Accra ranks as the 5th most expensive city in Africa for rent, with a rent index of 12.0, according to Numbeo. Globally, the city is positioned at 230 in terms of rent affordability.
Numbeo highlights that high rental costs can significantly strain household budgets, reducing the money available for essentials such as food, education, healthcare, and transportation. It also raises questions about the value of living in such urban centers, especially with the rise of remote work, which diminishes the necessity of being physically present in a city.
Lagos tops the list as Africa’s most expensive city for rent with a rent index of 24.3, ranking 122 globally. Cape Town (18.0), Addis Ababa (17.8), and Dar es Salaam (14.4) follow in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th positions, respectively.
While urban centers offer advantages such as better infrastructure and economic opportunities, Numbeo emphasizes the need to balance the cost of living with income levels.
On the other hand, Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt, Tripoli in Libya, Algiers in Algeria, and Tunis in Tunisia are the African cities with the lowest rental costs.
