Is Durban expensive to visit?
Durban is a smaller destination that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Although Durban can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $37 (R709) per day, mid-range travelers spend $63 (R1,197) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $116 (R2,223) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Durban.
Within Africa, Durban is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Africa for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Dahab, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Dar es Salaam.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Durban Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Durban?
The average Durban trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Durban travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Durban cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Durban on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $37 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Durban, such as Smiths Cottage, Durban Backpackers - On the Beach, and Aweh Africa Backpackers. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few.
So, are you average?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. Tourists visiting Durban generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $63 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Durban. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Holland House B&B is a great choice for kids, and Quarters Hotel Florida Road is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Durban hotel costs guide.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $116 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the destination with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Sani Pass Private Day Tour from Durban - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Durban
The range of hotel prices in Durban can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $63, but during peak season the average price can reach $118. From $38 for budget hotels to $263 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Durban for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $48 (R920). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $24 (R460) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Durban? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Durban include:
- Burnham House B&B starting at $61
- Centre Court B&B starting at $65
- All Seasons Bed And Breakfast starting at $45
- Quarters Hotel Florida Road starting at $68
- Beside Still Waters Boutique Hotel starting at $57
If you avoid and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Durban
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $13 (R249) per person, per day, on local transportation in Durban. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Durban is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
R249
Although there is a bus system in Durban, it is not efficient and generally shouldn't be relied upon. The best way to navigate Durban is by car, but if you plan to rely on a GPS device, or even a street map, make sure it is up to date as it seems many street names have recently changed.
Taxis are a good option for travel if you don't have access to a personal car. Make sure you use a registered taxi, and you will have to call ahead as you can't pick a taxi up from the curb by simply waving it down. Some reliable taxi companies include Umhlanga Rocks Taxis, Eagle Taxi's, Zippy Cabs, and Mozzie Cabs. If you plan to rely on taxis, carry the numbers around with you as you never know when you will need them.
There are also minibus or group taxis. These usually travel a set route on a schedule and are less expensive than metered taxis. They are not particularly convenient for tourists as they usually take locals to and from work.
In the beachfront area there are rickshaws available that are specifically targeted at tourists. They generally offer a ride for entertainment as opposed to convenience.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- 1-3 Passenger Private Durban - Airport Transfer for $46 details
- Durban Cruise Ship Transfers for $46 details
- Private transfers from King Shaka Airport for $108 details
How much does it cost to go to Durban? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Durban will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Durban
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Durban can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Durban is $27 (R517) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$27
R517
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Durban is around $27 (R517) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 to $62. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Durban are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $8
- Lunch: $4 to $11
- Dinner: $8 to $19
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Because of the large Indian population, there is no shortage of excellent Indian restaurants throughout the city. Durban curry is a popular dish that can be either hot or mild. Bunny Chow is also a popular local specialty. The dish is made with a hollowed out piece of bread that is filled with a curry of your choosing. The most authentic Indian food can be found at the Indian neighborhoods around Victoria Market.
If you're looking for trendy cafes, head to the Morningside restaurants along Florida Road. This area provides outdoor seating and caters to upscale businessmen.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Durban
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Durban typically cost an average of $16 (R307) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$16
R307
There are a handful of sights and attractions in Durban including the Durban Botanical Gardens, the Mahatma Gandhi Settlement, KwaZulu Natal National Parks and Durban North Japanese Gardens. Also make sure and visit the Golden Mile, which has great beaches and world famous surfing. Crocodile Creek is a great place to see crocodiles as it has over 7000 Nile Crocodiles, Alligators, Caiman, snakes, and other reptiles. Berea is a ridge that looks out over the harbor, city center, and beaches and offers wonderful views of the area.
There are countless activities that you can enjoy in Durban. Water sports are common and you can enjoy surfing, canoeing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There are some great places to go scuba diving in the area.
It is also worth visiting the Shark Institute, which offers boat tours of the area and will take you out to see the shark nets that protect swimmers and surfers from frequent shark attacks.
Other activities in the area include skydiving, yoga camps, golfing, and shopping.
Festivals in Durban include Poetry Africa, Time of the Writer, the Durban International Film Festival, Jomba! Contemporary Dance Festival, Awesome Africa, Fashion Week, and any number of Hindu Festivals throughout the year.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Durban. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Drakensberg Kamberg Rock Art & Mandela Capture Site Day Tour from Durban for $192 details
- A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve for $185 details
- Drakensberg Giant's Castle Cave Art & Mandela Capture Site Tour from Durban for $191 details
Durban, South Africa
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.