Cost of Living Comparison Between Derna and Ajdabiya Cost of Living Comparison Between Derna and Ajdabiya

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $170 in Derna versus $124 in Ajdabiya.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $341 in Derna versus $199 in Ajdabiya.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $513 in Derna versus $275 in Ajdabiya.

Living in Derna is roughly 37% more expensive than in Ajdabiya, driven mainly by Clothing & Footwear.

Both cities sit below the global median: Derna 87% lower, Ajdabiya 91% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.72 LYD 30.05

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$9.41 LYD 59.9

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.71 LYD 23.64

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.58 LYD 3.67

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.70 LYD 4.45

Cappuccino

$0.57 LYD 3.62

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

$0.38 LYD 2.44

Milk (1 liter)

$0.70 LYD 4.48

Eggs

$0.76 LYD 4.81

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.45 LYD 53.8

Apples (1kg)

$1.45 LYD 9.25

Banana (1kg)

$0.90 LYD 5.71

$1.09 LYD 6.94

-17.43%

Oranges (1kg)

$0.77 LYD 4.88

Tomato (1kg)

$0.45 LYD 2.87

Potato (1kg)

$0.48 LYD 3.05

Onion (1kg)

$0.44 LYD 2.82

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.16 LYD 1.03

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.84 LYD 11.74

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.95 LYD 6.03

$0.94 LYD 5.96

1.06%

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$16.36 LYD 104

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$37.41 LYD 238

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$44.96 LYD 286

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$45.60 LYD 290

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$46.11 LYD 294

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$128 LYD 815

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$74.3 LYD 474

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$184 LYD 1,172

$272 LYD 1,736

-32.48%

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$108 LYD 689

$146 LYD 929

-25.76%

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$194 LYD 1,236

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$78.5 LYD 500

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$173 LYD 1,105

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

Last update for Derna: July 12, 2026

Last update for Ajdabiya: July 14, 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

Derna vs Ajdabiya: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Ajdabiya wins on cost – living expenses run 37% lower than in Derna. Housing and daily spending are where you'll feel the difference most, making Ajdabiya the obvious pick if budget is a priority.

You'd need roughly $255 in Derna and $185 in Ajdabiya to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.

Shoppers in Derna pay roughly 216% less for everyday groceries. It's an unusual reversal that partly offsets higher costs elsewhere.

All in, you'll spend $170 per month in Derna versus $124 in Ajdabiya – a 37% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.

Either city works on $800 a month, though Ajdabiya gives you more room to save. At this income level, the choice is more about lifestyle than financial pressure.

Both cities offer a good standard of living with different trade-offs. Neither is objectively better – the right pick depends on what matters most: affordability, career, cultural scene, or climate.

Expats usually find Ajdabiya gentler on the wallet – expenses run 37% less than in Derna. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.