Living in an African city does not automatically mean living cheaply.

In fact, some African urban centres can be surprisingly expensive, particularly when housing, imported goods, transportation, restaurants and international-standard services are taken into account.

There is also an important distinction between high prices and low affordability. A city may have relatively high prices but also offer high local purchasing power. Another city may have lower prices while residents struggle because salaries are much lower.

For this ranking, the 2025 mid-year Numbeo cost-of-living data provides a useful benchmark. That dataset placed Abidjan first, followed by Addis Ababa and Gaborone, with Lusaka tenth among the leading cities in the ranking.

1. Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Abidjan is one of West Africa's most important commercial centres, and its economic importance comes with a higher cost of living.

Housing in desirable areas, imported products, restaurants aimed at professionals and business-related services can become expensive.

The city's position as Côte d'Ivoire's economic capital also creates strong demand for commercial and residential property.

For professionals earning international or regional salaries, Abidjan can offer attractive opportunities. For people relying on lower local incomes, however, the same prices can feel significantly more burdensome.

2. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa has developed into a major diplomatic and business centre, but the cost of living can surprise newcomers.

The city hosts international organisations, embassies and businesses, creating demand for housing and services in particular neighbourhoods.

Imported products can also be expensive because they are affected by supply chains, exchange rates and availability.

This creates an unusual situation: everyday local goods may remain relatively affordable while international-standard accommodation and imported products can be costly.

3. Gaborone, Botswana

Gaborone is smaller than many African capitals but has a relatively developed economy and stable business environment.

Its cost structure is influenced by Botswana's landlocked geography, imported goods and limited scale.

The city does not have the enormous consumer market of Lagos or Cairo, but residents may still face significant prices for certain imported products, housing and professional services.

4. Accra, Ghana

Accra has become one of West Africa's most internationally connected cities.

Technology, finance, tourism, construction, professional services and a growing expatriate community have contributed to strong demand for housing and services.

Rental prices can vary dramatically between neighbourhoods. Areas popular with expatriates and higher-income professionals can be considerably more expensive than the citywide average.

Numbeo's 2025 city data recorded Accra's cost-of-living index at 31.8.

5. Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca is Morocco's economic engine and one of North Africa's major commercial centres.

Its stronger business infrastructure comes with higher demand for property, professional services and consumer goods.

The city also has a substantial modern retail and restaurant sector, meaning residents have access to products and services that may be priced above the national average.

Numbeo recorded Casablanca at 31.4 on its 2025 cost-of-living index.

6. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is one of Africa's most internationally recognised cities.

Tourism, property, technology, professional services and an established consumer economy all contribute to its relatively high living costs.

Housing is particularly important. Popular areas can command significant rents, while transport costs vary depending on where residents live and work.

Cape Town's 2025 Numbeo cost-of-living index was 31.3, with a higher rent index than several other major South African cities.

7. Pretoria, South Africa

Pretoria benefits from a strong government, diplomatic and professional-services economy.

The city has extensive residential areas and a large professional population, which supports demand for housing, restaurants, education and services.

At the same time, Pretoria's relatively strong local purchasing power distinguishes it from some cities where high prices are accompanied by much lower incomes.

8. Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi has become one of Africa's most important business and technology hubs.

That success has increased demand for modern apartments, offices, restaurants, international schools and professional services.

The cost difference between neighbourhoods can be enormous. A person living in a high-end area and eating at international restaurants will have a completely different monthly budget from someone living in a lower-cost neighbourhood and relying mainly on local markets.

Numbeo placed Nairobi's 2025 cost-of-living index at 30.7.

9. Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos is an economic giant, but it can be expensive for residents seeking reliable housing, transportation and modern services.

One major factor is housing. Demand is high, particularly in desirable neighbourhoods.

Transportation is another major expense because commuting across the metropolitan area can consume substantial time and money.

The city's enormous commercial economy creates opportunities, but the cost of accessing those opportunities varies significantly by income level.

10. Rabat, Morocco

Morocco's capital combines government, diplomacy, education and professional services.

Rabat generally has a calmer pace than Casablanca, but desirable housing and modern services can still make it relatively expensive.

Numbeo's 2025 data placed Rabat's cost-of-living index at 29.9.

Why are some African cities expensive?

Several factors repeatedly appear.

Housing is one of the biggest drivers. When a city attracts businesses, professionals and migrants faster than housing supply expands, rents rise.

Imported goods matter too. Electronics, vehicles, specialised food products and international brands can become expensive when they depend on imports.

Transport also matters. A city with long commuting distances may impose hidden costs through fuel, fares and lost time.

Finally, inflation and currency movements can change rankings quickly.

Expensive does not always mean unaffordable

This is perhaps the most important point.

Johannesburg, for example, appeared high on Numbeo's cost-of-living table but also recorded much stronger local purchasing power than several other cities.

Therefore, someone comparing African cities should look beyond a simple “most expensive” list.

Before relocating, consider rent + food + transport + healthcare + utilities + taxes + local salary levels.

A city with higher prices may actually offer better financial value if salaries and employment opportunities are substantially stronger.