Cost of Living in Hawassa - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $661 (excluding rent), and $795 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,453 (excluding rent), and $1,623 including rent.
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.62 ETB 621
$2.06 ETB 277
$14.3 ETB 1,923
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$35.24 ETB 4,740
$25.17 ETB 3,386
$50.4 ETB 6,772
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.33 ETB 851
$6.07 ETB 817
$6.81 ETB 917
Cappuccino
$1.28 ETB 173
$0.46 ETB 61.7
$2.34 ETB 315
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.63 ETB 85.2
$0.43 ETB 58.1
$1.01 ETB 136
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.47 ETB 63.2
$0.28 ETB 37.94
$1.04 ETB 141
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.02 ETB 138
$0.51 ETB 68.8
$2.05 ETB 275
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.95 ETB 397
$1.23 ETB 166
$3.94 ETB 530
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.39 ETB 187
$0.95 ETB 128
$1.96 ETB 264
White Bread (500g)
$1.3 ETB 174
$0.54 ETB 73.2
$2.97 ETB 399
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.02 ETB 137
$1.02 ETB 137
$4.09 ETB 550
Eggs
$1.52 ETB 204
$1.13 ETB 152
$3.27 ETB 439
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.21 ETB 970
$3.03 ETB 407
$20.18 ETB 2,714
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$14.01 ETB 1,884
$7.59 ETB 1,021
$20.25 ETB 2,723
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.23 ETB 1,780
$7.96 ETB 1,071
$22.89 ETB 3,078
Apples (1kg)
$6.79 ETB 913
$4.03 ETB 542
$11.08 ETB 1,490
Banana (1kg)
$0.95 ETB 128
$0.48 ETB 64.4
$1.92 ETB 258
Oranges (1kg)
$2.17 ETB 292
$0.98 ETB 131
$2.93 ETB 394
Tomato (1kg)
$0.99 ETB 133
$0.52 ETB 70
$1.51 ETB 203
Potato (1kg)
$0.64 ETB 86.4
$0.19 ETB 26.18
$1.65 ETB 223
Onion (1kg)
$1.83 ETB 246
$0.96 ETB 129
$2.65 ETB 356
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.69 ETB 92.5
$0.22 ETB 29.01
$1.03 ETB 138
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.63 ETB 85.3
$0.29 ETB 38.76
$1.06 ETB 142
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.11 ETB 553
$3.08 ETB 415
$6.37 ETB 857
Wine (Bottle)
$6.09 ETB 819
$4.06 ETB 546
$15.23 ETB 2,048
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.03 ETB 139
$0.61 ETB 81.9
$1.93 ETB 259
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.84 ETB 247
$0.79 ETB 106
$3.15 ETB 423
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.45 ETB 195
$0.99 ETB 133
$1.98 ETB 267
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.29 ETB 39.16
$0.21 ETB 27.97
$0.42 ETB 55.9
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.97 ETB 264
$1.47 ETB 198
$1.97 ETB 264
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.28 ETB 172
$0.75 ETB 100
$1.46 ETB 197
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$55.6K ETB 7.5M
$50.6K ETB 6.8M
$62.7K ETB 8.4M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$53K ETB 7.1M
$41.3K ETB 5.6M
$63.9K ETB 8.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$159 ETB 21.4K
$84.7 ETB 11.4K
$349 ETB 46.9K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$11.99 ETB 1,612
$7.99 ETB 1,075
$17.98 ETB 2,419
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$133 ETB 17.8K
$40.76 ETB 5,482
$459 ETB 61.7K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$5.8 ETB 780
$2.54 ETB 342
$9.16 ETB 1,232
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$82.1 ETB 11K
$50.5 ETB 6,797
$127 ETB 17.1K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$39.8K ETB 5.3M
$29.5K ETB 4M
$55.1K ETB 7.4M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$46.45 ETB 6,247
$31.53 ETB 4,241
$84.7 ETB 11.4K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$76.3 ETB 10.3K
$28.43 ETB 3,824
$152 ETB 20.5K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$91.3 ETB 12.3K
$68.8 ETB 9,257
$123 ETB 16.5K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$113 ETB 15.2K
$82 ETB 11K
$148 ETB 19.9K
💵 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.
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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.
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