Cost of Living in Addis Ababa - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Addis Ababa
Address: Addis Ababa, ET

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $739 (excluding rent), and $1,407 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,717 (excluding rent), and $2,744 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.39 ETB 683

$1.96 ETB 305

$13.59 ETB 2,115

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$35.38 ETB 5,508

$25.27 ETB 3,934

$50.6 ETB 7,868

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.37 ETB 992

$6.12 ETB 953

$6.87 ETB 1,069

Cappuccino

$1.29 ETB 200

$0.46 ETB 71.6

$2.35 ETB 366

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

$0.63 ETB 98.3

$0.43 ETB 67.0

$1.00 ETB 156

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.44 ETB 67.8

$0.26 ETB 40.69

$0.97 ETB 151

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.98 ETB 153

$0.49 ETB 76.6

$1.97 ETB 306

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.96 ETB 461

$1.23 ETB 192

$3.95 ETB 614

Milk (1 liter)

$1.38 ETB 215

$0.95 ETB 147

$1.95 ETB 303

White Bread (500g)

$1.33 ETB 207

$0.56 ETB 87.1

$3.05 ETB 475

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.17 ETB 338

$1.00 ETB 156

$4.02 ETB 626

Eggs

$2.39 ETB 372

$1.13 ETB 176

$3.28 ETB 510

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.17 ETB 1,116

$3.01 ETB 468

$20.05 ETB 3,121

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.80 ETB 2,148

$7.48 ETB 1,164

$19.94 ETB 3,104

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.35 ETB 2,077

$8.03 ETB 1,250

$23.08 ETB 3,593

Apples (1kg)

$6.60 ETB 1,028

$3.92 ETB 610

$10.78 ETB 1,677

Banana (1kg)

$0.94 ETB 147

$0.48 ETB 74.0

$1.90 ETB 296

Oranges (1kg)

$2.19 ETB 340

$0.98 ETB 153

$2.95 ETB 460

Tomato (1kg)

$0.99 ETB 155

$0.52 ETB 81.4

$1.52 ETB 236

Potato (1kg)

$0.69 ETB 107

$0.21 ETB 32.34

$1.77 ETB 275

Onion (1kg)

$1.90 ETB 296

$1.00 ETB 156

$2.76 ETB 430

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.66 ETB 102

$0.21 ETB 32.10

$0.98 ETB 153

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.63 ETB 98.5

$0.29 ETB 44.77

$1.05 ETB 164

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.04 ETB 629

$3.03 ETB 472

$6.27 ETB 975

Wine (Bottle)

$5.70 ETB 888

$4.06 ETB 632

$9.74 ETB 1,517

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.05 ETB 163

$0.61 ETB 95.7

$1.95 ETB 303

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.89 ETB 294

$0.81 ETB 126

$3.24 ETB 504

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.44 ETB 68.4

$0.10 ETB 16.28

$0.73 ETB 114

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$12.03 ETB 1,872

$10.02 ETB 1,560

$25.06 ETB 3,900

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.48 ETB 231

$1.02 ETB 158

$2.03 ETB 316

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.27 ETB 41.86

$0.19 ETB 29.90

$0.38 ETB 59.8

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$1.95 ETB 304

$1.46 ETB 228

$1.95 ETB 304

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.28 ETB 200

$0.75 ETB 116

$1.47 ETB 228

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

$54.3K ETB 8.5M

$49.4K ETB 7.7M

$61.2K ETB 9.5M

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

$53.4K ETB 8.3M

$41.7K ETB 6.5M

$64.5K ETB 10.0M

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

$162 ETB 25.3K

$86.6 ETB 13.5K

$356 ETB 55.5K

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

$11.88 ETB 1,850

$7.92 ETB 1,233

$17.83 ETB 2,775

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$129 ETB 20.0K

$39.56 ETB 6,157

$445 ETB 69.3K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$71.6 ETB 11.1K

$26.97 ETB 4,198

$116 ETB 18.1K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$36.56 ETB 5,690

$25.21 ETB 3,924

$40.34 ETB 6,279

Cinema Ticket

$5.83 ETB 908

$2.56 ETB 398

$9.21 ETB 1,433

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

$81.1 ETB 12.6K

$49.88 ETB 7,764

$126 ETB 19.6K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$40.4K ETB 6.3M

$30.0K ETB 4.7M

$56.0K ETB 8.7M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$46.57 ETB 7,248

$31.61 ETB 4,920

$85.0 ETB 13.2K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$75.5 ETB 11.8K

$28.13 ETB 4,379

$151 ETB 23.5K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$93.5 ETB 14.6K

$70.5 ETB 11.0K

$126 ETB 19.6K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$112 ETB 17.5K

$81.7 ETB 12.7K

$148 ETB 23.0K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$751 ETB 117.0K

$335 ETB 52.1K

$1,514 ETB 235.6K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$506 ETB 78.8K

$235 ETB 36.5K

$1,007 ETB 156.7K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,796 ETB 279.5K

$994 ETB 154.6K

$3,478 ETB 541.3K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$890 ETB 138.5K

$560 ETB 87.1K

$1,188 ETB 184.9K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,993 ETB 310.3K

$1,397 ETB 217.4K

$3,569 ETB 555.5K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$994 ETB 154.6K

$740 ETB 115.1K

$1,433 ETB 223.1K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$199 ETB 31.0K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update: April 12, 2026

Addis Ababa Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

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.