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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.60 ETB 578

Cappuccino

$0.99 ETB 159

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

$0.39 ETB 62.5

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.48 ETB 77.2

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.77 ETB 124

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.05 ETB 330

Milk (1 liter)

$1.02 ETB 163

White Bread (500g)

$0.99 ETB 158

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.02 ETB 165

Eggs

$1.71 ETB 275

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$9.96 ETB 1,600

Apples (1kg)

$3.05 ETB 490

Banana (1kg)

$1.02 ETB 163

Oranges (1kg)

$1.95 ETB 313

Tomato (1kg)

$0.82 ETB 131

Potato (1kg)

$0.62 ETB 100

Onion (1kg)

$1.18 ETB 189

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.02 ETB 163

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.49 ETB 78.5

Wine (Bottle)

$3.89 ETB 625

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.81 ETB 131

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.97 ETB 317

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.48 ETB 77.2

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$1.95 ETB 314

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.97 ETB 156

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

$101 ETB 16.2K

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

$10.07 ETB 1,618

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$49.57 ETB 7,967

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$60.0 ETB 9,645

Cinema Ticket

$5.96 ETB 958

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

$50.4 ETB 8,091

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.4 ETB 8,106

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,995 ETB 320.6K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,528 ETB 245.6K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$204 ETB 32.8K

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

Last update for Bahir Dar: September 26, 2026

Last update for Harar: September 27, 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.