Africa’s Rental Cost Boom
Rapid urban growth, population surges, and housing shortages are sending rental prices soaring across the continent. According to Numbeo data, Nigeria tops the list as the most expensive African country to rent a home in 2025, with a rental index of 35.9. That’s more than double the next runner-up.
Top 10 Most Expensive African Countries to Rent (2025)
Based on Numbeo’s rental index, here are the countries where renting is most costly:
| Rank | Country | Rent Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nigeria | 35.9 |
| 2 | Seychelles | 32.4 |
| 3 | Senegal | 22.9 |
| 4 | Ghana | 19.3 |
| 5 | Ivory Coast | 17.7 |
| 6 | Ethiopia | 16.9 |
| 7 | South Africa | 16.6 |
| 8 | Rwanda | 15.9 |
| 9 | Libya | 12.9 |
| 10 | Tanzania | 12.4 |
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Country Spotlights
Nigeria
With 35.9 index points, Nigeria leads the pack. Lagos is Africa’s most expensive city; rent in hotspots like Victoria Island and Lekki is driven by demand, weak housing policies, and limited supply.
Seychelles
Tropical paradise living comes at a price; housing here is fueled by tourism and foreign investor demand.
Senegal & Ghana
Senegal (22.9) and Ghana (19.3) follow closely. Dakar’s urban expansion and Accra’s rising cost of living confirm rent is crowding out savings.
South Africa
South Africa (index 16.6) ranks seventh. Cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg are now seeing rents comparable to developed markets. Cape Town averages around R12,000/month for a 2-bedroom, with luxury areas charging far more.
Why Rents Are Rising
Urban Migration
Major cities swell with people seeking work and opportunity, outpacing housing development.
Housing Deficits & Regulation
Shortages are widespread across Africa. In Nigeria alone, the federal government estimates a 17 million home deficit. In South Africa and Ghana, restrictive zoning exacerbates the issue.
Expensive Quality Living
A villa in Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard can rent for R40,000+ monthly; luxury comes at a cost.
Inflation & Income Disparity
While incomes remain stagnant, rents climb, squeezing low- and middle-income families.
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Africa’s rental boom shows that while economic growth is real, it’s not inclusive. With Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana reaching critical rent levels, urgent solutions like policy reform, affordable housing development, and urban planning are essential.
Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into one country’s housing crisis or a comparison with cheaper alternatives!
