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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.45 ETB 547

Cappuccino

$0.99 ETB 156

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

$0.39 ETB 61.3

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.52 ETB 82.8

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.71 ETB 113

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.04 ETB 324

Milk (1 liter)

$1.01 ETB 161

White Bread (500g)

$0.99 ETB 157

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.98 ETB 155

Eggs

$1.70 ETB 270

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.18 ETB 1,614

Apples (1kg)

$2.91 ETB 461

Banana (1kg)

$1.03 ETB 163

Oranges (1kg)

$2.06 ETB 326

Tomato (1kg)

$0.78 ETB 123

Potato (1kg)

$0.62 ETB 98.9

Onion (1kg)

$1.18 ETB 187

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.02 ETB 162

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.51 ETB 81.2

Wine (Bottle)

$4.04 ETB 640

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.82 ETB 130

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.03 ETB 322

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.48 ETB 76.2

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.06 ETB 326

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.97 ETB 154

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

$102 ETB 16.1K

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

$10.04 ETB 1,591

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$49.82 ETB 7,896

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$59.6 ETB 9,446

Cinema Ticket

$5.97 ETB 947

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

$49.85 ETB 7,901

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$49.55 ETB 7,853

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,989 ETB 315.3K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,514 ETB 240.0K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$201 ETB 31.8K

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

Last update for Bahir Dar: June 8, 2026

Last update for Harar: June 7, 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.