8 cheapest African countries to live in for expatriates

July 2024 · 5 minute read

Are you seeking to relocate to and live in Africa? You might want to check out these cheapest African countries to live in, especially for expats.

1. Tunisia

Tunisia is a beautiful country located in the northernmost part of Africa. It shares borders with Algeria and Libya. The country's largest city, Tunis, is also its capital city. The languages spoken here are Tunisian Arabic, Berber, and French. And the official religion is Islam.

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Tunisia is the twelfth largest economy in Africa. Its official currency is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). The cost of living in this country is around $422. It was ranked as the 195th best country to live in by LivingCost.org.

On the average, a worker in Tunisia is going to earn about $283 per month after all the taxes have been deducted. One can work in any of this country's thriving sectors, including agriculture, tourism, etc.

2. Algeria

Like Tunisia, Algeria is also a Northern African country. In terms of total area, it is the largest country in Africa. Its official languages are Arabic and Berber. Its religions are Islam and Christianity.

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The currency used here is the Algerian Dinar. The Algerian economy is upheld, mostly by the trading of oil and gas.

The cost of living in Algeria is quite cheap. The cost of living in Algeria is just about $431, much lower than most countries in Africa.

The jobs available here include jobs relating to healthcare, teaching, agriculture, engineering, and others.

3. The Gambia

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The Gambia is a relatively small country in West Africa. The official language here is English, and the currency used here is the Dalasi. The Gambian economy is diverse but mostly depends on the export of agricultural produce.

Livingcost.org suggests that the cost of living in The Gambia is just around $519. It also suggests that The Gambia is among the topmost friendly countries to live in. The Gambia is relatively safe, so you wouldn't have to spend much on security.

In The Gambia, expats are welcome to take jobs and engage in different kinds of trade. As long as you stick to the government laws, you can do what you have to in order to earn your money.

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Sudan is officially known as the Republic of Sudan and is a small country in Northern Africa. Its official languages are Arabic and English, and its people are called Sudanese.

The currency used in Sudan is the Sudanese pound. As of 2010, the Sudanese economy was considered the tenth fastest progressing economy in the world.

Although traveling to Sudan is discouraged due to the civil unrest in the country, it still offers one of the cheapest costs of living in Africa. When compared to the cost of living in France, the cost of living in Sudan is significantly lower. In fact, it is about 41.73% lower.

The cost for housing and accommodation, that is, rent is also quite lower.

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South Africa is obviously located in the Southern part of Africa. It is officially known as the Republic of South Africa and is home to people from different racial backgrounds, including whites, blacks, and even Indians. The largest city here in Johannesburg and one of the largest ethnic groups is the Zulu people. English is one of South Africa's official languages.

The country has one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, so close to Nigeria's. The official currency here is the South African Rand.

Living in South Africa is considerably cheap. An expat from France will be pleased to know that the count of living in South Africa is more than 40% lower than the cost of living in France.

Housing is more affordable, and the influx of money is admirable.

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In South Africa, an expat can work in any of the thriving sectors. Like agriculture, education, and healthcare.

Mali is a country in West Africa. Its capital city is called Bamako. The country has an estimated population of a little over 19 million people. The official languages here are French, Arabic, and Fulani.

Even though Mali is considered one of the poorest countries in the world—the Grand per Capita is roughly about $859—living here would cost considerably cost-effective for an expat. An expat can work as a trader or engage in any other thriving sector of Mali's economy.

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Zambia is a small country located in East Africa. Its official language is English. Zambia is one of the only African countries to make it to the list of top richest countries worldwide when you take into consideration wealth that is based on natural resources.

The Zambian Kwacha is the official currency in Zambia. The cost of living in Zambia is 54% less than the cost of living in the US and 55.18 lower than the cost of living in France.

Housing in Zambia is relatively low, and so is the cost of feeding.

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Expats can take jobs in any of the thriving sectors in the country.

8. Madagascar

Many people got to hear about Madagascar for the first time from the Nickelodeon cartoon show, The Penguins of Madagascar.

Madagascar, an Island around the Indian ocean, is a beautiful country and the second-largest island country in the world.

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The official language here is Malagasy and French, and the prominent religion is Christianity.

The GDP per Capita is about 471 dollars, making it one of the economically stable countries in Africa. The currency is the Ariary.

The cost of living in Madagascar is almost 60% lower than the cost of living in France, and so is housing.

An expat will have little problems living here. The locals are friendly, and one can take jobs they please.

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About the author

Ochuko Eyube is a Digital Marketing Consultant and Communication Strategist transforming the way brands interact with audiences through content. He enjoys writing helpful content and inspiring people to become the best versions of themselves.

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