Top 10 most affordable African cities to live in 2024
Affordability is a major characteristic that defines many African cities and provides several benefits to both inhabitants and investors.
As the globe struggles with the issues of growing urbanization and rising living costs, African cities provide a compelling paradigm of affordability.
Embracing and cultivating affordability may contribute to long-term urban growth, economic prosperity, and improved citizens’ quality of life.
While the cost of living is rising in many cities throughout the world, certain African cities have one special advantage: they are still incredibly inexpensive.
Affordable cities in Africa almost certainly guarantee a great range of people have access to basic services, amenities, and opportunities. This affordability promotes social cohesiveness and narrows the gap between different socioeconomic groups.
Affordability improves the overall quality of life for inhabitants. Lower housing expenses result in greater discretionary income, which may be spent on healthcare, education, leisure activities, and savings. This results in a higher quality of life and better well-being for people and families.
With that said here are the African cities with the lowest cost of living according to Mercer’s Cost of Living City Ranking 2024;
1. Abuja, Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria’s purpose-built capital city, stands out not just for its modernity and grandeur, but also for its relative affordability in comparison to many other worldwide capitals. While cost may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a capital city, Abuja’s accessibility provides several benefits to both inhabitants and tourists. It ranks 226th out of the 226 countries ranked by Mercer.
2.Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria’s dynamic and bustling megacity, exemplifies Africa’s urban resiliency and energy. Despite its image as a fast-paced and economically dynamic metropolis, Lagos has an unexpected advantage: it is more affordable than many other global megacities. It is the second most affordable city on Mercer’s cost of living index with a rank of 225th, right after fellow Nigerian city; Abuja.
3. Blantyre, Malawi