Moving to Africa
Salaries, Lifestyle, and Family Considerations
Why Teach in Africa?
Moving to Africa as an expat presents a wide-ranging teaching landscape. From established international schools in South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya to emerging opportunities in Ghana, Morocco, and Tanzania.
Teachers are drawn to Africa for its rich cultural diversity, growing demand for international education, and a lower cost of living in many regions.
While salaries can vary, many schools offer housing, health insurance, and tuition benefits, making Africa a viable option for educators and their families.
Africa Overview
Major cities like Johannesburg, Cairo, and Nairobi are relatively affordable compared to Europe or the Middle East.
Lower housing costs and affordable daily expenses make it easier to live comfortably on a teacher’s salary.
Some countries, particularly South Africa and Egypt, offer solid savings potential, especially with benefits like housing and tuition discounts included in contracts.
Moving to Africa: Salary Expectations as a Teacher
Let’s check out the average teaching salaries you can expect to earn if working as an international teacher in Africa.
South Africa
$2,500 – $4,500 USD/month
Top international schools offer competitive packages.
Egypt
$2,000 – $4,000 USD/month
Cairo has the best opportunities for top earning international schools.
Kenya
$2,000 – $4,000 USD/month
High demand for qualified international teachers.
Ghana
$1,500 – $3,000 USD/month
Strong international school presence in Accra.
Morocco
$1,800 – $3,500 USD/month
Schools in Casablanca and Rabat are known to offer the best pay.
Tanzania
$1,500 – $3,000 USD/month
Lower salaries, but good benefits at top schools.
Cost of Living in Africa
The average monthly cost of living for a family of four in Africa varies greatly depending on the country, city, and the benefits included in your teaching package.
For international educators, monthly expenses can range from $1,800 to $5,500 USD or more.
While some African cities are quite affordable, others – particularly expat-heavy hubs like Nairobi, Johannesburg, or Accra – can be surprisingly expensive due to the cost of imported goods and housing.
Many international schools in Africa offer generous packages that may include housing benefits, tuition waivers for children, medical coverage, and annual flights.
However, the extent of these benefits can vary significantly between countries and schools.
South Africa, for example, often offers a high quality of life at a relatively moderate cost. But if you’re having to pay for schooling and security it can drive up expenses.
In Kenya or Ghana, you might find local groceries and transport to be affordable, but gated housing, imported food, and school extras (like uniforms and extracurriculars) can add up fast.
Your cost of living will depend largely on:
- Whether your housing is fully provided, subsidised, or left to you to arrange
- How much of your children’s tuition, school fees, and transport are covered
- Your need or desire to buy imported brands, Western foods, or home comforts
- Your travel habits – whether you’re planning regional weekend trips or international holidays
Some families find Africa incredibly affordable, especially in cities where they live locally and shop at markets.
Others find their budgets stretched by security needs, school extras, and the high cost of living in expat neighborhoods.
For a more detailed look into country-specific costs, try:
- Numbeo – Offers up-to-date, crowd-sourced data on cities like Nairobi, Cape Town, and Accra
- Expatistan – Useful for comparing two African cities or one with your home country
- Facebook groups like Expats in Kenya, South Africa Expat Families, or Living in Accra – Great for asking real people what they actually spend on housing, groceries, and school fees
School Types in Africa
Let’s explore some of the most typical types of African schools you’ll find that offer opportunities for international teachers.
Elite International schools
Offer IB, British, and American curricula, with competitive salaries for experienced teachers.
Private Bilingual Schools
Growing in popularity, offering a mix of local and international education.
NGO & Development-Focused Schools
Often lower salaries but provide rewarding experiences in underserved communities. May not be the best fit for families.
Moving to Africa: Hiring Seasons, Visas, Schools and Safety
Hiring Seasons
Peak Hiring Time: October – March for an August start date.
Mid-Year Openings: Some schools hire in May – July for January intake, especially in Southern Africa.
Visa Processes
Visa policies vary by country. In Egypt and Morocco, schools typically assist with work permits.
In Kenya and South Africa, teachers may need to secure visas before arrival.
Ghana and Tanzania have relatively straightforward processes but may require extra documentation.
International Schools
Cities like Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cairo, and Accra have well-established international schools, offering IB, British, and American curricula.
Many schools provide tuition discounts for teachers’ children, making it easier for families to relocate.
Healthcare and Safety
South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya: High-quality private healthcare facilities available, with international doctors.
Ghana, Morocco, and Tanzania: Decent healthcare in major cities, though expats often use private hospitals.
Safety Considerations: Some areas require additional precautions, but expat communities often live in secure, well-monitored neighborhoods.
Living and Teaching in Africa
Africa has tight-knit, welcoming expat communities, often centered around international schools, embassies, and social hubs.
Cities like Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Cairo have vibrant expat networks that help new arrivals integrate smoothly.
