Seeking to start a new life in a new international city? You definitely don’t want to rule out the motherland. In a new global report by InterNations, the world’s largest expatriate community, four African cities ranked among the top cities for expats.
Examining important factors such as cost of living, leisure activities, and social life, the report, titled Expat City Ranking 2021, found that these cities on the continent offer the most ideal conditions for expats from around the world.
1. Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, ranked as the top African city for expats, and 12th globally. The city is well praised by expats who enjoy a healthy social life as well as the city’s vibrant nightlife scene and the ease with which they are able to find affordable housing.
The majority of expats find the locals to be friendly and have been able to easily make friends and get settled in. They are generally pleased with the affordability of the city and their financial comfort while living there.
2. Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa’s legislative capital, Cape Town also performs well in the finance and housing categories. Expats report being able to easily get settled in, and have been found to be generally happy with the availability of leisure activities, as well as the cost of living.
In fact, Cape Town places third in terms of leisure and climate, with the beautiful weather largely contributing to the plethora of available outdoor leisure options.
3. Cairo, Egypt
The Egyptian capital of Cairo excels in the areas of friendliness and affordability. Expats report enjoying access to affordable food and housing.
The city ranks 7th globally in terms of cost of living. The majority of expats in Cairo find the locals to be friendly and report being able to make new friends and settle in with ease.
4. Johannesburg, South Africa
Rounding up the list of the top African cities for expats is Johannesburg, South Africa. The country’s largest city, it ranks well for ease of getting settled in as well as for finance and housing.
Though Johannesburg, along with Cairo and Cape Town, all rank relatively low among expats in terms of the quality of urban living and urban work life, Nairobi was the one African city ranking fairly well in these areas. So, when it comes down to it, Nairobi comes out on top overall.
Related: The Black Expat: Ijeoma Kola Shares Her Journey As A Mom-To-Be And New Resident Of Nairobi, Kenya