Cost of Living in Addis Ababa - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Addis Ababa
Address: Addis Ababa, ET

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $729 (excluding rent), and $1,405 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,728 (excluding rent), and $2,747 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.53 ETB 700

$2.03 ETB 313

$14.04 ETB 2,169

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$34.59 ETB 5,343

$24.70 ETB 3,817

$49.41 ETB 7,633

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.55 ETB 1,012

$6.29 ETB 972

$7.06 ETB 1,090

Cappuccino

$1.30 ETB 200

$0.46 ETB 71.6

$2.37 ETB 366

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.63 ETB 97.5

$0.43 ETB 66.5

$1.00 ETB 155

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.47 ETB 72.1

$0.28 ETB 43.27

$1.04 ETB 160

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.02 ETB 157

$0.51 ETB 78.7

$2.04 ETB 315

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.97 ETB 459

$1.24 ETB 191

$3.96 ETB 611

Milk (1 liter)

$1.45 ETB 224

$0.99 ETB 153

$2.04 ETB 315

White Bread (500g)

$1.34 ETB 207

$0.56 ETB 87.0

$3.07 ETB 474

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.14 ETB 330

$0.99 ETB 153

$3.95 ETB 611

Eggs

$2.40 ETB 370

$1.13 ETB 175

$3.29 ETB 508

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.12 ETB 1,099

$2.99 ETB 461

$19.90 ETB 3,075

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.81 ETB 2,134

$7.49 ETB 1,157

$19.96 ETB 3,084

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.40 ETB 2,070

$8.06 ETB 1,245

$23.17 ETB 3,580

Apples (1kg)

$6.65 ETB 1,028

$3.95 ETB 610

$10.86 ETB 1,677

Banana (1kg)

$1.00 ETB 155

$0.51 ETB 78.2

$2.02 ETB 313

Oranges (1kg)

$2.16 ETB 333

$0.97 ETB 150

$2.91 ETB 450

Tomato (1kg)

$0.94 ETB 145

$0.49 ETB 76.3

$1.43 ETB 221

Potato (1kg)

$0.69 ETB 106

$0.21 ETB 32.15

$1.77 ETB 273

Onion (1kg)

$1.83 ETB 283

$0.96 ETB 149

$2.66 ETB 411

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.64 ETB 99.1

$0.20 ETB 31.05

$0.96 ETB 148

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.63 ETB 97.5

$0.29 ETB 44.32

$1.05 ETB 163

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.05 ETB 626

$3.04 ETB 469

$6.28 ETB 970

Wine (Bottle)

$6.38 ETB 986

$4.86 ETB 750

$14.57 ETB 2,251

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.01 ETB 156

$0.59 ETB 91.6

$1.88 ETB 290

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.86 ETB 287

$0.79 ETB 123

$3.18 ETB 491

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.40 ETB 61.8

$0.10 ETB 14.72

$0.67 ETB 103

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.86 ETB 1,832

$9.88 ETB 1,527

$24.70 ETB 3,817

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.49 ETB 231

$1.02 ETB 158

$2.04 ETB 316

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.29 ETB 44.96

$0.21 ETB 32.12

$0.42 ETB 64.2

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.03 ETB 314

$1.52 ETB 235

$2.03 ETB 314

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.25 ETB 193

$0.73 ETB 112

$1.43 ETB 220

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$55.8K ETB 8.6M

$50.7K ETB 7.8M

$62.9K ETB 9.7M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$53.6K ETB 8.3M

$41.8K ETB 6.5M

$64.7K ETB 10.0M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$160 ETB 24.8K

$85.4 ETB 13.2K

$352 ETB 54.4K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$11.93 ETB 1,844

$7.96 ETB 1,229

$17.90 ETB 2,766

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$128 ETB 19.8K

$39.31 ETB 6,073

$442 ETB 68.3K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$71.1 ETB 11.0K

$26.79 ETB 4,139

$115 ETB 17.8K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$36.86 ETB 5,695

$25.42 ETB 3,927

$40.67 ETB 6,284

Cinema Ticket

$5.68 ETB 878

$2.49 ETB 385

$8.97 ETB 1,386

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

$82.4 ETB 12.7K

$50.7 ETB 7,831

$128 ETB 19.7K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$41.2K ETB 6.4M

$30.6K ETB 4.7M

$57.1K ETB 8.8M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.31 ETB 7,310

$32.12 ETB 4,962

$86.3 ETB 13.3K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$76.1 ETB 11.8K

$28.35 ETB 4,380

$152 ETB 23.5K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$92.4 ETB 14.3K

$69.7 ETB 10.8K

$124 ETB 19.2K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$114 ETB 17.7K

$83.1 ETB 12.8K

$150 ETB 23.2K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$738 ETB 114.1K

$329 ETB 50.9K

$1,488 ETB 229.8K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$493 ETB 76.2K

$229 ETB 35.3K

$981 ETB 151.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,814 ETB 280.3K

$1,004 ETB 155.1K

$3,514 ETB 542.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$882 ETB 136.3K

$555 ETB 85.7K

$1,177 ETB 181.9K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,274 ETB 351.4K

$1,515 ETB 234.0K

$3,643 ETB 562.8K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,314 ETB 203.1K

$815 ETB 125.9K

$2,956 ETB 456.7K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$196 ETB 30.2K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update: January 11, 2026

Addis Ababa Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

248

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌍 Africa

Cost of Living in Addis Ababa - Frequently Asked Questions

Addis Ababa can be surprisingly affordable for a capital city, especially if you prioritize local options. If you’re comparing value, Cost of Living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia tends to be lower for housing and utilities than many global hubs, while eating out and services can range from very budget-friendly to mid-range, depending on neighborhood. Central districts offer convenience and coworking, but they carry a higher price tag than outer areas or up-and-coming neighborhoods. You’ll find a mix of traditional markets, modern supermarkets, and street food that helps stretch a budget. As a traveler or nomad, plan a flexible month to test neighborhoods, then lock in longer stays where you feel balanced. Tip: Start with a short-term stay in multiple areas to gauge value before signing a lease.

You’ll find housing options ranging from simple, shared apartments in neighborhoods like Lideta to larger compounds near business hubs. Start your search by listing must-haves (water reliability, desk space, secure access) and using trusted local agents. For meals, injera stands, teff breads, and weekly markets offer affordable options, while coworking spaces with reliable Wi‑Fi are common near major avenues. Transport mixes taxis, minibuses, and ride-hailing apps; build in a cushion for occasional delays. Errands often happen at local markets or via delivery apps. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia living cost varies by area, so test a few zones. Tip: Keep a flexible budget and track trips to learn where you save.

A sustainable approach blends a simple budgeting framework with mindful pace. Use a light, repeatable plan to track essentials – housing, food, transport – and build room for saved tips or weekend explorations. To save, cook several dinners at home, share housing when possible, and choose access over ownership in the first months. Seasonality shapes outdoor activity, travel plans, and shopping, so adjust plans to wetter months or busy periods. When evaluating neighborhoods, prioritize safety, walkability, access to coworking, and short commutes to work or projects. Tip: visit at different times of day and week to feel the rhythm before committing.