Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and its commercial hub, Lagos, have been ranked as the first and second cheapest cities for expatriates to live in for 2024, according to Mercer’s Cost of Living rankings
The report highlights that the cost of living is a crucial consideration for expatriates when selecting a city for relocation, as it impacts their quality of life and financial stability.
The findings attribute the affordability of these cities to currency depreciations, which have significantly reduced the cost of living for international assignees.
At the lower end of the cost spectrum, cities like Islamabad, Lagos, and Abuja are among the least expensive for expats.
This ranking provides insight into economic trends, assisting individuals and organizations in making informed decisions regarding global mobility.
Among African cities, Bangui has notably risen 12 places to rank 14th globally. Djibouti and N’Djamena follow closely, ranking 18th and 21st, respectively.
In the opposite, Blantyre, Lagos,
and Abuja are among the least expensive African cities, positioned at 221st, 225th, and 226th globally.
Johannesburg offers abundant economic opportunities paired with a relatively low cost of living, especially in housing and basic services, making it a preferred destination for expats in South Africa. The city’s rank slightly decreased from 205 in 2023 to 206 in 2024.
Source : Mercer’s Cost of Living rankings
