The cost of living varies significantly across Africa, with some cities being costly for expats. This analysis of the most expensive cities in 2024 provides valuable information for those considering expatriation.
Most expensive cities for expats in Africa
Each year, the consulting firm Mercer publishes a detailed study on the cost of living in major global metropolises. In 2024, several African cities stand out for their high costs, often due to inflation and currency fluctuations. This analysis offers an overview of the most expensive cities for expats in Africa, based on criteria such as housing, food, transportation, and entertainment.
Luanda : Most expensive city in Africa
Luanda, the capital of Angola, remains one of the most costly cities for expats. In 2024, it ranks sixth globally. Despite a slight decrease compared to previous years, the cost of living remains extremely high. Housing prices are among the highest in Africa, and the cost of everyday consumer goods remains very high.
N’Djaména and Libreville : Challengers
N’Djaména, the capital of Chad, and Libreville, the capital of Gabon, closely follow Luanda. N’Djaména is ranked among the most expensive cities due to high import costs and constant inflation. Libreville, on the other hand, benefits from its geographic position and natural resources, but these advantages also translate into high living costs.
Brazzaville and Abidjan : The New Entrants
Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo and Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire are also among the most expensive cities for expats. Brazzaville ranks tenth in Africa and 74th globally. Abidjan, with its rapid development and strategic position in West Africa, experiences a significant rise in living costs.
Cost analysis : Understanding the factors
The factors contributing to the high living costs in these cities primarily include housing costs, the prices of imported goods, and currency fluctuations. New York City is used as a reference for all comparisons. Currency movements against the US dollar strongly influence the rankings, and cities like Luanda and N’Djaména are susceptible to these fluctuations.
Impact of global inflation
Global inflation plays a crucial role in the increasing living costs. For example, in the Central African Republic, inflation exceeded 4 % in 2021 and is expected to remain at that level in 2022. This price increase directly affects housing and consumer goods costs. In Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, the cost of living has skyrocketed, placing it 23rd globally. The unstable security situation also contributes to this inflation.
Other expensive African cities
Besides the aforementioned cities, other African cities also stand out for their high costs. Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, is ranked 38th globally, followed by Djibouti (41st), Kinshasa (53rd), and Lagos (55th). Dakar is the most expensive city in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), occupying the 65th global position. These cities share common characteristics such as high housing costs and expensive consumer goods.
This data and analysis help better understand the economic dynamics and financial realities of major African cities. For those considering expatriation, it is essential to take these factors into account to avoid surprises and better manage their budget.
