Top 10 African cities with the highest purchasing power in 2025

When assessing the economic strength of a city, purchasing power serves as a crucial metric. It reflects how much goods and services residents can afford with their income, highlighting their overall financial well-being. In Africa, where economies are evolving rapidly, some cities stand out for their high purchasing power, offering residents a superior quality of life and making them attractive hubs for business and investment.

The cities on this list have demonstrated resilience, economic stability, and strong job markets, making them the top destinations for professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors looking for opportunities on the continent. From bustling financial centres to administrative capitals.

According to Numbeo, these are the top 10 African cities with the highest purchasing power in 2025

1. Pretoria, South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, tops the list with a local purchasing power index of 131.8. This means that residents earn relatively high incomes compared to living costs, affording them a higher standard of living. Pretoria benefits from a stable economy, a strong job market, and a relatively affordable cost of living. Additionally, it is home to several governmental institutions, universities, and industries that contribute to its economic resilience.

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2. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, one of Africa’s most picturesque cities, ranks second with a purchasing power index of 107.1. The city’s strong tourism, technology, and finance sectors provide ample employment opportunities. Though Cape Town has a moderately high cost of living, its residents enjoy competitive salaries, making essential goods and services more accessible.

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3. Johannesburg, South Africa
Often dubbed the economic powerhouse of Africa, Johannesburg ranks third with a purchasing power index of 106.8. As a major financial and business hub, Johannesburg attracts high-income earners, investors, and corporations. Despite fluctuations in cost-of-living expenses, strong wages allow residents to maintain significant purchasing power.

4. Durban, South Africa
Durban, known for its thriving port and manufacturing industries, claims the fourth spot with a purchasing power index of 99.0. The city benefits from lower living costs compared to Johannesburg and Cape Town, yet it still offers competitive salaries. This balance makes Durban an attractive location for both businesses and individuals seeking affordability without compromising economic opportunities.

5. Rabat, Morocco
Rabat, the capital of Morocco, rounds off the top five with a purchasing power index of 55.8. As the political and administrative centre of the country, Rabat enjoys economic stability and a growing middle class. The city has a lower cost of living compared to its commercial counterpart, Casablanca, yet still provides strong employment prospects in government, education, and the service industry.

6. Tripoli, Libya
Tripoli, Libya’s capital, holds the sixth position with a purchasing power index of 45.6. Despite economic challenges, the city remains an important financial and commercial centre in North Africa, benefiting from the country’s oil wealth and investment in infrastructure.

7. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech, a renowned cultural and tourism hub, secures the seventh position with a purchasing power index of 39.7. The city’s economy is driven by tourism, trade, and craftsmanship, offering moderate salaries and an affordable cost of living compared to other Moroccan cities.

8. Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub, ranks eighth with a purchasing power index of 38.7. Home to the country’s financial sector and many multinational companies, the city offers competitive salaries, though the cost of living is relatively high compared to other Moroccan cities.

9. Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, takes the ninth spot with a purchasing power index of 37.1. As the country’s political and economic centre, Tunis benefits from a well-developed infrastructure, stable employment opportunities, and a growing tech sector.

10. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo, Africa’s largest metropolis, rounds out the top ten with a purchasing power index of 35.4. Despite a high population density and rising living costs, the city remains an economic powerhouse with strong commercial, industrial, and financial sectors that provide employment opportunities for millions.