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

Should you visit Durban or Asilah?

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 Asilah. 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 Asilah?

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.

Asilah

Spend your summers like the rich and famous with a trip to Asilah, Morocco. With pristine, white buildings and wrought-iron windows, this gorgeous city still holds the traditions from a time when it was under Spanish rule. The town remains rather quiet for most of the year, with a population surge in the summer months. Beaches are packed and there are tourists as far as the eye can see. If you're not a fan of crowds, consider visiting in the spring or fall when the weather is nice, but the tourists are gone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Overlanding Trips in South Africa, The Best Adventure Tours to South Africa, The Best Cultural Tours in Morocco, and The Best Budget Tours to Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Asilah or Durban?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Durban is $56, while the average daily cost in Asilah is $85. 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 Asilah in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Durban $26
    Asilah $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Durban $52
    Asilah $58
Compare Hotels in Durban and Asilah

Looking for a hotel in Durban or Asilah? 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.

Hotels in Durban


Hotels in Asilah


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 Asilah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Durban $14
    Asilah $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban

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

  • From Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Overnight Safari w/ Transfer: $531
  • Durban Airport Transfer to Morningside: $209
  • Durban Airport Transfer to Westville: $209
  • Durban Airport Transfer to City of Durban: $179
  • Private transfers from King Shaka Airport: $115
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Durban Airport DUR to Durban City by Minivan: $84
  • Departure Private Transfer from Durban City to Durban Airport DUR by Minivan: $82
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Durban Airport DUR to Durban City by Business Car: $78
  • Durban King Airport (DUR) to Durban - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $56
  • Private Sedan Transfers - Durban King Shaka: $49
  • Durban Cruise Ship Transfers : $49
  • 1-3 Passenger Private Durban - Airport Transfer: $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asilah

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

  • Tangier: Private Transfer to Asilah: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Durban or Asilah?

Prices for flights to both Asilah 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 $17
    Asilah $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Durban

For Durban, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Half Day Guided Taste of Africa Food Tour in Durban: $44

Typical Food Prices in Asilah

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Asilah:


  • Cookies
    $0.51
  • Breakfast for Two
    $5.06
  • Tagine Dinner for 2
    $7.60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Durban $17
    Asilah $22

Tours and Activities in Durban

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

  • ½ Day iSimangaliso Boat Safari Tour From Durban: $181
  • 1 Day Safari Isimangaliso - Boat Cruise & Game Drive Fr Durban : $188
  • 1/2 Day Durban City & Phezulu Tour From Durban: $167
  • 1/2 Day Durban City Tour: $130
  • 1/2 Day Durban City Tour: $154
  • 1/2 Day Durban City Tour & Phezulu Tour: $175
  • 1/2 Day Phezulu Safari Tour from Durban: $158
  • 1/2 Day Private Tour Tala Game Reserve & Natal Lion Park: $197
  • 1/2 Day Tala Game Reserve & Lion Park Tour From Durban: $175
  • 1/2 Day Tala Game Reserve & Natal Lion Park Tour from Durban: $159
  • 1/2 Day Tour to Drakensberg Mountains & Hiking from Durban: $159
  • 1/2 Tala Game Reserve & Phezulu Safari Park Tour: $160

Tours and Activities in Asilah

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

  • 5-days private tour from Tanger,Tetouan,Assilah&Chefchaouen: $1,359
  • Assilah tour on the atlantic coast: $92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Durban $14
    Asilah $7.09

Sample the Local Flavors in Durban

Also in Durban, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bar Crawl in Durban : $39


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durban and Asilah, we can see that Asilah 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 Asilah would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Asilah 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 Asilah Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Durban or Asilah?

Durban has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Asilah. When comparing the sizes of Durban and Asilah, 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 Asilah?

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

Should I visit Durban or Asilah in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Durban is around the same temperature as Asilah. Typically, the summer temperatures in Durban in January average around 25°C (76°F), and Asilah averages at about 24°C (74°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Asilah. Durban usually receives less sunshine than Asilah during summer. Durban gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Asilah receives 346 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Durban. In January, Durban usually receives more rain than Asilahin July. Durban gets 134 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Durban 25°C (76°F) 
    Asilah 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Durban or Asilah in the Autumn?

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

In April, Durban is generally around the same temperature as Asilahin October. Daily temperatures in Durban average around 22°C (71°F), and Asilah fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Asilah, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Durban. In the autumn, Durban often gets less sunshine than Asilahin October. Durban gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asilah receives 235 hours of full sun.

Durban usually gets more rain in April than Asilahin October. Durban gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Durban 22°C (71°F) 
    Asilah 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Durban or Asilah in the Winter?

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

Durban is a little warmer than Asilah in the winter. The daily temperature in Durban averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Asilah fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in January.

In Durban, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durban usually receives more sunshine than Asilah during winter. Durban gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Asilah receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

Asilah receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Durban usually receives less rain than Asilahin January. Durban gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Durban 17°C (62°F) 
    Asilah 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Durban or Asilah in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Durban is a little warmer than Asilah. Typically, the spring temperatures in Durban in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Asilah averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asilah. In the spring, Durban often gets less sunshine than Asilahin April. Durban gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asilah receives 251 hours of full sun.

Durban usually gets more rain in October than Asilahin April. Durban gets 98 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Durban 21°C (69°F) 
    Asilah 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Asilah and Durban

Durban Asilah
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 25°C (76°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 126 mm (5 in) 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 22°C (71°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 102 mm (4 in) 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)