Many African countries have begun to attract more international professionals, making it essential to understand the cost of living in these regions for both employers and expatriates.
In 2024, Africa will be home to some of the world’s most expensive cities for international workers due to several factors.
Firstly, the demand for quality housing in safe and desirable areas significantly drives up prices.
Additionally, many African cities rely heavily on imported goods, which come with high tariffs and transportation costs. Limited and underdeveloped infrastructure also increases costs related to transportation and utilities.
Economic instability, inflation, and currency fluctuations impact living costs for expatriates. Moreover, in some cities, the cost of security and safety measures for expatriates is high, adding to overall expenses.
Read also: Lagos, Abuja among Africa’s 10 least expensive cities for international workers in 2024
According to Mercer’s Cost of Living City annual data report, factors such as inflation, exchange-rate fluctuations, economic and geopolitical volatility, local conflicts, and emergencies have led to increased expenses in housing, utilities, local taxes, and education, directly impacting the pay and savings of internationally mobile employees.
The report highlighted “Between 2023 and 2024, the most significant increases in living costs were seen in cities in Africa (Accra, Addis Ababa and Cairo), Eastern Europe (Tirana) and Eastern Europe (Istanbul). For all the increases (except Tirana), high inflation is likely the main reason. In Tirana, exchange fluctuations are the main cause of the change in cost of living.”
Here are the top 10 most expensive cities in Africa for international workers in 2024
1. Bangui, Central African Republic – Global rank: 14
Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, has climbed the ranks to become the most expensive city in Africa for international workers. This surge is driven by high living costs, limited availability of quality housing, and the significant cost of imported goods. The city’s challenging economic conditions and infrastructure deficits further exacerbate the cost of living for expatriates.
2. Djibouti, Djibouti – Global rank: 18
Djibouti City, the nation’s capital, has seen a substantial increase in its global cost of living ranking. The strategic location of Djibouti as a critical port and its economic development initiatives have driven up housing and service costs. Additionally, the reliance on imported goods contributes to the high expenses faced by international workers.
Read also: Top 10 most expensive cities in Africa – Prices in USD/m²
3. N’Djamena, Chad – Global rank: 21
N’Djamena remains one of the priciest African cities, with its global rank rising sharply. The high cost of living here is attributed to the expensive real estate market, limited infrastructure, and the premium prices of imported necessities. Security concerns and economic instability also play roles in elevating the costs for expatriates.
4. Conakry, Guinea – Global rank: 26
Conakry’s position as a key economic hub in West Africa has led to a significant increase in living costs. The limited supply of high-quality housing, coupled with high import tariffs, makes life particularly expensive for expatriates. The city’s infrastructure challenges also add to the overall cost burden.
Read also: Top 10 cities with the most expensive cost of living mid-year 2024
5. Dakar, Senegal – Global rank: 39
Dakar, Senegal’s vibrant capital, has experienced a notable rise in its cost of living index. The city’s appeal as a cultural and business centre has driven up demand for housing and services, consequently inflating prices. While Dakar offers a high quality of life, it comes at a significant cost for international workers.
6. Libreville, Gabon – Global rank: 45
Libreville continues to be one of the most expensive cities in Africa, with a steady increase in its ranking. The city’s cost of living is driven by high accommodation prices and the reliance on imported goods. Libreville’s role as an economic centre in Central Africa also contributes to the elevated costs.
Read also: 10 countries in Africa with the highest cost of living in 2024
7. Douala, Cameroon – Global rank: 63
Douala, as Cameroon’s economic capital, has seen a rise in living costs for expatriates. The city’s dynamic economy, coupled with infrastructure development, has increased the demand for housing and services. However, the cost of living remains high due to the expensive real estate market and the high prices of imported goods.
8. Victoria, Seychelles – Global rank: 64
Despite a drop in its global ranking, Victoria remains one of Africa’s most expensive cities for international workers. The high cost of living is driven by the luxury tourism industry, which raises prices for accommodation and services. The island nation’s dependence on imports also adds to the high cost of everyday items.
Read also: Top 8 cities to start a new career.
9. Brazzaville, Republic of Congo – Global rank: 74
Brazzaville’s ranking has increased, reflecting higher living costs for expatriates. The city faces challenges such as limited infrastructure and high import costs, which contribute to the overall expensive nature of living. Housing and everyday expenses are significant cost drivers in Brazzaville.
10. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo – Global rank: 79
Kinshasa, while experiencing a significant drop in its global ranking, remains within the top 10 most expensive African cities for international workers. The city’s high cost of living is influenced by expensive housing, the cost of importing goods, and the socio-economic conditions. However, improvements in certain areas may have contributed to the decline in its ranking.
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