Cost of Living in Adama - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,093 per month with rent, or $722 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,744 per month with rent, or $1,175 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,395 per month with rent, or $1,627 without housing.

Overall, Adama is 15–18% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are slightly above average (9%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
Do you live in Adama? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.06 ETB 485
$2.06 ETB 327
$14.29 ETB 2,265
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$34.62 ETB 5,487
$24.73 ETB 3,919
$49.45 ETB 7,838
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.11 ETB 810
$5.11 ETB 810
$7.15 ETB 1,134
Cappuccino
$1.27 ETB 202
$0.46 ETB 72.1
$2.33 ETB 369
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.69 ETB 110
$0.47 ETB 74.7
$1.10 ETB 174
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.31 ETB 49.47
$0.28 ETB 44.52
$1.04 ETB 165
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.03 ETB 163
$0.51 ETB 81.3
$2.05 ETB 325
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.06 ETB 486
$1.28 ETB 202
$4.09 ETB 648
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.40 ETB 221
$0.95 ETB 151
$1.97 ETB 312
White Bread (500g)
$1.34 ETB 212
$0.56 ETB 89.1
$3.07 ETB 486
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.14 ETB 339
$0.99 ETB 157
$3.97 ETB 628
Eggs
$2.48 ETB 394
$1.18 ETB 186
$3.41 ETB 540
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.18 ETB 1,139
$3.01 ETB 478
$20.10 ETB 3,185
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$13.83 ETB 2,192
$7.49 ETB 1,188
$19.98 ETB 3,168
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.55 ETB 2,148
$8.15 ETB 1,292
$23.43 ETB 3,714
Apples (1kg)
$6.58 ETB 1,042
$3.90 ETB 619
$10.73 ETB 1,701
Banana (1kg)
$0.98 ETB 155
$0.49 ETB 78.1
$1.97 ETB 313
Oranges (1kg)
$2.23 ETB 354
$1.00 ETB 159
$3.01 ETB 478
Tomato (1kg)
$0.91 ETB 144
$0.48 ETB 75.8
$1.39 ETB 220
Potato (1kg)
$0.64 ETB 101
$0.19 ETB 30.64
$1.64 ETB 260
Onion (1kg)
$1.81 ETB 287
$0.95 ETB 151
$2.63 ETB 417
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.64 ETB 102
$0.20 ETB 31.87
$0.96 ETB 152
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.65 ETB 102
$0.29 ETB 46.50
$1.08 ETB 170
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.12 ETB 652
$3.09 ETB 489
$6.38 ETB 1,011
Wine (Bottle)
$5.72 ETB 907
$4.07 ETB 646
$9.78 ETB 1,550
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.04 ETB 164
$0.61 ETB 96.8
$1.93 ETB 306
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.83 ETB 291
$0.78 ETB 124
$3.14 ETB 498
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.42 ETB 225
$0.97 ETB 154
$1.95 ETB 309
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.29 ETB 46.38
$0.21 ETB 33.13
$0.42 ETB 66.3
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$2.03 ETB 322
$1.53 ETB 242
$2.03 ETB 322
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.29 ETB 205
$0.75 ETB 119
$1.47 ETB 234
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$55.5K ETB 8.8M
$50.5K ETB 8.0M
$62.6K ETB 9.9M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$53.7K ETB 8.5M
$41.9K ETB 6.6M
$64.8K ETB 10.3M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$159 ETB 25.1K
$84.6 ETB 13.4K
$348 ETB 55.2K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$12.06 ETB 1,912
$8.04 ETB 1,274
$18.09 ETB 2,867
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$129 ETB 20.4K
$39.54 ETB 6,268
$445 ETB 70.5K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$5.59 ETB 886
$2.45 ETB 389
$8.83 ETB 1,399
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$81.2 ETB 12.9K
$49.96 ETB 7,919
$126 ETB 20.0K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$41.1K ETB 6.5M
$30.5K ETB 4.8M
$56.9K ETB 9.0M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$46.90 ETB 7,434
$31.84 ETB 5,046
$85.6 ETB 13.6K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$74.5 ETB 11.8K
$27.74 ETB 4,396
$149 ETB 23.6K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$91.7 ETB 14.5K
$69.2 ETB 11.0K
$124 ETB 19.6K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$116 ETB 18.5K
$84.5 ETB 13.4K
$153 ETB 24.2K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$502 ETB 79.6K
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$297 ETB 47.0K
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,015 ETB 160.9K
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$789 ETB 125.1K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$99.5 ETB 15.8K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
17
14
20

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: July 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $502, dropping to $297 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 505% of the average salary ($99.5) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $99.5 – below monthly costs of $1,093. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $266 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $35.00 – well below the African average of $42.00.

Cost Highlights

Chicken fillets is more expensive than 98% of cities in Africa

Internet is more expensive than 97% of cities in Africa

Monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 95% of cities in Africa

Adama Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Adama - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Adama for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find the best value there?
Adama offers a practical balance of market-style costs and practical options for everyday life. If you want value, you'll find that sensible choices in housing, food, and transport fit tighter budgets than in some larger capitals, while still offering reliable services. The best value often comes from living within bike- or walk-friendly neighborhoods near the center, and from shopping at local markets for staples. Seasonal sales and locally produced staples can help your costs stay predictable without sacrificing quality. Cost of Living in Adama, Ethiopia gives you a frame to compare neighborhood options and plan your month accordingly. Tip: Look for furnished, short-term rentals with utilities included to simplify budgeting.
What does daily life look like in Adama for housing search, food options, transport, coworking, and errands?
As you search for housing, start in central neighborhoods within easy reach of markets and cafés, then widen to quiet residential lanes if you value more space. Expect a mix of furnished apartments, shared houses, and modest studios, with longer leases often more economical. Adama, Ethiopia living cost awareness helps you balance location against rents, utilities, and commute time. Food options range from busy markets to neighborhood eateries offering injera and stews; buying seasonal produce at markets can stretch your budget. For getting around, public minibuses and taxis cover most routes; walking is pleasant in compact areas. Tip: Build a simple monthly budget and track your costs with a notebook or app.
What quality of life factors should you consider, and how can you budget and choose a neighborhood that fits your style across the year?
Quality of life in Adama centers on pace, access to services, and the steadiness of daily routines. To budget effectively, try a simple framework like fixed essentials, flexible discretionary spending, and occasional seasonal purchases. Neighborhood fit matters: the core area offers shorter walks to markets, clinics, and coworking spots, while quieter outskirts provide more space at similar rents. Energy and water usage often influence monthly bills, so choosing energy-efficient appliances and sensible heating can add up to real savings over time. Seasonality affects markets and transport flow; planning grocery runs after market days can save time. Tip: Keep a small buffer for visa, medical, and incidental costs as you settle.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Adama?
All in, Adama runs about $1,093 monthly with rent, or $722 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
What are the monthly living expenses in Adama as of 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Adama should plan on about $1,093 per month with rent, or $722 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Adama?
You'll want at least $1,640 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Adama. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
Is Adama a good place to find cheap rent?
Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Adama – 1-bedroom apartments range from $297 to $502 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
Is food shopping expensive in Adama?
Groceries in Adama run about $266 monthly for one person – a moderate figure that matches the city's overall cost level. Local markets and supermarkets cover most needs, and food costs are manageable without strict budgeting.
What should I budget for groceries in Adama?
Grocery spending in Adama lands around $266 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Adama?
$2,000 is below the $1,093 average in Adama, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
What are the pros and cons of living in Adama?
Quality of life in Adama is genuinely good – highlights include wellness scene, café culture, great local cuisine, and monthly costs hover around $1,093. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
Is Adama affordable for the average person?
Adama is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,093, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.
Can budget travelers get by in Adama?
Adama is doable for backpackers, though it takes more planning than cheaper destinations. Monthly costs average $1,093, so daily spending is moderate. Hostels, local food, and public transport keep things in check, but attractions and nightlife can push costs up.

Adama vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities