Why is Luanda, Angola so incredibly expensive?

The major issues are that foreign nationals want to do business there, but there is not a lot of secure, good quality housing, and it's costly to import goods needed for everyday life due to a lack of infrastructure. read more

Luanda is indeed expensive for ex-pats and locals who look to lead a life as they would in Europe or the US. For most locals, a USD$700/ month paycheck is considered to be a good, working-class salary. read more

St Tropez it is not. Newly purchased yachts moored in Luanda’s harbour must navigate rubbish and rusting car parts as they head into the bay. Yet Angola boasts a fabulous £15.3 billion worth of international oil reserves – its ‘Ouro Negro’ or black gold. read more

In other words: Luanda may not be the most expensive city in the world for the local population, but thanks to a booming oil economy, a limited supply of luxurious housing, and a high demand for it among expats, the cost of living there is higher than any city in the world. read more