If you've ever considered moving to Ethiopia, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Ethiopia?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Ethiopia and whether the reported $1480 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $204.08.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
4.8 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
20.0 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
4.0 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
0.7 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.2 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
0.72 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.54 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.38 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.89 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.72 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.71 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.08 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
7.22 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
8.23 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
8.76 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.28 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
0.88 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.59 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
0.72 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.47 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.79 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.47 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.43 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
6.6 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
0.88 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.22 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
2.8 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.23 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
12.0 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.56 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.45 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
6.0 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.74 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
40000.0 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
46374.44 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
148.89 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.02 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
237.43 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
49.04 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
22.73 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
3.68 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
96.73 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
23750.0 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
25.2 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
57.3 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
67.56 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
54.67 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
449.1 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
207.54 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1702.08 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
562.66 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1380.03 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
842.44 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
204.08 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
15.98 % |
|
Generally speaking, although security in Ethiopia is sometimes questionable, crime in Ethiopia isn’t as bad as you would expect. Act as you would anywhere else in Africa: apply all possible precaution measures and remain alert to any crime.
Transport in Ethiopia is risky and tourists should be cautious at all times, especially when traveling on roads in Ethiopia. There have been many incidents of highway robberies and carjacking by armed bandits outside urban areas, often resulting in violence. Be wary of other motorists warning you of a mechanical problem or loose tire, as it may just be a ploy to get you to stop the vehicle.
Like in the rest on Africa, pickpockets are widespread in Ethiopia and made this activity into an art. It is the usual crime that tourists will experience, and if they face any inconvenience in African countries, it will most likely be related to petty crime. Also common are the "snatch and run" thefts, both from tourists on the streets and from occupied vehicles in the capital, Addis Ababa.
The most devastating natural disaster in Ethiopia is drought. By the end of May 2008, millions faced hunger in eastern Ethiopia due to a severe drought that led to crops failing and food prices soaring. Ethiopia was hit by two successive years with extremely small amounts of rain, causing tremendous droughts.
When it comes to violent crime, Ethiopia is more or less okay. All African nations hold some degree of risk for tourists, but after you spend some time in it, you quickly learn how to act and where. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas and wandering around major cities after dark.
Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Ethiopia. The main threat comes from the terrorist group Al-Shabaab which, although based in Somalia, poses a threat across the entire East African region. The group continues to link attacks in the region to Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia as part of an African Union peacekeeping mission. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
Bear in mind that taxi drivers may try to overcharge you, so always agree on the price before getting in, and avoid getting into unlicensed cabs. Always check your change twice, and agree on everything beforehand. There is a common scam performed by motorists, warning drivers of a mechanical problem or a flat tire, trying to get them to stop their vehicle.
If you are a female solo traveler, you are advised to reject rides from strangers, or taxi drivers who appear unlicensed. Be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public. Stay out of the streets at night and be vigilant for any possible dangers at all times.
You do need a visa in order to enter Ethiopia. Visas can be acquired upon arrival but only for tourists at Addis Ababa International airport, at a price of around $US50 for 1 month and $US75 for 3 months. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Ethiopia. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Ethiopian birr is the official currency in Ethiopia. ATMs exist in major towns and credit cards are accepted in some top-end hotels and establishments, especially in the capital. Bring US dollars in cash.
Generally speaking, Ethiopia’s climate varies from tropical in the north-eastern and south-eastern lowland areas to temperate and cool in the highlands. Average temperatures in the tropical lowlands are around 27°C, while those in the highlands vary depending on the altitude, but generally range between 16 and 22°C.
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is the biggest international airport in Ethiopia. It is located in the Bole area, 6 km southeast of the city centre.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Ethiopia, since it covers not only the costs medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.