Cost of Living Comparison Between Bahir Dar and Harar Cost of Living Comparison Between Bahir Dar and Harar

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.46 ETB 541

Cappuccino

$1.02 ETB 159

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

$0.41 ETB 64.4

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.52 ETB 80.7

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.78 ETB 122

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.01 ETB 315

Milk (1 liter)

$0.98 ETB 153

White Bread (500g)

$0.97 ETB 152

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.99 ETB 154

Eggs

$1.78 ETB 279

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.11 ETB 1,580

Apples (1kg)

$3.06 ETB 478

Banana (1kg)

$0.99 ETB 154

Oranges (1kg)

$2.03 ETB 318

Tomato (1kg)

$0.79 ETB 123

Potato (1kg)

$0.66 ETB 104

Onion (1kg)

$1.18 ETB 184

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.97 ETB 152

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.52 ETB 80.8

Wine (Bottle)

$4.01 ETB 627

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.82 ETB 128

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.06 ETB 322

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.51 ETB 80.3

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.04 ETB 318

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.01 ETB 158

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

$99.3 ETB 15.5K

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

$10.15 ETB 1,587

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$49.85 ETB 7,792

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$58.9 ETB 9,205

Cinema Ticket

$6.06 ETB 947

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

$50.2 ETB 7,845

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$49.56 ETB 7,746

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,988 ETB 310.7K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,511 ETB 236.2K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$199 ETB 31.2K

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

Last update for Bahir Dar: April 28, 2026

Last update for Harar: April 28, 2026

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

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

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Bahir Dar vs Harar: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Families tend to lean toward Harar – lower housing and cheaper childcare make a real difference, especially on a single income or when paying for private education.

Both have safer and rougher neighborhoods, but overall safety is comparable to other large cities. Neighborhood choice matters more than the city-level comparison – central, well-trafficked areas feel secure in both.

If budget matters most, go with Harar. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Bahir Dar makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.