Cost of Living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Are you considering a move to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and wondering about the cost of living? Addis Ababa is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Addis Ababa and help you understand whether $1797 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $187.44.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

7.13 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

24.5 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

6.24 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

0.97 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.3 $

Cappuccino (regular)

0.88 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.73 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.47 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.42 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.98 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.96 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.51 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

8.66 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

9.03 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

13.28 $

Apples (1 lb)

5.22 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.07 $

Oranges (1 lb)

2.2 $

Tomato (1 lb)

0.76 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.54 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.21 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.34 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.45 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

7.5 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

0.87 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.99 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

4.0 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.35 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

10.0 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.33 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.35 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

3.0 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.15 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

25500.0 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

50195.71 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

163.25 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

164.1 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

78.45 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

38.33 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

6.0 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

83.43 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

43916.67 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

35.43 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

57.53 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

84.88 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

105.25 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

579.73 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

272.56 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1552.46 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

662.82 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

2004.12 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1171.43 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

187.44 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

16.0 %

Cost of Living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Addis Ababa?

The monthly expenses for living in Addis Ababa come to a total of approximately $1797. This includes an average monthly rent of around $579 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $245 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $543 per month.

How affordable is living in Addis Ababa?

Living in Addis Ababa appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $187.44. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Addis Ababa, you would likely need an income exceeding $187.44.

What is the average salary in Addis Ababa?

In Addis Ababa, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $187.44, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Addis Ababa?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Addis Ababa is approximately $579. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $272.56 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Addis Ababa?

The expense for groceries in Addis Ababa can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $491 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Ethiopia?

The cost of living in Ethiopia can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

How Safe Is Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Addis Ababa is generally much safer than other cities in Ethiopia. The main risks are petty fraud and theft. You should beware of people who distract you and carefully monitor their pockets. Avoid some areas with stray dogs and be careful at night - blackouts are not uncommon.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transport is a cheap way to travel around the city, but it may not be on schedule and maybe insecure due to pickpockets. Taxi is safe, but do not take the car from the street, order only a licensed service and make sure that the taximeter is turned on.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

There are a lot of pickpockets. This is the main problem in this city. Most likely you will encounter the fact that they are trying to distract you so that another person empties your pockets. Be especially careful in markets and in crowded places. Do not carry a lot of cash and precious things.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This region is exposed to numerous hazards, including droughts, floods, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Multiple factors influence the city's vulnerability to natural hazards, including dependence on rain-fed agriculture, low economic development, deforestation, land degradation.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Violent crimes in Addis Ababa are rather rare. And criminals, who try to rob you - are just minor children. They are easily frightened off if they see that their intentions are noticed. Try to avoid the remote areas of the city and not walk late at night to prevent any attacks in the city.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Terror attacks are possible in Addis Ababa. Travelers should be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places like transport hubs, hotels, restaurants, bars and places of worship and during major gatherings like religious or sporting events.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

The frequent scam that happens here with tourists is an offer of treats. You may be offered to taste wine or treats and then demand pay too much for this. Do not get involved in such invitations or threaten and call the police if fraudsters insist on a large amount of money for the offered treats.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Compared with many African countries, Ethiopia is pretty easygoing for women travelers. The risk of rape or other serious offenses is likely lower than in many Western countries. However, for personal safety, you should avoid walking around the city at night and not attract too much attention to your clothes.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Visitors to Ethiopia must obtain a visa from one of the Ethiopian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for an electronic visa or visa on arrival. A valid passport is a must.

currency_exchange

Currency

The birr is the official unit of currency in Ethiopia. It's subdivided to 100 cents. Currently in circulation are banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 birr 1997-2013 years of issue.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The best time to visit Addis Ababa for good weather is between October and June when it is the dry season. Rains tend to stop in early October, meaning afterward the highlands are lush and green – perfect for trekking amongst pretty wildflowers that have sprung up.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is located in the Bole area, 6 km southeast of the city center. It is the central hub of Ethiopian Airlines, the national airline that serves destinations in Ethiopia and throughout the African continent, as well as nonstop service to Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

What about weather in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 72°F 73°F 74°F 74°F 74°F 71°F 67°F 66°F 68°F 71°F 71°F 71°F
Temp 61°F 63°F 64°F 64°F 65°F 62°F 59°F 59°F 60°F 61°F 60°F 59°F
Low 50°F 52°F 54°F 55°F 55°F 54°F 54°F 54°F 53°F 51°F 49°F 48°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 22°C 22°C 23°C 23°C 23°C 21°C 19°C 18°C 20°C 21°C 21°C 21°C
Temp 16°C 17°C 17°C 17°C 18°C 16°C 15°C 15°C 15°C 16°C 15°C 15°C
Low 10°C 11°C 12°C 12°C 12°C 12°C 12°C 12°C 11°C 10°C 9°C 8°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Ethiopia with Addis Ababa

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries