For decades, Joburgers have retired to Durban to enjoy its seaside, its warmth and its gentler pace of life. Recently, the shift towards remote and hybrid work routines has brought with it a trend of younger people moving from Joburg to Durban. This means, they're also bringing their jobs with them.
Durban may not be as fashionable a destination as Cape Town is for many restless Gautengers, but it has some trump cards:
Throw into the mix a wealth of Afro-Indian cuisine, from bunny chows to breyanis. Not to mention, Durban also has a thriving coffee-shop culture and spectacular live sport. Altogether, you've a pleasant lifestyle package.
If you’re one of those Joburgers who are chasing the balmy Durban dream, here’s your practical guide to what to expect, and how to ensure a successful move.
The good news for relocating Joburgers is that Durban is significantly cheaper.
According to Numbeo, you can enjoy the same lifestyle in Durban for R45,000 a month compared to R52,667 in Johannesburg. This is assuming you're renting a home in both cities.
|
Cost |
Johannesburg |
Durban |
|
Average property sale price on Property24 in 2025 |
R1,200,000 |
R900,000 |
|
Average rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the suburbs |
R13,332 |
R11,000 |
|
Typical total utility bill for an 85m2 apartment |
R2,085 |
R2,596 |
|
Typical 3-course, mid-range restaurant meal for two |
R800 |
R500 |
The average take-home salary in Durban is R21,333. This is significantly lower than the Joburg average of R25,678.
Incomes, however, vary widely in both cities, and in the remote-working area, it’s possible to bring your Joburg salary to Durban.
If you're planning to keep your Joburg-based job while living in Durban, remote work is totally doable. There are a few things worth knowing before you make the move.
The N3 is a long road, and moving all your worldly possessions from one end of it to the other takes a moving company you can trust.
Fortunately, some of the most reliable and highly rated Durban moving companies in South Africa can be found on the Wise Move platform. Just enter your delivery request, include your inventory, and any special requirements for your move. You’ll then receive competitive quotes from vetted movers who can handle the job.
If you’re planning a move from Joburg to Durban, the best offers won’t be hard to find. Take the time to compare quotes, read customer reviews, and check each company’s insurance and profile. Everything you need is in one place to make an informed decision and keep your move as stress-free as possible.
Travelling from Johannesburg to Durban for a visit to scout out the area or as part of your relocation? Here are some travel tips to help you save money and make the most of the trip.
The distance from Johannesburg to Durban is 569km along the N3 highway. This is the main national road connecting Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal. The trip takes between 6 and 7 hours, depending on your speed, number of stops and traffic.
Many people choose to drive to save on moving costs, especially if they’re doing a light move or want to bring essentials ahead of time. Driving your own car down also saves costs, even if you're hiring a moving company for the rest of your belongings. You also get to travel on your own schedule and make the most of the road trip to Durban.
There are several petrol stations and freeway rest stops with fast food outlets, convenience stores, and decent coffee. Try the Engen Wimpy near Harrismith or the Bergview Complex for a scenic pause.
Here are some great detours and overnight stop options:
Tip: Avoid peak travel days (especially the start of school holidays or long weekends). Always check weather conditions in Van Reenen’s Pass during winter.
The flight from Joburg to Durban takes about 70–75 minutes. It’s often the most convenient option, especially if you’re travelling light or returning for work while movers handle your items.
One-way flights can start from as low as R1,000, depending on the season and how early you book. You'll likely get competitive pricing from the airlines that operate daily between OR Tambo International and King Shaka International.
Pro tip: Morning and midweek flights tend to be cheaper and less crowded. If you're flying back after helping with the move, book flexible tickets in case of delays on the removals side.
If you’re still deciding where to live in Durban, we've outlined the most attractive suburbs to think about looking for a home. These areas are popular due to safety, access to schooling, value for money, and lifestyle appeal.
Umhlanga boasts a choice of luxury gated estates and beachfront apartments with gobsmacking views. Not to mention, excellent beaches to enjoy. Umhlanga has also become the city’s business hub in recent decades. As Durban’s upmarket heart, it's also close to leading schools and hospitals.
This old, prestigious area boasts spacious heritage homes, hip cafes and easy freeway access. Berea is also close to elite private schools and the CBD.
A popular family neighbourhood with excellent schools and good security. Durban North is also conveniently located between Umhlanga and the CBD, making it accessible to the business hubs.
A quiet but prestigious area, La Lucia offers beach life and upscale estates perfect for professionals and retirees. It also boasts the huge Gateway shopping precinct, for convenient shopping.
An old, characterful suburb offering top schools, like Glenwood High, and a bohemian café scene. The area is also just minutes from the city centre.
Set in the green hills west of Durban, Hillcrest combines country-style living with quality private schools. This makes it an ideal area for families.
Known for its excellent schools and cooler climate. Not to mention, stunning hiking trails for nature lovers. Kloof is a peaceful suburb popular with professionals commuting to Durban.
A family favourite with excellent schools, big stands and easy freeway access to both Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
An affordable suburb with rising investment appeal, quick entry to the N3, and proximity to the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville campus and the Durban CBD.
Durban offers a good mix of high-performing public and private schools. So if your family is relocating from Johannesburg to Durban, you've got some great choices. This means you can also find a school in Durban to match your child's specific needs. It could be an emphasis on academics, sporting success or a well-rounded co-ed environment - Durban has you covered.
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Many of these schools are located in popular suburbs like Berea, Westville, Durban North, and Umhlanga. It's therefore easy to pair your home search with school zoning.
Durban’s public transport options are varied, and it may take a while to navigate them, especially if you're from out of town.
Here’s a breakdown of the main ways to get around the city.
Durban has a mix of public and private healthcare. Many excellent doctors and specialists work in the public sector in Durban. However, government hospitals are often under strain. If you’re relocating from Joburg, it’s therefore strongly recommended that you've private medical aid or a hospital plan in place before you move.
If you’re comparing suburbs, access to private hospitals may influence where you decide to live. This is especially important if you've children, are pregnant, have chronic conditions, or want fast access to emergency care.
This is a large multidisciplinary private hospital near central Durban. It's known for surgical services and specialist care.
A popular hospital choice offering oncology, NICU, surgical and intensive care services. It's also convenient to Berea/Musgrave and surrounding suburbs.
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Renowned for cardiac care, cardiothoracic surgery and high-acuity medicine. It's a good hospital option if heart health is a priority.
Full-service private facility with both a strong general medicine practice and excellent surgical base. This hospital mainly serves central Durban communities.
This is a private hospital group facility offering emergency, neonatal ICU and surgical services in the city centre.
A modern, tech-forward hospital near Gateway shopping precinct. This hospital offers advanced cardiac and surgical care; popular with North Coast residents.
A 24-hour private hospital offering emergency, ICU, maternity, paediatrics and general surgery. It's a major drawcard for families moving to Umhlanga, La Lucia or Durban North.
Coverage varies by plan, so always confirm before admission. Most schemes provide online lookup tools:
The Durban lifestyle and culture are not complicated: it’s all about taking things a little easier. New arrivals from Joburg may need a little time to adapt to the gentler pace of things—from driving to work hours to service culture. But once you get the hang of it, the magic of Durban will kick in.
The sun rises early in Durban about an hour before it rises in Cape Town. Locals make the most of the cool mornings with pre-work jogs or swims on the beachfronts of North Beach or Umhlanga. The water was safe for swimming in both those beaches at the time of writing. Check on Durban city’s beach status page for an up-to-date verdict.
Catch a rugby match at Kings Park, a 20-20 cricket showdown at Kingsmead, or a football clash at Moses Mabhida. Attendances and atmospheres will be best when the national team is playing.
Durban is ideally placed for weekend outings to the scenic joys of the Midlands, or the Drakensberg. If you fancy something a bit wilder, head for the wonderful game reserves of northern KZN such as Hluhluwe and Umfolozi.
Durban’s balmy air demands a stroll and a drink and a bite with good company.
Read our guide on the top 18 things to do in Durban
Coming from dry highveld weather, Durban’s humid coastal climate might take some getting used to. The subtropical conditions bring lush greenery, beach-friendly winters and a few sticky summer days along the way.
Durban summers are muggy, meaning it's hot, humid and often cloudy. While the temperature rarely climbs above 30, the sea keeps the maximum temperature to 30 degrees or below.
You can expect:
Tip: Keep a dehumidifier or moisture absorbers in closets and closed-up rooms. Durban homes can get mouldy if not ventilated well.
Winter in Durban is arguably its best season. Think blue skies, warm days, and almost no rain. You won’t need heating, and most people continue swimming and enjoying outdoor life throughout the winter months.
You can expect:
If you want to avoid forgetting something crucial, you’ll need a checklist to plan your move to Durban. This list will be your sidekick as the move date looms. Here are some of the essential to-dos you should include
About 4-6 weeks before move day, book your Durban mover through WiseMove for the best possible deal. You can also book your mover earlier for peace of mind, especially if you’re moving at a busy time of year, such as December.
Let everyone know who needs to know that you’re moving and when. This includes utility companies, your bank, your home insurer, SARS, the Post Office and neighbourhood groups.
Remember to check and document the electricity and meter readings in your old place AND your new place.
It's time to Kondo your condo. A move is a golden opportunity to klap some clutter. It will save you moving costs and make you happier. Get rid of everything you don’t use that isn’t of sentimental value. This will ease your packing process and save you money on your moving bill.
Find the best places to donate your unused items in Johannesburg before your move to Durban.
A 571-km move can be a hairy experience for the hairiest members of your household. If your creatures are not up to a 14-hour drive, or a flight is not an option, get them moved with a trusted pet transport company. These movers have experience with the best way to move your beloved pets and will help alleviate a lot of stress in the process. You can even include them in your quote request, or update it after the fact.
When you arrive at your new Durban home, you don’t want surprises or anxieties. Before your move, have new external locks installed for peace of mind. And have the place professionally checked for pests and bug infestations. If they find anything, get the goggas evicted well before move day.
Moving from Joburg to Durban is more than just a change of address. It’s a shift in lifestyle, pace, and perspective. With some local know-how, the right suburb, and a good moving team on your side, settling into coastal life can be surprisingly seamless. Here's to warm mornings, ocean air, and your next great chapter in Durban.
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