New analysis from Mercer has revealed that Lagos is now ranked 25th in the most expensive cities for expats. Africa’s mega-city has moved up 11 places from it’s previous position at #36.

The survey covers 211 cities across five continents and measures the comparative cost of over 200 items in each location, including housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods, and entertainment.

Abuja was also on the list at #36, having moved up 13 places from 46th place. Our sister cities Luanda (Angola) and N’Djamena (Chad) were the 1st and 2nd on the list. In Luanda a 3 bed unfurnished house will cost $15,000 per month, ($180,000 yearly!) and in N’Djamena a fast food hamburger meal would typically cost $26.

Mercer noted that while Luanda and N’Djamena are relatively inexpensive cities, they are quite costly for expatriates since imported goods come at a premium. In addition, finding secure living accommodations that meet the standards of expatriates can be challenging and reasonably pricy as well.

Finally, 3 of Switzerland’s cities made an appearance in the top 10 demonstrating that cost of living for expats across the country would  also be generally very high.