In this article, ELR12 will explore the most expensive African cities to live in. We will focus on the top 20 of them, which are in a row from lowest to highest.
But first, what is the cost of living index?
The cost of living index (C.L.I) is a ranking system based on the cost of living in different cities around the world. It ranks cities by their level of affordability, quality of life and access to amenities such as public transportation and healthcare.
The C.L.I ranking system has been used by many countries in order to determine their best places to live, work or invest money because it provides an accurate measure of the price level, quality of life and living standards for that particular city or country over a long period of time.
Thanks to data obtained from Numbeo, ELR12 hereby presents a list of 20 African cities with the highest cost of living index scores.
20. Lusaka, Zambia
Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia. It is also one of the fastest developing cities in southern Africa. Lusaka has a cost of living index score of 33.57.
19. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania‘s largest and richest city today. It is also a regional important economic center. Dar es Salaam has a cost of living index score of 33.97.
18. Al Hoceïma, Morocco
Al Hoceïma is a city in the north of Morocco. It is a known tourists’ destination despite its small size. Al Hoceïma has a cost of living index score of 34.81.
17. Rabat, Morocco
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco. It is also the second largest city of the country. Rabat has a cost of living index score of 35.67.
16. Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is Kenya’s economic, administrative, and cultural centre. It is one of the largest and fastest growing cities of Africa. Nairobi has a cost of living index score of 35.88.
15. Kampala, Uganda
Kampala is the capital city of Uganda. It is also the largest city of the country. Kampala has a cost of living index score of 35.98.
14. Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca is the largest city of Morocco. It is also considered the largest financial center in Africa. Casablanca has a cost of living index score of 36.59.
13. Tangier, Morocco
Tangier is a city in northwestern Morocco. It is located on the Strait of Gibraltar where Africa meets Europe. Tangier has a cost of living index score of 36.85.
12. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos is the main city of the south-western part of Nigeria. It is also the largest city of Africa. Lagos has a cost of living index score of 37.33.
11. Accra, Ghana
Accra is the capital and largest city of Ghana. It is also the cultural hub and economic driver of the country. Accra has a cost of living index score of 38.74.
10. Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is the fourth largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco. It is also a major economic center. Marrakesh has a cost of living index score of 39.94.
9. Durban, South Africa
Durban is is the third most populous city in South Africa. It is also the chief seaport of Africa. Durban has a cost of living index score of 40.33.
8. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is one of South Africa’s three capital cities. It is most famously known for being home to the inspirational South African president and national treasure, Nelson Mandela. Cape Town has a cost of living index score of 40.98.
7. Gaborone, Botswana
Gaborone is the economic capital as well as the government capital of Botswana. It is also the largest city of the country. Gaborone has a cost of living index score of 42.70.
6. Pretoria, South Africa
Pretoria is one of South Africa’s three capital cities. It has a reputation as an academic city and center of research. Pretoria has a cost of living index score of 42.76.
5. Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa. It is classified as a megacity. Johannesburg has a cost of living index score of 44.87.
4. Harare, Zimbabwe
Harare is the capital city of Zimbabwe. Its is also the most populous city of the country. Harare has a cost of living index score of 45.69.
3. Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Abidjan is the chief port, de facto capital of Ivory Coast. It is also the largest city of the country. Abidjan has a cost of living index score of 47.06.
2. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Abidjan is the capital of Ethiopia. It is also the largest city of the country. Abidjan has a cost of living index score of 50.49.
1. Dakar, Senegal
There goes Dakar, first of our list. Dakar is the capital of Senegal. It is also the largest city of the country. Abidjan has a cost of living index score of 50.87, making it therefore the most expensive African city to live in.
