Zimbabwean Capital Harare is the most expensive city in Africa a new study by Expatistan, an online cost of living calculator which measures the cost of living index prepared for various cities across the world has revealed.
Other most expensive cities in Africa are South Africa’s Pretoria, followed by Mauritius City Port Louis and Kenyan Capital Nairobi.
Expatistan found out that for instance monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation at a leafy suburb in Harare is $1,669. On the other hand, the price of Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in a middle income area goes for $873.
The cost of Internet per month at a speed of 8 Mbps in Harare is $82 nearly double that of Nairobi.Expatistan reveals that the cost of Utilities for instance related to energy for 2 people in 85m2 flat is $103.A new Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV , with no extras in Harare costs $27,914 while a monthly ticket for public transport in the city costs $43.
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Food is equally expensive in Harare with Basic lunchtime menu including a drink going for $8. The price of 1 box of antibiotics that is 12 doses goes for $10.
Similarly, a flat screen 40-inch television set costs Sh64,567 ($626) in Harare compared to Sh37,816 ($366) in Nairobi.
Tunisia capital Tunis and Cairo both in Northern Africa are the least expensive cities in Africa with price index of 60 and 54 respectively. Zurich is the most expensive city in the world while Kharkiv in Ukraine is the least expensive city in the World.
Once a stable country, Zimbabwe’s economic situation has deteriorated since the beginning of the millennium when the country introduced controversial land policy that sought to transfer land ownership from powerful white settlers to poor blacks. The move resulted to a drop in food production in a country that largely depends on agriculture to thrive.
Cash-strapped and impoverished, Zimbabwe’s economy faces severe challenges. Unemployment and poverty are endemic and political strife and repression commonplace. Many Zimbabweans have left the country in search of work in South Africa. It is therefore not surprising that its capital is the most expensive city in Africa