Durbanis 26% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (32/10) vs Johannesburg "Fair" (40/10). Dorms avg $17/night vs $19/night.
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇿🇦 Durban | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $27 cheaper | $36 | $9/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $45 cheaper | $54 | $9/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $71 cheaper | $80 | $9/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇿🇦 Durban | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $7.49 38% less | $11.99 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $17.98 15% less | $21.15 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.25 17% less | $2.70 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.29 3% less | $2.36 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $1.65 8% less | $1.80 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇿🇦▼
Durban
South Africa
32
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $17/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelAnsteys Beach Backpackers (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$17/night
Total hostels5
🇿🇦▼
Johannesburg
South Africa
40
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night). Strong hostel scene (10 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMelville House (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels10
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Durban & Johannesburg
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇿🇦 Durban
1. Gunners Memorial and Garden of RemembranceFree
2. Harry EscombeFree
3. Jan SmutsFree
4. John RossFree
5. Krafts4UFree
🇿🇦 Johannesburg
1. NasrecFree
2. Everard Read GalleryFree
3. Indian War MemorialFree
4. John Vorster Square 1971 - 1990Free
5. Koningin Elizabethbrug 1953Free
Common Questions
FAQ
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