A Travel Price Comparison for South Africa Port Elizabeth vs. Durban for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Port Elizabeth or Durban?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Port Elizabeth and Durban can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Port Elizabeth or Durban?

Port Elizabeth

Located on the Indian Ocean coastline of South Africa, Port Elizabeth is a major sea port and tourist destination featuring a pleasant climate, opportunities for water sports, historical landmarks, wildlife areas, and clean beaches.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Durban or Port Elizabeth?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Port Elizabeth is $44, while the average daily cost in Durban is $51. 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 Port Elizabeth and Durban in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Port Elizabeth $23
    Durban $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Port Elizabeth $46
    Durban $48
Compare Hotels in Port Elizabeth and Durban

Looking for a hotel in Port Elizabeth or Durban? 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 Port Elizabeth


Hotels in Durban


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: Port Elizabeth Hotel Prices and Durban Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Port Elizabeth $9.44
    Durban $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban

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

  • Durban to Durban King Airport (DUR) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
  • Durban Airport (DUR) to Durban - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Private Transfers - Minibus - Durban Arrivals and Departures: $32
  • Private Sedan Transfers - Durban King Shaka: $35
  • Durban Cruise Ship Transfers : $39
  • 1-3 Passenger Private Durban - Airport Transfer: $46
  • Durban King Airport (DUR) to Durban - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Durban MSC Cruise Port to Durban City by Minivan: $75
  • Departure Private Transfer: Durban City to Durban MSC Cruise Port by Minivan: $75
  • Departure Private Transfer: Durban City to Durban Airport DUR by Business Car: $76
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Durban Airport DUR to Durban City by Business Car: $78
  • Departure Private Transfer from Durban City to Durban Airport DUR by Minivan: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Port Elizabeth or Durban?

Prices for flights to both Durban and Port Elizabeth 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
    Port Elizabeth $13
    Durban $16

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: $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Port Elizabeth $9.26
    Durban $16

Tours and Activities in Port Elizabeth

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

  • 7 Day Garden Route Tour Durban to Cape Town: $1,515
  • 7 Day Garden Route Tour- Durban to Cape Town via Addo N Park: $1,492
  • Addo Elephant Park Tours .: $180
  • From 5-Day Garden Route Tour to Cape Town: $698
  • Port Elizabeth City Walking Tour: $45
  • Port Elizabeth tuk-tuk tour, experience the natural beauty.: $72
  • City Sightseeing and Guided Safari Tour: $130
  • Xhosa Township/Cultural Experience: $130

Tours and Activities in Durban

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

  • 30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise: $5.33
  • 1-Hour Boat Cruise from Wilson's Wharf: $7.99
  • Durban Point Waterfront: Luxury Canal Boat Cruise: $7.99
  • Luxury Canal Boat Cruise - Fun Things Durban Ushaka: $8.48
  • Magical Gondola Night Boat Cruise in Durban: $8.75
  • Pontoon Boat Harbor Cruise: $10
  • Luxury Harbour Ocean Boat Cruise: $11
  • Durban Walking Tour: $26
  • Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour: $40
  • Durban Half-Day City Tour - Golden Mile, Botanical Gardens: $42
  • Durban City Sightseeing Tour: $43
  • Durban:Culture Walking Tour of Durban: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Port Elizabeth $2.55
    Durban $12

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 : $37


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Port Elizabeth and Durban, we can see that Durban is more expensive. And not only is Port Elizabeth much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Port Elizabeth would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Port Elizabeth 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 Port Elizabeth.

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


Which is Bigger, Port Elizabeth or Durban?

Durban has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Port Elizabeth. When comparing the sizes of Port Elizabeth and Durban, 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 Port Elizabeth or Durban?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Port Elizabeth or Durban in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Port Elizabeth as well as Durban.

Port Elizabeth is cooler than Durban in the summer. The daily temperature in Port Elizabeth averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Durban fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Port Elizabeth this time of the year. In the summer, Port Elizabeth often gets more sunshine than Durban. Port Elizabeth gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durban receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Durban. Port Elizabeth usually gets less rain in January than Durban. Port Elizabeth gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Durban receives 134 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Port Elizabeth 22°C (72°F) 
    Durban 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Port Elizabeth or Durban in the Autumn?

Both Durban and Port Elizabeth are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In the autumn, Port Elizabeth is cooler than Durban. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Port Elizabeth in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Durban averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Durban. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Port Elizabeth. Port Elizabeth usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Durban during autumn. Port Elizabeth gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Durban receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Port Elizabeth usually receives less rain than Durban. Port Elizabeth gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Durban receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Port Elizabeth 19°C (66°F) 
    Durban 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Port Elizabeth or Durban in the Winter?

Both Durban and Port Elizabeth during the winter are popular places to visit.

In July, Port Elizabeth is generally cooler than Durban. Daily temperatures in Port Elizabeth average around 15°C (58°F), and Durban fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Durban, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Port Elizabeth. In the winter, Port Elizabeth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Durban. Port Elizabeth gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durban receives 230 hours of full sun.

Port Elizabeth usually gets more rain in July than Durban. Port Elizabeth gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Durban receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Port Elizabeth 15°C (58°F) 
    Durban 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Port Elizabeth or Durban in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Port Elizabeth and Durban.

Port Elizabeth is cooler than Durban in the spring. The daily temperature in Port Elizabeth averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Durban fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Port Elizabeth, it's very sunny this time of the year. Port Elizabeth usually receives more sunshine than Durban during spring. Port Elizabeth gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Durban receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Port Elizabeth usually receives less rain than Durban. Port Elizabeth gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Durban receives 98 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Port Elizabeth 17°C (63°F) 
    Durban 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Durban and Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth Durban
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (76°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 15°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 21°C (69°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 102 mm (4 in)