Compare living costs between major African cities. See side-by-side prices for rent, food, transport, utilities, and more. All figures in USD for easy comparison.
Africa's major cities vary dramatically in living costs. A comfortable lifestyle in Nairobi costs significantly less than in Johannesburg or Cairo, while Lagos sits somewhere in between depending on the neighbourhood. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone relocating for work, starting a business, or considering remote work from an African city.
Housing is typically the largest expense, varying by a factor of 5x between the most and least expensive African cities. A one-bedroom apartment in a good area of Johannesburg might cost $600-800/month, while a similar apartment in Accra or Nairobi could be $300-500. Lagos varies wildly — from $200 in the mainland to $1,500+ on Victoria Island.
Food costs depend heavily on whether you eat local or imported food. Local market food is remarkably affordable across Africa, but imported goods and restaurant dining can be expensive, especially in cities like Luanda (historically one of the world's most expensive cities due to import dependency) and Johannesburg.
Transport costs have been transformed by ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt, InDrive) which are now available in most major African cities. Public transport remains the most affordable option, with systems like Nairobi's matatus, Lagos BRT, and Johannesburg's Gautrain offering different price-service tradeoffs. Internet costs vary significantly — Nigeria and Ghana tend to be more expensive per GB than Kenya or South Africa.
Among major cities, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, and Kampala tend to be the most affordable. Nairobi and Accra offer a good balance of affordability and amenities. Cairo is affordable in local terms but has seen currency volatility. Johannesburg and Luanda are generally the most expensive.
These are estimated averages based on 2024-2025 data from multiple sources. Actual costs vary significantly based on neighbourhood, lifestyle choices, and exchange rates. Prices for expat-oriented areas can be 2-3x higher than local neighbourhoods. Use these as directional guides rather than exact figures.