Stretching along the Indian Ocean coastline, Durban is one of the most vibrant cities in South Africa.
It is a city that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and economic opportunity. Founded in 1824, Durban has a rich history and has since evolved into a bustling urban center that attracts people from all over the world.
The city is known for its warm climate, pristine beaches, and the famous Golden Mile beachfront promenade. Beyond its natural beauty, Durban boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a diverse population that includes people of Indian, Zulu, and European descent. This diversity is reflected in the city's cuisine, music, art, and festivals, making Durban a vibrant and dynamic place to live.
If you're planning to move to Durban, we have compiled a comprehensive guide with tips on everything from the cost of living to nightlife.
Cost of Living in Durban
Rent Prices: - For most people, accommodation constitutes a significant part of the cost of living in any city. According to the latest National Rent Report, Durban's median one-bedroom rent is around ZAR 6,200, while the median two-bedroom rent is ZAR 8,400. Although relatively high, these rates are lower compared to those of other major cities. For instance, the median one-bedroom rent in Johannesburg is over ZAR 7,200.
It's worth noting that rental rates vary considerably depending on the location within the city.
The following is a snapshot of what we considered the most recent rental pricing for Durban to give you an idea.
The median rental prices range from ZAR 3,500 in downtown and areas around the beach to ZAR 10,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in central Durban, especially around new development at the Point Waterfront. You can find cheaper deals if you move further away from the city center to the township areas.
However, as you move out of the CBD area toward areas considered as Central, e.g., Morningside, Essenwood, Musgrave, etc, rentals become pricy, while on the other side, such as Glenwood, etc, rentals are still high but not as high as Essenwood, etc. In the townships, rentals are quite affordable with beautiful properties too.
The North, which includes Umhlanga, La Lucia, Ballito, etc, is the chosen area for the upcoming and old money. The rental is a standout.
Outer West, such as Hillcrest, Kloof, Everton, and Waterfall, is seeing some new developments. These areas are also known for being pricy but sometimes affordable for high-end properties.
Westville rental is close to that of Hillcrest.
Food and Utilities
According to a report by Numbeo, a typical utility bill (including electricity, heating, and water) in Durban is around ZAR 1,800 per month. The cost of the internet usually ranges between ZAR 600 and ZAR 1,000 per month, depending on the plan you choose. The average cost of a meal in Durban varies from ZAR 50 at a budget-friendly eatery to ZAR 300 per person for an upscale dinner. Drinks are reasonably priced - a cappuccino costs around ZAR 25, while a local beer at a bar will set you back approximately ZAR 35.
Popular Neighborhoods
Durban is a city in South Africa that offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, each catering to different preferences and lifestyles. Whether you want to live alone, with roommates or with family,
Durban has a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, each with its unique character and vibe. Here are some popular areas to consider:
Umhlanga:
This affluent suburb is located just north of Durban and is known for its luxury apartments and hotels, stunning beaches, and upmarket shopping centers. Umhlanga Rocks is popular among young professionals and families who enjoy the convenience and high-quality lifestyle this area has to offer.
Morningside:
Situated just west of Durban's city center, Morningside is a trendy and vibrant neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial properties. The area is known for its trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as its proximity to Florida Road, one of the city's most popular entertainment strips.
Durban North:
This quiet and leafy suburb is located just north of Durban's city center and offers a mix of residential properties, parks, and small shopping centers. Durban North is popular among families who value a peaceful and safe environment and enjoy the proximity to some of the city's best schools.
Berea:
Located just south of Durban's city center, Berea is a historic neighborhood with a mix of Victorian and modern architecture. The area is known for its large homes and spacious gardens, as well as its proximity to the city center and beaches. Berea is popular among families and older residents who value the area's heritage and tranquil atmosphere.
Situated just south of the city center, Glenwood is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial properties. The area is known for its trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as its proximity to the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Glenwood is popular among students, young professionals, and creatives who value the area's energy and cultural diversity. The Helen Joseph Road near Davenport Square is fast becoming a notable entertainment strip in Durban.
Westville:
This leafy suburb is located just west of Durban's city center and is known for its large homes, spacious gardens, and excellent schools. Westville is popular among families who value a quiet and safe environment and enjoy the proximity to some of the city's best schools.
Point Waterfront:
This newly developed area is located right on the Durban waterfront and is known for its modern apartments and luxury hotels. The area has great views of the harbor and easy access to the beach.
Hillcrest:
A suburb located just outside of Durban, known for its beautiful homes and scenic views. The area is popular among families and retirees, with easy access to shopping centers and restaurants.
How to find an apartment in Durban
There are several different ways to go about finding an apartment in Durban. Ultimately, individuals will need to make calls, do research, and in almost all cases, view the apartment before taking any action.
Use of a property agencies' website
Using a property agency like Caritas Properties provides peace of mind. The agents can provide tailored services and are available to meet your requirements, depending on what you want; you want to buy a property, want to sell a property, wish to rent a property, or need an agency to manage your property.
These portals offer comprehensive listings of rental properties in the city, which you can filter according to your preferences. Some portals also offer additional features such as virtual tours and 360-degree videos, which can help you get a better feel for the property before you decide to schedule a physical viewing.
Another option is to use the services of a real estate agent by contacting them directly. Examples are agents from Caritas Properties. They can help you find apartments that meet your preferences and budget. Real estate agents have access to exclusive listings that are not advertised on property portals and can negotiate with landlords or property owners on your behalf. You can find real estate agents in Durban through their agency websites, such as Caritas Properties, or by asking for recommendations from friends or family.
Use property listing portals.
Search for yourself using online listing services.
There are several listing portals in Durban, such as Property 24, Private Property, Gumtree, etc.
- Gumtree: a popular online marketplace, Gumtree also has a dedicated section for rental properties in Durban.
- Private Property: another property portal with a range of rental properties available in Durban.
- Property24: a comprehensive property portal with listings from various real estate agents and private landlords in Durban.
- Private Property: property portal for all the best listings around South Africa.
These property websites and portals have comprehensive listings of apartments and houses for rent or sale in different areas of Durban. You can refine your search by specifying your budget, preferred location, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and other amenities.
Explore neighborhoods you're interested in.
If you're searching for an apartment to rent or buy in Durban, walking around neighborhoods you're interested in can be a helpful way to find available properties. Often, landlords will post signs directly in front of apartments with contact information. Most agents do put signs such as "For Rent" or "For Sale" at the frontage of such properties.
This method may be time-consuming, but it can give you a better sense of the exact type of building and area an apartment is located in.
Finally, you can also check classified ads in local community notice boards, libraries, shopping malls, or social media groups, e.g., Facebook Marketplace, Facebook, Instagram pages, and even Twitter pages of agencies for apartments that are available for rent or sale. However, be careful when dealing with individual property owners, as they may not have the same level of professionalism or legal protection as real estate agents or property management companies.
No matter which service you choose, be sure to read reviews and do your due diligence to ensure that you're working with a reputable company like Caritas Properties. And don't forget to factor in additional costs like security deposits and utility fees when budgeting for your new apartment.
Transportation
In terms of transportation, Durban has a variety of options to choose from. The city has a public transit system known as the Durban Transport, which offers affordable access across the city and its periphery. The city's bus rapid transit (BRT) system, called GO! Durban, has routes that connect various neighborhoods and suburbs.
If you prefer to travel by car, keep in mind that owning a vehicle in Durban can be expensive. In addition to car payments, petrol, and insurance, you'll need to consider the cost of parking both at home and on the street, as well as potential traffic tickets. As of April 2023, the average price of petrol in Durban is around R21.50 per liter.
Parking at home: R300-R700 per month, depending on the neighborhood, especially if the apartment or the flat doesn’t have allocated parking.
Car insurance is usually higher than in the suburbs.
Ridesharing with apps like Uber and Bolt is a popular mode of transportation in Durban, especially for those who don't own a car. Car-sharing services like CarShare and Tempest Car Hire also offer the ability to rent cars on demand by the hour or day. Additionally, cycling has become a popular mode of transportation in Durban, with the city's bike-share program, Durban Green Corridor, providing access to rental bikes throughout the city.
Exploring Durban's diverse neighborhoods and getting around the city is easy with the various transportation options available.
Schools
If you are planning to move to Durban or are new to the city and looking for information about the education system in the city, then this guide should be helpful for you, too.
Pre-schools: Durban has a range of pre-schools that offer quality early childhood education to children between the ages of 3 and 6 years old. Some of the notable pre-schools in Durban include Little Steps Pre-School, Sunflower Montessori, Glenwood Prep, Morningside Prep, Reddam School, Crawford Prep, Westville Prep, Kinderland, etc
The fees for pre-schools in Durban can vary depending on the institution and the services offered. On average, parents can expect to pay anywhere between R1,500 to R5,000 per month for full-day programs.
Primary schools: Public primary schools in Durban are free, but private primary schools can range in fees from R25,000 to R70,000 per year, depending on the institution and services offered.
Several public and private primary schools in Durban offer quality education to children between the ages of 6 and 13 years old. Some of the notable primary schools in Durban include Atholl Heights Primary School, Durban North Primary School, and Hillcrest Primary School.
High schools: Durban has a range of high schools that offer quality education to students between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. Some of the notable high schools in Durban include Westville Boys' High School, Durban Girls' College, St Mary's Diocesan School for Girls, Thomas More College, and Glenwood High School.
Some of the other notable schools in the city include Clifton College, Westville Girls’ High School, Kearsney College, Crawford International, Curro, Durban High School, and Danville Park Girls' High.
In terms of tertiary education, Durban is home to several universities and colleges, including the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, and the Mancosa, among others.
These institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across different faculties, including business, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences.
Fees for universities in Durban can vary depending on the institution, program, and level of study. On average, students can expect to pay between R30,000 to R70,000 per year for undergraduate programs, and between R40,000 to R100,000 per year for postgraduate programs.
It's important to note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the institution and individual circumstances. Students and parents are advised to research and compare fees before selecting an educational institution in Durban.
Additionally, Durban has several vocational and technical training institutions that offer courses in areas such as hospitality, construction, and automotive engineering. FET colleges are prevalent also in Durban.
Other vocational institutions include schools like Damelin, Versity College, Regenesys Business School, Pearson Institute of Higher Education, Boston City Campus and Business College, Vega School, etc.
The fees for these schools range from R20,000 to R100,000 per year.
There are several smaller private but fast-growing colleges like Howard FET College, based in central Durban.
Whether you're relocating to Durban for work, school, or a change of scenery, there's no doubt that you'll be captivated by the city's charm and beauty. With a range of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles, a thriving job market, and plenty of leisure activities, Durban is the perfect place to call home. So pack your bags, explore this incredible city, and make Durban your new home.
Overall, Durban offers a diverse range of neighborhoods that cater to different preferences and lifestyles. Whether you're looking for an affluent and luxurious lifestyle, a trendy and vibrant atmosphere, a peaceful and safe environment, or a diverse and cultural community, Durban has something to offer.