The high cost of living, coupled with inflation that has rocked the entire world since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, has made some countries and cities quite expensive to live in. African countries have not been left behind in this wave, producing some of the most expensive cities according to the Mercer report, including Bangui, Djibouti, and N’Djamena, among others.
However, the 2024 Mercer Cost of Living Report also highlights a contrasting trend. Despite widespread economic challenges, many African cities remain some of the most affordable globally.
“Currency devaluations have been a significant driver of these decreases. There have also been some reductions in the cost of high-end housing (e.g., in Santiago). The currency-induced falls in the cost of living for international assignees have happened even though inflation in many of these countries has risen,” part of Mercer’s report read.
Mercer’s 2024 report covered 226 cities across five continents, evaluating the cost of over 200 products and services, including housing, transportation, food, clothing, home goods, and entertainment. New York City served as the baseline for these comparisons, with currency fluctuations measured against the US dollar.
The data, gathered in March 2024, involved extensive research across more than 400 cities, considering current exchange rates and Mercer’s global basket of goods and services.
Here are the 10 African cities with the cheapest cost of living in 2024
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1. Abuja, Nigeria
Despite being Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja beats fellow African capitals like Nairobi in terms of affordability. One might think it would be one of the most expensive cities due to its grandeur, location, and industry, yet conversely, Abuja has the lowest cost of living according to the Mercer report. The city ranks 226 out of the 226 cities globally ranked by Mercer.
2. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos is the second cheapest city to live in Africa. While about 12% more expensive than Abuja, Lagos remains a cost-effective option, with annual rents for one-bedroom apartments around $900.
3. Blantyre, Malawi
Mercer ranked Blantyre third in the list of the most affordable African cities to live in in 2024. The city boasts British colonial architecture and nearby parks and reserves. The Malawi Museum also resides in Blantyre.
A one-bedroom rental apartment in Blantyre city centre goes for about $142 to $285, while a similar apartment outside the city centre ranges between $76.19 and $190.48.
On the other hand, the price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city is between $4,762 to $16,234. Monthly utilities like electricity, heating, and water add about $38.1 to one’s expenses. The average salary in Blantyre is about $488; however, most people tend to earn more than that.
4. Durban, South Africa
Durban is the third most populous city in South Africa. It houses the busiest container port in Africa and the 5th largest aquarium in the world, The Ushaka Marine World. The city is well known for tourism and industry, with major sectors including sugar, forestry, aluminium, petrochemicals, and automotive manufacturing among others.
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Durban can cost about $219.
5. Windhoek, Namibia
Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city, is known for several historical buildings, including The Christuskirche, a Lutheran church built in 1900. Buying a one-bedroom apartment in Windhoek can cost around $46,000. To rent a furnished studio apartment, you would need about $700 or more, depending on several factors, including location and size.
6. Gaborone, Botswana
Gaborone, Botswana’s capital and economic hub, is home to several companies and the Botswana Stock Exchange. Despite its economic significance, it remains one of Africa’s least expensive cities.
A one-bedroom rental apartment in Gaborone’s city centre ranges between $153 to $345. Buying an apartment costs about $383 to $1,919 per square meter.
7. Lusaka, Zambia
Mercer’s cost of living ranking places Lusaka as the seventh least expensive city to live in in Africa. Zambia is a peaceful country with friendly people, and its capital, Lusaka, is no different. Zambiatourism.com describes Lusaka as a sprawling metropolis with many multi-storey buildings, high-walled suburbs, and busy shanty towns. It hosts people of diverse nationalities, making it a bustling economic hub.
The rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is about $153 to $373. The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2,000 to $10,763.
8. Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis, Tunisia’s capital and largest city, has a cosmopolitan vibe and rich architectural heritage, making it a go-to destination for anyone looking to settle in Tunisia.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs about $130 to $292 in rent. An apartment for sale can cost upwards of $490 per square meter.
9. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa, is Africa’s wealthiest city, housing the highest number of dollar millionaires on the continent. While Cape Town is relatively more expensive compared to Durban and other African cities, it is still more affordable than numerous African cities, including Johannesburg.
A one-bedroom apartment in Cape Town can cost about $1,151 rent per month.
10. Johannesburg, South Africa
Among the least expensive African cities, Johannesburg has the highest cost of living. It is South Africa’s biggest city and was once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Living in Johannesburg is less expensive than in Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, Kigali, and Algiers, among others.
