Top 10 African countries with highest cost of living at start of 2026
Living expenses across Africa continue to vary widely, shaped by factors such as import dependence, inflation, currency strength and access to basic services.
At the beginning of 2026, several African countries recorded notably high living costs, making daily expenses a growing concern for residents and expatriates alike reported.
Using the latest Cost of Living data from Numbeo, which tracks the cost of goods and services across major cities globally, the index considers prices of groceries, transportation, restaurants, and utilities, excluding rent.
Here are the top 10 African countries with the highest cost of living at the start of 2026.
Seychelles (64.5)
Seychelles tops the list as the most expensive country in Africa. The island nation’s heavy dependence on imported goods significantly drives up prices, especially for food and dining. Grocery costs stand at 74.8, while restaurant prices reach 66.2.
Although rent is relatively moderate at 27.6, the overall cost of living remains the highest on the continent.
Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC (50.2)
Despite its vast natural resources, the DRC records a high cost-of-living index of 50.2. Groceries and restaurant prices average 48.0 and 66.1, respectively, while rent stands at 32.8. In major cities such as Kinshasa, residents face high living expenses despite relatively low purchasing power.
Senegal (48.5)
Senegal ranks third with a cost-of-living index of 48.5. Although rent remains relatively affordable at 19.3, expenses for food and dining out, 45.0 and 42.9, respectively, contribute significantly to the overall cost. Purchasing power remains limited at 22.2, affecting household spending capacity.
Cape Verde (46.3)
Cape Verde’s cost of living is driven largely by its reliance on imported goods. Groceries are priced at 57.2, while restaurant costs stand at 35.6. Rent remains relatively low at 8.8, helping to cushion overall expenses. However, local purchasing power remains weak at 21.3.
Ivory Coast (44.8)
With a cost-of-living index of 44.8, the Ivory Coast combines moderate rent costs of 21.8 with relatively high prices for groceries and dining, at 41.3 and 39.1, respectively. Purchasing power remains low at 12.7, making daily living challenging for many residents.
Angola (42.3)
Angola continues to rank among Africa’s most expensive countries, with a cost-of-living index of 42.3. Grocery and restaurant prices stand at 39.2 and 35.0, while rent remains high at 24.8, particularly in Luanda. Although purchasing power appears high at 200.8, this figure reflects currency distortions rather than widespread affordability.
Ethiopia (41.8)
Ethiopia records a cost-of-living index of 41.8. Groceries are priced at 44.5, while rent averages 18.3. Restaurant prices remain relatively low at 22.9, but the limited purchasing power of 12.5 continues to strain household budgets, especially in Addis Ababa.
Cameroon (40.7)
Cameroon’s cost-of-living index stands at 40.7. Grocery prices average 37.8, while restaurant costs rise to 45.5. Rent remains moderate at 19.1, though overall purchasing power remains low at 10.5.
Mauritius (38.3)
Mauritius records a cost-of-living index of 38.3. While grocery prices are relatively high at 41.1, rent is more affordable at 10.9. The country benefits from stronger purchasing power at 55.1, offering residents greater financial flexibility compared to many peers.
South Africa (37.1)
South Africa rounds out the list with a cost-of-living index of 37.1. Rent averages 13.0, groceries 32.6, and restaurant prices 35.6. With purchasing power at 109.2, residents enjoy comparatively better financial stability than in many other African countries.
