Living expenses across Africa vary widely, influenced by factors such as reliance on imports, currency strength, urban development, and consumer demand. While many African countries remain relatively affordable, a handful stand out for the high cost of everyday essentials from groceries and dining to transport and utilities.
Based on the latest Cost of Living Index data from Numbeo, which measures daily expenses excluding rent, here are the five most expensive African countries to live in as 2026 begins. The rankings highlight where residents and expatriates face the greatest pressure on household budgets.
1. Seychelles – Cost of Living Index: 64.5
Seychelles emerges as Africa’s most expensive country at the start of 2026. As a remote island nation, it depends heavily on imported goods, driving up prices for food and consumer items. Grocery costs and dining out are particularly high, while rent remains comparatively moderate. Despite its breathtaking scenery and strong tourism appeal, the day-to-day cost of living keeps Seychelles firmly at the top of the list.
2. Democratic Republic of the Congo – 50.2
Despite its abundance of natural resources, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) records one of the continent’s highest living costs. Major cities like Kinshasa face elevated prices for food and restaurants, alongside rising housing costs. With weak local purchasing power, many residents struggle to balance incomes against the high cost of imported essentials.
3. Senegal – 48.5
Senegal ranks third, driven largely by increasing prices for groceries and restaurant meals. While rent remains relatively affordable compared to other high-cost countries, everyday expenses continue to climb, particularly in urban centres like Dakar. Limited purchasing power means households often feel the impact of rising costs despite the country’s growing appeal as a cultural and commercial hub.
4. Cape Verde – 46.3
Cape Verde’s position reflects the challenges common to island economies. Heavy reliance on imports pushes up food prices, even though rent levels are among the lowest on the list. Tourism helps moderate restaurant costs, but low purchasing power means residents are especially vulnerable to price increases in daily necessities.
5. Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) – 44.8
Rounding out the top five is Ivory Coast, where living costs continue to rise, particularly for food and dining in cities like Abidjan. Housing remains relatively affordable, but weak purchasing power limits financial flexibility for many residents, making everyday expenses increasingly difficult to manage.
Why It Matters
These rankings underscore how geography, economic structure, and import dependence shape living costs across Africa. As inflation, currency fluctuations, and global supply pressures persist into 2026, understanding where daily life is most expensive offers valuable insight for policymakers, businesses, and individuals planning to live or work across the continent.
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