In summary
South Africa is the only country to have up to four cities on this list: Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban, and Johannesburg. This shows the country’s improving affordability, with North African countries such as Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco also dominating the list. Their home prices are stable and unaffected by inflation. Despite rapid immigration and population growth, many African countries still have access to real estate in urban centers, allowing investors and buyers to take advantage of this opportunity. Let’s take a closer look!!
African cities are growing rapidly and are now hotspots for investors and buyers. Rents and prices can be exorbitant, especially in urban centers that are major commercial markets. But some of the largest and most influential cities are currently some of the most affordable.
Whether you’re an investor, looking for an apartment in a city center in one of Africa’s top countries, or just curious about Africa’s real estate trends, this list will guide you to the most budget-friendly city centers to consider.
Here are the top 10 countries in Africa with the cheapest apartment prices in city centers in 2025, based on price per square meter according to Numbeo data.
10. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is known for its high cost of living. It’s a popular spot for wine farms, Table Mountain, and tourist attractions, but surprisingly, housing prices are more affordable than you might think. At $1,864.61 per square meter, Cape Town is now accessible to everyone. Most investors and buyers are looking outside the city, which is keeping prices safe from severe inflation, especially as economic pressures increase on the housing market.
9. Lagos, Nigeria
Although Lagos is Nigeria’s most vibrant commercial city, its apartments still cost $1,824.11 per square meter. Compared to the soaring prices of luxury goods on the island, the mainland offers more affordable prices. Infrastructure struggles and maintenance costs are limiting price increases in this area.
8. Rabat, Morocco
Rabat is the capital of Morocco and one of the most stable cities in North Africa. Apartment prices in Rabat are $1,800.98 per square meter due to consistent urban development and a favorable political situation. Its blend of Arab and European architecture and its location as a center of governance make it an upscale hideaway for buyers and investors.
7. Durban, South Africa
Durban is a major tourist center in South Africa because of its beaches. Home prices remain available at $1,099.81 per square meter. This shows how cities can successfully develop without increasing prices. Investors are starting to look to Durban as an alternative to Cape Town and Johannesburg, where property prices are more expensive.
6. Tunis, Tunisia
Apartment prices in Tunis are $1,098.27 per square meter, due to steady but slow economic development and strong dominance of locally owned real estate. Although foreign investors have not flooded the market, Tunis has managed to keep housing prices affordable for locals.
5. Marrakech, Morocco
Although Marrakech is best known for its palaces, mosques, and souks, it is still an affordable city center. The price is $1,097.94 per square meter, which is slightly different from Tunis. Despite Marrakech being popular for short-term rentals and boutique hotels, local ownership standards and strict building regulations keep apartments affordable.
4. Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is South Africa’s commercial and financial capital, but it’s still quite affordable to live in. Prices are at $1,021.09 per square meter due to a decline in inner-city living among middle-class buyers and declining sales of rental units. The establishment of businesses in the outskirts of Johannesburg has also eased real estate pressure within the city.
3. Pretoria, South Africa
Pretoria is South Africa’s administrative center and has surprisingly managed to keep housing prices affordable for locals, buyers and investors. At $833.42 per square meter, the large student population and quiet lifestyle keep housing prices affordable. Civil servants and students maintain steady demand that impacts prices without driving up costs.
2. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo may be populous and busy, but it’s also very affordable, especially considering its size and influence. With apartments priced at $824.73 per square meter, this is one of the most affordable city center apartments in Egypt. The real estate market is highly saturated, with developers constantly building to meet the demands of Egypt’s vast population.
1. Alexandria, Egypt
Topping the list is Alexandria, with a price per square meter of $721.95. This makes it the cheapest urban center housing market in all of Africa. With its beautiful seafront and ancient roots, Alexandria surprisingly hasn’t experienced the real estate inflation that most urban centers with these perks face. For investors and buyers, Alexandria continues to be at the top of the list for affordable housing in the city center.
