Numbeo is a crowdsourcing platform that gathers data from users all around the world to provide information and statistics on different topics, including cost of living, crime rate, health care quality, traffic commute time, pollution levels and many more. One of the categories in Numbeo’s index is Quality of Life Index (QoL), which measures overall well-being and satisfaction of residents in a city or country. Let’s take a look at the top cities in Africa with the highest current Quality of Life Index according to Numbeo.
What is Quality of Life Index (QoL)?
The Quality of Life Index (QoL) provided by Numbeo is a comprehensive measure of factors that paint a detailed picture of the living conditions in various cities and countries at a specific point in time. This index is updated routinely, reflecting real-time changes and allowing for continuous historical comparisons. Factors that contribute to the QoL Index include the Purchasing Power Index, Safety Index, Health Care Index, Cost of Living Index, Property Price to Income Ratio, Traffic Commute Time Index, Pollution Index, and Climate Index. These factors are carefully weighted, and their collective measurements contribute to the overall QoL Index.
Top Cities in Africa with the Highest Current Quality of Life Index
According to Numbeo’s latest data as of January 2024, these are the top cities in Africa with the highest current Quality of Life Index:
1. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town tops the list with a Quality of Life Index of 151.6. The city boasts a Purchasing Power Index of 86.4 and a Climate Index of a near-perfect 98.2. The Safety Index stands at 26.4 and the Health Care Index at 68.5. The Cost of Living Index in Cape Town is 35.1, while the Property Price to Income Ratio is at 5.7. The city’s Traffic Commute Time Index registers at 42.5 and the Pollution Index at 38.7.
This data on Cape Town shows that the city offers a desirable balance of factors contributing to overall quality of life, with a strong economy and high purchasing power, a pleasant climate, and relatively low levels of pollution and traffic congestion. However, safety and healthcare may be areas for improvement. Read Also: Top five African cities with the best nightlife
2. Pretoria, South Africa
Next on the list is Pretoria with a Quality of Life Index of 138.4. The city enjoys a high Purchasing Power Index of 91.0 and a Climate Index of 95.8. Its Safety Index is 18.0, while its Health Care Index stands at 66.3. Pretoria’s Cost of Living Index is 34.3, with a Property Price to Income Ratio of a low 2.1. The Traffic Commute Time Index is a bit higher at 45.5, with a Pollution Index at 55.7.
Pretoria’ s Quality of Life Index score is boosted by its robust purchasing power and favorable climate, but like many urban areas, it faces challenges in areas such as safety and pollution. Given its low Property Price to Income Ratio, Pretoria presents an accessible real estate market, an important factor in the Cost of Living Index.
3. Durban, South Africa
Durban ranks third with a Quality of Life Index of 134.4. The city’s Purchasing Power Index is 62.7, and its Climate Index is 95.6. The Safety Index comes in at 19.1, with the Health Care Index at 58.6. The Cost of Living Index is 33.4, with the Property Price to Income Ratio at 3.9. Durban’s Traffic Commute Time Index is 26.1, with a Pollution Index of 52.8.
Durban’s position on Numbeo’s list is marked by its unique blend of affordability, climate, and lifestyle factors contributing to its Quality of Life Index. The city enjoys a pleasant climate and relatively low traffic commute time. However, improvements in safety and healthcare could further enhance the quality of life for its residents. Despite these areas for growth, the city’s affordable cost of living coupled with a reasonable property price makes it an attractive destination in Africa.
4. Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is fourth with a Quality of Life Index of 132.0. The city holds a strong Purchasing Power Index of 88.4 and a Climate Index of 91.4. The Safety Index is 19.2, and the Health Care Index is 60.4. Johannesburg’s Cost of Living Index stands at 36.6, with a Property Price to Income Ratio of 2.8. The Traffic Commute Time Index is 40.9, with a slightly higher Pollution Index of 61.1.
Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city, holds the fourth position on Numbeo’s Quality of Life due to its reasonable climate and purchasing power. Nevertheless, like its fellow South African cities, it faces challenges with safety and health care. The city also features a reasonable cost of living, indicating a fairly accessible real estate market. Despite the slightly higher pollution and time to commute, Johannesburg continues to be a vital city in Africa’s socio-economic landscape.
5. Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is fifth with a Quality of Life Index of 97.0. The city has a Purchasing Power Index of 29.8 and a high Climate Index of 99.8. The Safety Index is 40.9, with the Health Care Index at 62.0. Nairobi’s Cost of Living Index is 26.9, with a high Property Price to Income Ratio of 10.9. The city’s Traffic Commute Time Index is considerable at 53.4, with a Pollution Index of 79.8. Read Also: Gas Saver’s Guide: 23 Tips for Cutting Fuel Costs
Despite having a relatively high cost of living, especially in terms of property prices, Nairobi is known for its exceptional climate. The city also boasts a developing healthcare system where the government is trying to introduce new technologies. However, the city is challenged by high pollution levels and significant traffic congestion. Ongoing improvements in safety could potentially elevate Nairobi’s standing in future rankings. Its unique cultural richness and strategic geopolitical importance in East Africa continue to make it a key city on the continent.
6. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo ranks sixth with a Quality of Life Index of 76.0. The city’s Purchasing Power Index is just 16.3, with a Climate Index of 88.5. The Safety Index is considerably higher at 49.5, with the Health Care Index at 45.9. Cairo’s Cost of Living Index is 28.6, with a high Property Price to Income Ratio of 14.5. The city’s Traffic Commute Time Index is at 50.0, with a very high Pollution Index of 91.2.
Cairo, the sprawling capital of Egypt, offers a unique mix of ancient history and modern urban living, contributing to its overall Quality of Life Index ranking. Despite the challenges posed by its bustling nature, such as traffic congestion and pollution, it has its upsides too. The city has an appealing climate and a surprisingly high safety index compared to other African cities. However, there are areas where it could improve, such as healthcare and cost of living. Nonetheless, Cairo’s cultural richness, historical importance, and geopolitical significance in the region make it an important city on the African continent.
7. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos wraps up the list with a Quality of Life Index of 48.5. The city has a low Purchasing Power Index of 10.8, and a Climate Index of 60.8. The Safety Index is 32.0, with the Health Care Index at 47.2. Lagos has a Cost of Living Index of 22.1, with the highest Property Price to Income Ratio on the list at 15.7. The city has a high Traffic Commute Time Index of 67.4, with a Pollution Index of 89.0.
Lagos, the bustling commercial hub of Nigeria, is a city of contrasts. With its electric energy, vibrant culture, and thriving entrepreneurial spirit, Lagos offers an experience like no other city. The vibrant markets, dynamic entertainment scene, and rich cultural heritage make it a fascinating place to live. Nonetheless, the city grapples with challenges such as traffic congestion and environmental pollution. Despite these hurdles, the resilience and spirit of its residents make Lagos an indomitable city with vast potential.