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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.42 ETB 549

Cappuccino

$1.03 ETB 165

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

$0.42 ETB 67.0

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.49 ETB 78.7

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.73 ETB 117

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.04 ETB 328

Milk (1 liter)

$0.98 ETB 158

White Bread (500g)

$1.02 ETB 165

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.02 ETB 164

Eggs

$1.77 ETB 285

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.18 ETB 1,636

Apples (1kg)

$2.97 ETB 478

Banana (1kg)

$0.98 ETB 158

Oranges (1kg)

$1.99 ETB 320

Tomato (1kg)

$0.77 ETB 123

Potato (1kg)

$0.63 ETB 102

Onion (1kg)

$1.16 ETB 187

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.98 ETB 158

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.49 ETB 78.6

Wine (Bottle)

$3.90 ETB 626

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.83 ETB 134

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.97 ETB 316

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.52 ETB 84.1

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.01 ETB 323

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.97 ETB 156

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

$99.8 ETB 16.0K

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

$9.97 ETB 1,602

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$49.13 ETB 7,898

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$59.4 ETB 9,555

Cinema Ticket

$6.16 ETB 990

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

$50.7 ETB 8,145

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$49.41 ETB 7,943

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,000 ETB 321.4K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,500 ETB 241.1K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$197 ETB 31.6K

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

Last update for Bahir Dar: August 17, 2026

Last update for Harar: August 16, 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.