Three Moroccan cities make top 10 in Africa for household purchasing power

Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech have made it to the top 10 in a new ranking of African cities with the highest household purchasing power, according to a list published by The African Exponent for 2025.

The list measures urban prosperity not just by GDP or city growth, but by what households can actually afford. It combines data from Numbeo with indicators on governance, infrastructure, and the labor market.

Rabat leads the way in stability. With a purchasing power index of 54.2, the capital ranks sixth in Africa. Its strength comes from a large concentration of formal jobs, high levels of education, and stable public sector salaries. 

Government employees, diplomats, and international organization staff provide predictable incomes that help families maintain steady consumption. 

Urban programs improving transport, public services, and housing, backed by the World Bank, also make life easier and more affordable for residents, while promoting social cohesion.

Casablanca comes in eighth with a 39.2 index. The city generates about a third of Morocco’s GDP and nearly half of its industrial activity. 

Banks, logistics, telecommunications, and professional services dominate the job market. But this economic density brings challenges: high living costs, pressure on housing, and heavy daily commuting. 

Authorities are tackling these issues through programs like “Villes sans bidonvilles” and the Municipal Support Program for Casablanca, which aim to formalize jobs, improve governance, and modernize infrastructure. 

Upcoming projects in housing, transport, and smart city development are expected to further boost real purchasing power.

Marrakech, ranked ninth with an index of 37.2, balances tourism with a growing range of services and industries, from aviation to logistics. This economic diversity helps households weather seasonal shifts in tourism. 

Municipal policies, long-term urban planning, and international partnerships are strengthening resilience, modernizing infrastructure, and supporting a more formal, inclusive economy.