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

Should you visit Durban or Antananarivo?

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 Antananarivo. 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 Antananarivo?

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.

Antananarivo

Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar; it is also sometimes referred to as Tana. This city is the cultural and political center of Madagascar as a whole. There are multiple universities, museums, and other social venues in the city, as well as a national rugby team. This city has a very apparent French influence.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Overlanding Trips in South Africa, The Best Adventure Tours to South Africa, The Best Wildlife Tours to Madagascar, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Madagascar.

Which place is cheaper, Antananarivo 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

Antananarivo Prices
Madagascar Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Durban $63

Antananarivo $86

The average daily cost (per person) in Durban is $63, while the average daily cost in Antananarivo is $86. 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 Antananarivo in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Durban $24

Antananarivo $28
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Durban $48

Antananarivo $56

Compare Hotels in Durban and Antananarivo

Looking for a hotel in Durban or Antananarivo? 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 Antananarivo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Durban $13

Antananarivo $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban

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

Durban airport to Durban city transfer: $39
Private Transfers - Minibus - Durban Arrivals and Departures: $43
1-3 Passenger Private Durban - Airport Transfer: $46
Durban Cruise Ship Transfers : $46
Private Sedan Transfers - Durban King Shaka: $46
Durban Airport (DUR) to Durban - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
Durban to Durban King Airport (DUR) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
Arrival Private Transfer from Durban Airport DUR to Durban City by Business Car: $78
Private transfers from King Shaka Airport: $108

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antananarivo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Antananarivo:

Private Airport Transfert Ivato Antananarivo: $65
Private Airport Transfert Ivato Antananarivo: $50
Cheap Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in Antananarivo: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Durban or Antananarivo?

Prices for flights to both Antananarivo 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

Antananarivo $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antananarivo

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

Cooking And Cuisine Tasting From Tana-Malagasy Fine Foodie Madagascar Tour: $245

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Durban $16

Antananarivo $22

Tours and Activities in Durban

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

30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise: $5.87
Durban Point Waterfront: Luxury Canal Boat Cruise: $8.00
Luxury Canal Boat Cruise - Fun Things Durban Ushaka: $8.52
1-Hour Boat Cruise from Wilson's Wharf: $8.54
Pontoon Boat Harbor Cruise: $10
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: $49
Durban City Sightseeing Tour: $50
Local Markets and Culture Guided Walking Tour: $59
Culture Walking Tour of Durban: $60

Tours and Activities in Antananarivo

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

4-Hours Night Tour of Antananarivo: $106
9-Day Adventure from Antananarivo to Isalo Park & Tulear: $1,746
Antananarivo : Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $34
Antananarivo : Day tour to Mantasoa Lake: $240
Antananarivo Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $25
Andasibe Mantadia National Park 3-Day Tour: $880
Guided Tour and sunset in queen's palace: $61
Lemurs Park & City Tour: $210
Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $30
Antanavario: Private custom tour with a local guide: $23
Day - Tour Ampefy: $139
From Road trip Day tour to Ampefy Village: $350

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Durban $12

Antananarivo $8.93

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durban and Antananarivo, we can see that Antananarivo is more expensive. And not only is Durban much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Durban would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Durban 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 Antananarivo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antananarivo than you might in Durban.

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

Which is Bigger, Durban or Antananarivo?

Durban has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Antananarivo. When comparing the sizes of Durban and Antananarivo, 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.

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

Should you visit Durban or Antananarivo?

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

Where Should I go: Durban or Antananarivo?

Durban

Antananarivo

Which place is cheaper, Antananarivo or Durban?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Durban and Antananarivo

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antananarivo

Is it cheaper to fly into Durban or Antananarivo?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antananarivo

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Durban

Tours and Activities in Antananarivo

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Durban or Antananarivo?

Related Articles for Durban

Related Articles for Antananarivo

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

Should you visit Durban or Antananarivo?

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

Where Should I go: Durban or Antananarivo?

Durban

Antananarivo

Which place is cheaper, Antananarivo or Durban?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Durban and Antananarivo

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antananarivo

Is it cheaper to fly into Durban or Antananarivo?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antananarivo

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Durban

Tours and Activities in Antananarivo

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Durban or Antananarivo?

Related Articles for Durban

Related Articles for Antananarivo

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