private Durban - Airport Transfer: $45
Durban Cruise Ship Transfers : $46
Private Sedan Transfers - Durban King Shaka: $46
Durban Airport (DUR) to Durban - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
Arrival Private Transfer from Durban Airport DUR to Durban City by Business Car: $78
Arrival Private Transfer from Durban Airport DUR to Durban City by Minivan: $84
Private transfers from King Shaka Airport: $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Accra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Accra:

City Highlights, Culture, History Tour with Transfers: $150
Private Transfer in and out of Accra: $145
Kotoka Airport Exclusive Wheelchair Accessible Transfers!: $130
Accra Hotel to Airport Transfer: $85
Accra Airport Hotel City Transfers: $58
Accra Airport to Hotel Transfer: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Durban or Accra?

Prices for flights to both Accra and Durban change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

Food

Food Meals for one day

Durban $27

Accra $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Accra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Accra.

Accra Street Food Tour: Osu Night Market Tour Experience: $43
Local Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra to help support wellness community center: $45
Accra Street Food Tour: Makola Market Tour With Full Lunch: $67
Cooking Class: $75
Culinary for Social Change-Cooking Class : $80
Home Cooking Class by Auntie K: $89
Nighttime Food Tour with Local Guide: $90
Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Lessons: $100
Private 1 to 2 Hours Street Food Tour in Ghana: $100
Hands-On Cooking Class With Local Food Tours and Market Tours : $116
Flavors of Ghana: Food Tour Experience.: $135
Savor & Learn: Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Experience: $179

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Durban $16

Accra $3.07

Tours and Activities in Durban

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Durban.

30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise: $5.76
Durban Point Waterfront: Luxury Canal Boat Cruise: $7.85
Luxury Canal Boat Cruise - Fun Things Durban Ushaka: $8.32
1-Hour Boat Cruise from Wilson's Wharf: $8.37
Pontoon Boat Harbor Cruise: $9.94
Luxury Harbour Ocean Boat Cruise: $11
Magical Gondola Night Boat Cruise in Durban: $11
Durban Walking Tour: $32
Durban Half-Day City Tour - Golden Mile, Botanical Gardens: $48
Durban City Sightseeing Tour: $49
Local Markets and Culture Guided Walking Tour: $58
Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City Tour: $70

Tours and Activities in Accra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Accra are as follows:

(Capecoast , Kakum Tour)with optional Assin Manso slave river : $200
Accra Private Surfing Experience with Pick Up: $250
Naming Ceremony and Heritage Homecoming Experience for Diasporas: $265
The Akosombo Tour: $190
A Day Tour of Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle & Kakum Park : $280
A Day tour to the Cape Coast Castle and Kakum National Pack: $180
Aburi ATV - Quad Biking and Waterfall Private Tour : $280
Aburi Botanic Gardens, Boti Falls,Umbrella Rock & Cocoa Farm Tour: $160
Aburi Botanical Gardens and Cocoa farm - Private Tour: $168
Aburi Gardens & Cocoa Tours: $190
Accra - Ada Aqua Safari - Friendly Tours: $230
Accra Architectural Tour: $100

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Durban $12

Accra $4.40

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durban and Accra, we can see that Durban is more expensive. And not only is Accra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Accra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Accra and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Durban would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durban than you might in Accra.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Durban Expensive? and Is Accra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durban or Accra?

Durban has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Accra. When comparing the sizes of Durban and Accra, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Durban or Accra?

Durban has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Accra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Durban or Accra in the Summer?

Both Accra and Durban during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Accra year-round.

Durban is around the same temperature as Accra in the summer. The daily temperature in Durban averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and Accra fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Durban. Durban usually gets more rain in January than Accrain July. Durban gets 134 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Accra receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Summer Average Temperatures January and July

Durban 25°C (76°F)

Accra 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Durban or Accra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Durban and Accra. Accra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Durban is cooler than Accra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durban in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Accra averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.

In April, Durban usually receives more rain than Accrain October. Durban gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Accra receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Autumn Average Temperatures April and October

Durban 22°C (71°F)

Accra 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Durban or Accra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Durban as well as Accra. The warm climate attracts visitors to Accra throughout the year.

In July, Durban is generally much colder than Accrain January. Daily temperatures in Durban average around 17°C (62°F), and Accra fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Durban usually gets more rain in July than Accrain January. Durban gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Accra receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Winter Average Temperatures July and January

Durban 17°C (62°F)

Accra 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Durban or Accra in the Spring?

Both Accra and Durban are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Accra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Durban is cooler than Accra in the spring. The daily temperature in Durban averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Accra fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Accra. In October, Durban usually receives less rain than Accrain April. Durban gets 98 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Accra receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Spring Average Temperatures October and April

Durban 21°C (69°F)

Accra 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Accra and Durban

	Durban		Accra
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	25°C (76°F)	134 mm (5.3 in)	27°C (81°F)	18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb	25°C (76°F)	113 mm (4.4 in)	28°C (82°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar	24°C (75°F)	126 mm (5 in)	28°C (82°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr	22°C (71°F)	73 mm (2.9 in)	28°C (82°F)	117 mm (4.6 in)
May	19°C (67°F)	59 mm (2.3 in)	27°C (81°F)	120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun	17°C (62°F)	28 mm (1.1 in)	26°C (79°F)	281 mm (11.1 in)
Jul	17°C (62°F)	39 mm (1.5 in)	25°C (77°F)	86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug	18°C (64°F)	62 mm (2.4 in)	24°C (75°F)	29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep	19°C (67°F)	73 mm (2.9 in)	25°C (77°F)	73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct	21°C (69°F)	98 mm (3.9 in)	26°C (79°F)	49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov	22°C (71°F)	108 mm (4.3 in)	27°C (81°F)	31 mm (1.2 in)
Dec	24°C (74°F)	102 mm (4 in)	27°C (81°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Durban vs. Accra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Durban or Accra?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Durban or Accra?

Durban

Accra

Which place is cheaper, Accra or Durban?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Durban and Accra

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Accra

Is it cheaper to fly into Durban or Accra?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Accra

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Durban

Tours and Activities in Accra

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Durban or Accra?

When is the best time to visit Durban or Accra?

Should I visit Durban or Accra in the Summer?

Should I visit Durban or Accra in the Autumn?

Should I visit Durban or Accra in the Winter?

Should I visit Durban or Accra in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Accra and Durban

Related Articles for Durban

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Durban vs. Accra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Durban or Accra?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Durban or Accra?

Durban

Accra

Which place is cheaper, Accra or Durban?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Durban and Accra

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Accra

Is it cheaper to fly into Durban or Accra?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Accra

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Durban

Tours and Activities in Accra

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Durban or Accra?

When is the best time to visit Durban or Accra?

Should I visit Durban or Accra in the Summer?

Should I visit Durban or Accra in the Autumn?

Should I visit Durban or Accra in the Winter?

Should I visit Durban or Accra in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Accra and Durban

Related Articles for Durban

Subscribe to our Newsletter