Economic downturns are driving up the cost of living in many African cities. A new Numbeo report reveals the average mid-year cost of living in major African cities.
The cost of living in many African cities continues to rise due to economic downturns caused by currency fluctuations, inflation, the elimination of subsidies on critical commodities such as petrol, and higher taxes. As a result, prices for basic necessities such as food and utilities have increased.
A recent index by Numbeo, one of the world’s foremost data and research platforms, has revealed the cost of living in various African cities mid-year.
While certain African cities have seen significant economic expansion, income inequality remains a chronic problem. The wealth disparity is expanding, making it impossible for a sizable segment of the population to keep up with rising living costs.
South Africa, Africa’s largest economy, faces significant economic issues. As a result, many South African cities rank among the continent’s most expensive places to live. Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town occupy the top three positions.
Lagos, Nigeria’s business capital, comes in fourth place after Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The index is calculated using variables such as the rent index, grocery index, restaurant index, cost of living plus rent index, and local buying power.
| Rank | City | Cost of living index | Local purchasing power index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johannesburg, South Africa | 38.4 | 110.8 |
| 2 | Pretoria, South Africa | 35.3 | 118.8 |
| 3 | Cape Town, South Africa | 35.2 | 105.2 |
| 4 | Lagos, Nigeria | 35.1 | 13.1 |
| 5 | Durban, South Africa | 32.9 | 91.7 |
| 6 | Casablanca, Morocco | 32.8 | 38.6 |
| 7 | Accra, Ghana | 32.1 | 16.3 |
| 8 | Nairobi, Kenya | 31.7 | 34.5 |
| 9 | Algiers, Algeria | 29.8 | 30.0 |
| 10 | Tunis, Tunisia | 29.8 | 30.6 |