Durban vs Oaxaca: cost of living for digital nomads
Durban, South Africa and Oaxaca, Mexico, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Durban and Oaxaca cost about the same per month ($1,200).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $480 in Durban against $520 in Oaxaca.
- Oaxaca scores higher on safety (7/10 vs 5/10).
- Internet is faster in Durban: 110 Mbps typical against 50 Mbps.
- Durban is tropical; Oaxaca is temperate.
Durban wins 4 of the measured lines; Oaxaca wins 2.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Durban or Oaxaca?
Durban and Oaxaca cost about the same per month for a remote worker, both around $1,200.
Which city is safer, Durban or Oaxaca?
Oaxaca scores higher on safety: 7/10 against 5/10 for Durban.
Which has faster internet, Durban or Oaxaca?
Durban has faster typical internet: 110 Mbps against 50 Mbps in Oaxaca.
| Line | Durban | Oaxaca |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Rent | $480 | $520 |
| Food | $320 | $340 |
| Transport | $40 | $40 |
| Coworking | $95 | $100 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 110 | 50 |
| Climate | tropical | temperate |
| City size | metro | mid |
| Setting | coast | inland |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 6/10 | 8/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Durban September 11, 2026, Oaxaca November 8, 2026.