South African cities have once again asserted their dominance as the top urban areas for quality of life in Africa.
According to Numbeo’s latest Quality of Life Index for 2025, cities like Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban, and Johannesburg continue to lead the rankings, while Casablanca, Morocco, makes a notable debut.
Quality of life encompasses more than mere conveniences. It reflects the daily experiences that shape the essence of living—easy mobility, safety, accessible healthcare, affordable living, and a balanced environment.
For many, these factors transform a city from just a place of residence to a home worth cherishing.
Numbeo’s rankings are based on an aggregate score considering several factors: purchasing power, safety, healthcare, cost of living, property price-to-income ratio, traffic commute times, pollution levels, and climate conditions.
A higher index score signifies better living standards and serves as a benchmark for evaluating urban environments globally.
At the start of 2025, the following African cities have emerged as the leaders in quality of life:
1. Cape Town, South Africa – Scoring 160.2, Cape Town maintains its status as Africa’s best city for quality of life. Known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and efficient infrastructure, Cape Town blends natural beauty with modern living.
2. Pretoria, South Africa – With a score of 157.9, Pretoria secures second place. The city is celebrated for its blend of historical charm and contemporary amenities, coupled with an organized urban setup.
3. Durban, South Africa – Scoring 149.0, Durban is famous for its subtropical climate, beautiful beaches, and economic dynamism, making it a hub for both leisure and business.
4. Johannesburg, South Africa – Known as Africa’s economic powerhouse, Johannesburg scores 141.8. Despite its bustling nature, the city offers an array of recreational and cultural activities, ensuring a balanced urban lifestyle.
5. Casablanca, Morocco – Marking Morocco’s entry into the top rankings, Casablanca scores 95.2. The city has emerged as a key player in Africa’s urban landscape, offering a blend of historical charm and modern infrastructure.
One notable change in this year’s rankings is the absence of Nairobi, Kenya, which had previously scored 97.4. This shift underscores the dynamic nature of urban development and quality of life in Africa.
South Africa’s dominance highlights its relative stability in urban living standards despite ongoing socio-economic challenges. The inclusion of Casablanca indicates that other African nations are making significant strides to improve their urban environments, setting a promising trajectory for the continent’s future.
Source : Africa Home Building News – Joycelyn Marigold
