10 most expensive countries in Africa in 2026

Africa is often viewed as an affordable destination, but in 2026 that narrative is shifting. The latest Cost of Living Index rankings show that several African nations now rank among the most expensive places to live globally, driven by rising grocery prices, import dependence, currency pressures and urban inflation.

From Seychelles and Mauritius to Angola and South Africa, everyday expenses, from food and utilities to restaurant bills, are climbing faster than household incomes, reshaping the continent’s affordability landscape.

The latest Cost of Living Index rankings show that high grocery prices, elevated restaurant costs, import dependency, currency pressures, and uneven purchasing power are pushing several African nations into the upper tier of global expense rankings. 

In many of these countries, residents face a difficult paradox: while tourism, oil wealth, or rapid urban growth drive economic activity, household purchasing power often struggles to keep pace with inflation.

Island economies like Seychelles and Cape Verde face structurally higher costs due to shipping reliance. Resource-heavy nations like Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo grapple with income inequality despite vast natural wealth. 

Meanwhile, financial hubs such as Mauritius and South Africa balance stronger purchasing power with urban-driven price pressures.

Here are Africa’s 10 most expensive countries and what drives their high living costs, as chronicled by Shore Africa.

1. Seychelles
Cost of living index score: 64.5
Africa’s most expensive country is driven by heavy reliance on imported goods, pushing grocery and restaurant prices sharply higher. Tourism fuels economic growth, but local wages lag behind rising consumer costs. With limited domestic production and high shipping expenses, everyday essentials, from food to utilities, remain costly for residents despite the nation’s luxury reputation.

2. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Cost of living index score: 50.2
Despite vast mineral wealth, high food and dining costs strain households. Infrastructure gaps and currency pressures inflate prices, especially in urban centers like Kinshasa. Low purchasing power compounds the challenge, creating one of Africa’s toughest affordability environments relative to average income.

3. Senegal
Cost of living index score: 48.5
Rising grocery and restaurant prices make Dakar one of West Africa’s most expensive cities. Strong urban demand and import dependence drive inflation, while moderate wage growth limits purchasing power for many households.

4. Cape Verde
Cost of living index score: 46.3
Import dependency and tourism-led demand elevate food and service costs. As an island economy with limited agricultural output, shipping costs significantly influence consumer prices, placing pressure on local residents.

5. Ivory Coast
Cost of living index score: 44.8
Rapid economic expansion has lifted urban incomes but also pushed up grocery and restaurant prices. In Abidjan, rising demand continues to stretch affordability despite strong GDP growth.

6. Angola
Cost of living index score: 42.3
Oil wealth boosts purchasing power for a segment of the population, but high import reliance and currency volatility keep daily expenses elevated. Outside the energy sector, affordability remains constrained.

7. Ethiopia
Cost of living index score: 41.8
Persistent inflation, particularly in food markets, has driven up household expenses. While dining costs remain relatively moderate, grocery inflation significantly impacts daily life.

8. Cameroon
Cost of living index score: 40.7
A diversified economy spanning agriculture and oil has not shielded consumers from high food and restaurant prices. Urban residents bear the brunt of rising costs.

9. Mauritius
Cost of living index score: 38.3
Tourism and financial services strengthen purchasing power, helping cushion elevated living costs. However, import reliance keeps food prices structurally high.

10. South Africa
Cost of living index score: 37.1
Africa’s most industrialized economy balances relatively affordable rent with higher grocery and dining prices, particularly in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Purchasing power remains stronger than most peers, moderating overall pressure.