For people considering relocation, remote work, retirement, study or a new business venture, affordability can be just as important as career opportunities.
Africa has several major cities where housing, food, transport and everyday services can cost substantially less than in many international capitals.
But “cheap” should not be confused with “better.” Affordability is only one part of the equation. Healthcare, safety, infrastructure, employment opportunities and political stability should also be considered before choosing where to live.
Using 2025 city-level cost-of-living data as a benchmark, Alexandria, Cairo, Tripoli, Algiers and Kampala stand out among the continent's more affordable major cities.
1. Alexandria, Egypt
Alexandria sits on Egypt's Mediterranean coast and offers something many people look for in an affordable city: access to a major urban economy without the prices associated with many global coastal cities.
Food and everyday services can be relatively inexpensive, while housing costs remain below those found in many international business centers.
Numbeo's 2025 cost-of-living index placed Alexandria at 17.9, making it one of the lowest-cost major cities in Africa in that dataset.
2. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo proves that affordability and scale can coexist.
The city is enormous, with extensive public transportation, numerous neighbourhoods and a huge local consumer market.
That scale creates many price points. Someone willing to live outside the most expensive districts can often find considerably cheaper accommodation and food.
Cairo recorded a 2025 cost-of-living index of 19.6 in Numbeo's data.
3. Tripoli, Libya
Tripoli ranks highly when looking specifically at consumer prices.
Housing and everyday expenses have historically remained relatively low compared with many major African business centres.
However, affordability should not be the only consideration for someone considering relocation. Political and security conditions can have a major impact on everyday life and should be assessed separately from a cost-of-living index.
4. Algiers, Algeria
Algiers combines Mediterranean living with comparatively low consumer costs.
The city benefits from Algeria's energy resources and substantial public infrastructure, while food and local services can remain relatively affordable.
Numbeo's 2025 cost-of-living index put Algiers at 26.1.
5. Kampala, Uganda
Kampala is particularly interesting for people looking for affordability in East Africa.
Housing varies substantially between neighbourhoods, while local food and transportation can remain accessible.
The city also has a lively business environment, universities, healthcare facilities and a growing technology community.
Numbeo recorded Kampala at 26.4 in its 2025 cost-of-living index.
6. Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis offers a strong combination of urban services, Mediterranean location and relatively manageable living costs.
The city has universities, healthcare facilities, restaurants, public transport and established business districts.
It is particularly attractive to people who want a major North African capital without the higher costs associated with some of the continent's largest commercial centres.
7. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo's affordability deserves another look beyond its position near the top of this list because the city offers something rare: a large metropolitan economy at relatively low consumer prices.
Its public transportation network, local food markets and enormous housing market provide multiple options for different budgets.
For remote workers and students, neighbourhood selection becomes especially important because rent can vary significantly.
8. Kampala, Uganda
Kampala's lower cost structure is particularly appealing when compared with some of East Africa's larger commercial hubs.
Local markets, public transport and neighbourhood restaurants can keep everyday spending relatively manageable.
However, international schools, imported products and premium accommodation can quickly increase monthly expenses.
9. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is internationally known as a tourism destination, yet it also offers relatively affordable everyday living outside the most tourist-oriented areas.
The city has a broad range of housing, restaurants and local markets.
Numbeo recorded Marrakech at 29.4 in its 2025 cost-of-living index.
10. Durban, South Africa
Durban combines a major coastal economy with lower costs than some of South Africa's most expensive urban areas.
Housing, restaurants and transport can vary widely by neighbourhood, but the city offers access to developed infrastructure, healthcare, universities and a large consumer market.
Its 2025 Numbeo cost-of-living index was 28.6.
What should you check before moving?
A low cost-of-living number is only the beginning.
Someone considering an affordable African city should calculate their actual monthly budget.
Start with rent. Then add electricity, water, internet, groceries, transport, healthcare, insurance and entertainment.
Most importantly, compare those expenses with your income, not with somebody else's.
For example, Nairobi's cost-of-living index is considerably higher than Alexandria's, but Nairobi also has a strong technology, financial-services and professional-services economy. A higher-cost city can therefore make more sense for a person with stronger earning potential.
The best affordable city is ultimately the one where your income, lifestyle and priorities fit together.
Africa's urban landscape provides plenty of choices. From Alexandria's Mediterranean setting to Kampala's East African energy and Algiers' North African character, affordability does not have to mean giving up access to a real urban experience.
