Africa: 10 African Countries With Highest Cost of Living At Start of 2026

Living costs differ significantly across Africa, shaped by factors such as import dependence, currency strength, urbanisation and consumer demand. While some countries remain relatively affordable, others stand out for their high day-to-day expenses–particularly for food, dining, transport and utilities.

Using the latest Cost of Living Index data from Numbeo, which compares everyday expenses across cities globally (excluding rent), this list highlights the African countries where residents and…