Summary
- South Africa features four cities on this list: Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban, and Johannesburg. This reflects the country’s improved affordability.
- North African nations like Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco also rank highly, with stable housing prices unaffected by inflation.
- Even with increasing migration and population growth, city-center properties in various African nations remain affordable, offering opportunities for investors and homebuyers.
In-Depth Look!
African cities are experiencing rapid growth, becoming hotspots for investors and homebuyers. While rental and property prices can soar at times, many prominent cities have surprisingly affordable options.
If you’re an investor, looking for an apartment in major African cities, or just interested in real estate trends across the continent, this guide will help you discover budget-friendly city-center locations.
According to Numbeo data, here are the top 10 African countries with the lowest city-center apartment prices per square meter in 2025.
10. Cape Town, South Africa
Known for its high living costs, Cape Town boasts notable attractions like wine farms and Table Mountain. However, housing costs are surprisingly affordable at $1,864.61 per square meter, largely due to buyers opting for areas outside the city, which helps maintain stable prices amidst economic challenges.
9. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos is the bustling commercial heart of Nigeria, with apartment prices averaging $1,824.11 per square meter. The mainland offers more reasonable rates compared to the luxury-priced island, largely due to infrastructure challenges and maintenance costs.
8. Rabat, Morocco
As Morocco’s capital and one of North Africa’s most stable cities, Rabat’s apartments average $1,800.98 per square meter. With ongoing urban development and favorable political conditions, the blend of Arab and European architecture makes it an appealing option for buyers.
7. Durban, South Africa
Durban is a popular tourist destination thanks to its beaches, yet apartment prices remain affordable at $1,099.81 per square meter. This demonstrates that a city can be well-developed without exorbitant costs, making Durban a growing alternative for investors compared to Cape Town and Johannesburg, where prices are higher.
6. Tunis, Tunisia
The cost of apartments in Tunis is approximately $1,098.27 per square meter, stemming from its gradual economic growth and strong local property ownership. Although the market is not flooded with foreign investors, Tunis has managed to keep housing affordable for its residents.
5. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech, famous for its historic palaces and markets, offers city-center apartments at $1,097.94 per square meter, making it an affordable option despite its popularity for short-term rentals. Local ownership rules and zoning laws contribute to stable pricing.
4. Johannesburg, South Africa
As the commercial and financial hub of South Africa, Johannesburg offers affordable living at $1,021.09 per square meter. The declining interest in inner-city living and the rise of businesses outside the city contribute to the lower real estate pressures.
3. Pretoria, South Africa
Pretoria, known as South Africa’s administrative capital, maintains an affordable housing market at $833.42 per square meter. The steady demand from students and civil servants ensures that prices remain reasonable without significant increases.
2. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo, despite its dense population, stays affordable at $824.73 per square meter, making it an inexpensive city center option. The saturated real estate market is constantly evolving, with developers striving to meet the demands of the large population.
1. Alexandria, Egypt
Leading this list is Alexandria, boasting the lowest city-center apartment prices at just $721.95 per square meter, making it the most affordable option in Africa. Its beautiful beaches and rich history have yet to impact prices significantly, making Alexandria an attractive choice for investors and buyers alike.
