Cost of Living in Hawassa - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $635 (excluding rent), and $818 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,565 (excluding rent), and $1,660 including rent.
Currency
Do you live in Hawassa? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.42 ETB 692
$1.98 ETB 309
$13.71 ETB 2,142
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$34.74 ETB 5,430
$24.81 ETB 3,878
$49.63 ETB 7,757
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.43 ETB 1,005
$6.17 ETB 965
$6.92 ETB 1,082
Cappuccino
$1.23 ETB 193
$0.44 ETB 68.9
$2.25 ETB 352
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.63 ETB 98.1
$0.43 ETB 66.9
$1.00 ETB 156
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.43 ETB 67.3
$0.26 ETB 40.39
$0.96 ETB 150
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.98 ETB 153
$0.49 ETB 76.7
$1.96 ETB 307
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.06 ETB 478
$1.27 ETB 199
$4.08 ETB 637
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.44 ETB 226
$0.99 ETB 154
$2.03 ETB 318
White Bread (500g)
$1.30 ETB 202
$0.54 ETB 85.0
$2.97 ETB 464
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.97 ETB 152
$0.97 ETB 152
$3.90 ETB 609
Eggs
$1.60 ETB 250
$1.19 ETB 186
$3.45 ETB 539
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.14 ETB 1,116
$2.99 ETB 468
$19.97 ETB 3,121
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$13.86 ETB 2,167
$7.51 ETB 1,174
$20.04 ETB 3,132
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.06 ETB 2,042
$7.86 ETB 1,228
$22.59 ETB 3,531
Apples (1kg)
$6.85 ETB 1,070
$4.06 ETB 635
$11.17 ETB 1,746
Banana (1kg)
$0.97 ETB 151
$0.49 ETB 76.2
$1.95 ETB 305
Oranges (1kg)
$2.19 ETB 343
$0.99 ETB 155
$2.97 ETB 464
Tomato (1kg)
$0.92 ETB 144
$0.49 ETB 76.0
$1.41 ETB 220
Potato (1kg)
$0.64 ETB 99.6
$0.19 ETB 30.18
$1.64 ETB 257
Onion (1kg)
$1.91 ETB 298
$1.01 ETB 157
$2.77 ETB 433
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.64 ETB 100
$0.20 ETB 31.43
$0.96 ETB 150
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.69 ETB 107
$0.31 ETB 48.70
$1.14 ETB 179
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.90 ETB 610
$2.93 ETB 458
$6.05 ETB 946
Wine (Bottle)
$6.33 ETB 989
$5.04 ETB 788
$10.08 ETB 1,575
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.04 ETB 163
$0.61 ETB 95.8
$1.94 ETB 303
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.83 ETB 286
$0.78 ETB 122
$3.13 ETB 490
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.47 ETB 230
$1.01 ETB 157
$2.02 ETB 315
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.27 ETB 41.59
$0.19 ETB 29.70
$0.38 ETB 59.4
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.95 ETB 305
$1.46 ETB 229
$1.95 ETB 305
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.25 ETB 195
$0.73 ETB 114
$1.43 ETB 223
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$54.9K ETB 8.6M
$49.9K ETB 7.8M
$61.9K ETB 9.7M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$52.8K ETB 8.3M
$41.2K ETB 6.4M
$63.7K ETB 10.0M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$162 ETB 25.3K
$86.2 ETB 13.5K
$355 ETB 55.5K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$12.18 ETB 1,905
$8.12 ETB 1,270
$18.28 ETB 2,857
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$131 ETB 20.4K
$40.12 ETB 6,271
$451 ETB 70.5K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$5.76 ETB 900
$2.53 ETB 395
$9.10 ETB 1,422
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$80.1 ETB 12.5K
$49.26 ETB 7,700
$124 ETB 19.4K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$40.3K ETB 6.3M
$29.9K ETB 4.7M
$55.9K ETB 8.7M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$46.97 ETB 7,342
$31.89 ETB 4,984
$85.7 ETB 13.4K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$74.9 ETB 11.7K
$27.91 ETB 4,363
$150 ETB 23.4K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$91.3 ETB 14.3K
$68.9 ETB 10.8K
$123 ETB 19.2K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$114 ETB 17.8K
$82.8 ETB 12.9K
$150 ETB 23.4K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$510 ETB 79.7K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
17
14
20

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

Last update: March 1, 2026

Hawassa Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Hawassa - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hawassa affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get the best value here?
Cost of Living in Hawassa, Ethiopia shows a balance between city amenities and daily expenses that many find attractive. Local markets and casual eateries offer affordable options, while a growing selection of coworking spaces supports remote work. Value tends to arrive when you tailor your lifestyle: longer stays reduce per-day costs, cooking at home lowers restaurant bills, and dependable public transport minimizes commuting expenses. Seasonal crowds can influence prices for short visits, but steady routines help keep budgets predictable. Tip: map a neighborhood that balances safety, walkability, and proximity to your usual errands to maximize value.
What does daily life look like in Hawassa for housing, food options, transport, co-working, and errands?
Housing often ranges from lakeside apartments to central studios, with options that suit short stays or longer leases. Food options span vibrant markets, local eateries, and Western-style cafés; budget meals are abundant if you shop and cook. For transport, minibuses, bicycles, and walking cover most needs, while some neighborhoods offer ride-hailing services. Co-working spaces and wifi-enabled cafes are growing, helping you stay productive without a heavy overhead. Practical budgeting comes from planning groceries, avoiding peak tourist days, and choosing a compact living space near essential services. Hawassa, Ethiopia living cost can be managed with a simple home-cooked routine and walkable neighborhoods. Tip: build a weekly errand loop to minimize trips.
What factors affect quality of life, and what budgeting framework and neighborhood fit should you consider, including seasonality and saving strategies?
Quality of life in Hawassa rests on climate, pace, and community access. A simple budgeting framework helps you adapt: set fixed needs, then allocate flexible funds for dining, activities, and passes. To save, shop local markets, share housing, and leverage free public events or outdoor spaces around the lake. Seasonality matters: the dry season brings breezier days and easier outdoor routines, while the rainy period can affect transport and some outdoor plans. For neighborhood fit, look for walkable cores near shops, libraries, and green spaces, plus reliable wifi if you work remotely. Tip: start with a 2-4 week trial in a neighborhood that matches your daily rhythms.

Hawassa vs other spots: cost of living compared

Similar cities