Durbanis 17% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (32/10) vs Port Elizabeth "Pricey" (36/10). Dorms avg $17/night vs $15/night.
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇿🇦 Durban | 🇿🇦 Port Elizabeth | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $27 cheaper | $32 | $5/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $45 cheaper | $50 | $5/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $71 cheaper | $75 | $4/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇿🇦 Durban | 🇿🇦 Port Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $7.49 31% less | $10.79 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $17.98 14% less | $20.98 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.25 17% less | $2.70 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.29 | $2.10 8% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $1.65 | $1.20 27% less |
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
🇿🇦▼
Port Elizabeth
South Africa
36
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $15/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelRiverfront Backpackers (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$15/night
Total hostels5
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Durban & Port Elizabeth
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇿🇦 Durban
1. Gunners Memorial and Garden of RemembranceFree
2. Harry EscombeFree
3. Jan SmutsFree
4. John RossFree
5. Krafts4UFree
🇿🇦 Port Elizabeth
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Durban or Port Elizabeth cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Durban vs Port Elizabeth?+
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