Cost of Living in Hawassa
For one person, living costs in Hawassa are estimated at $834 a month, including rent and utilities – 31% below the national average. Rent and utilities take less than a third of the total.
How much you'll spend in Hawassa
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Hawassa actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
A single person spends around $834 per month with rent, or $632 for everyday expenses alone.
A couple spends around $1,199 per month with rent, or $997 for everyday expenses alone.
A family of three spends around $1,564 per month with rent, or $1,362 without housing.
Overall, Hawassa is 38–45% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are close to average – just 8% lower.
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 10, 2026
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
Cost Breakdown
Groceries cost around $205 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $42.00 – broadly in line with the African average.
Cost Highlights
Internet is among the 20 most expensive worldwide (out of 7,479 cities)
Chicken fillets is more expensive than 96% of cities in Africa
Local beer is cheaper than 95% of cities in Africa
- Hawassa
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Is Hawassa affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get the best value here?
What does daily life look like in Hawassa for housing, food options, transport, co-working, and errands?
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What are the monthly living expenses in Hawassa as of 2026?
Is Hawassa a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Hawassa?
What is a typical monthly food budget in Hawassa?
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Hawassa?
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Hawassa?
What is expat life like in Hawassa?
Is Hawassa budget-friendly for long-term stays?
Hawassa vs other spots: cost of living compared
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