Last update: Oct 2026 Somalia ⭐ Capital 2.6M

Cost of Living in Mogadishu

For one person, living costs in Mogadishu are estimated at $610 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $12 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Mogadishu

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Mogadishu actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $610 monthly including rent, or $376 excluding housing.

$610 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $940 with rent, or $651 without housing.

$940 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,270 including rent, or $926 for daily expenses alone.

$1,270 /mo

Mogadishu sits about 55% below the global median. Within Africa, costs are well below average (33% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.93 SOS 1,664
$1.95 SOS 1,110
$9.77 SOS 5,548
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$34.88 SOS 19.8K
$14.95 SOS 8,492
$34.88 SOS 19.8K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.46 SOS 2,532
$3.96 SOS 2,250
$4.95 SOS 2,813
Cappuccino
$1.97 SOS 1,121
$0.49 SOS 280
$2.47 SOS 1,402
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.15 SOS 652
$0.49 SOS 279
$1.96 SOS 1,115
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.50 SOS 282
$0.24 SOS 135
$0.95 SOS 542
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.26 SOS 717
$0.97 SOS 552
$1.94 SOS 1,104
White Bread (500g)
$1.65 SOS 935
$1.02 SOS 577
$3.05 SOS 1,731
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.76 SOS 431
$0.58 SOS 332
$1.46 SOS 829
Eggs
$1.87 SOS 1,061
$1.57 SOS 894
$2.36 SOS 1,340
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.02 SOS 2,852
$4.02 SOS 2,282
$5.02 SOS 2,852
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.98 SOS 2,259
$3.07 SOS 1,747
$10.25 SOS 5,822
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$4.52 SOS 2,566
$2.51 SOS 1,426
$6.02 SOS 3,422
Apples (1kg)
$3.80 SOS 2,160
$1.01 SOS 576
$8.11 SOS 4,608
Banana (1kg)
$1.03 SOS 583
$0.51 SOS 291
$1.54 SOS 874
Oranges (1kg)
$3.04 SOS 1,730
$0.51 SOS 288
$5.07 SOS 2,883
Tomato (1kg)
$1.25 SOS 711
$0.49 SOS 278
$2.93 SOS 1,667
Potato (1kg)
$1.46 SOS 831
$0.49 SOS 277
$1.95 SOS 1,108
Onion (1kg)
$1.71 SOS 970
$0.98 SOS 555
$1.95 SOS 1,109
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.48 SOS 842
$0.30 SOS 168
$1.98 SOS 1,123
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.54 SOS 305
$0.52 SOS 293
$1.03 SOS 586
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.97 SOS 1,118
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.48 SOS 275
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.99 SOS 562
-
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.53 SOS 302
$0.48 SOS 274
$0.58 SOS 329
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.03 SOS 1,720
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.85 SOS 480
$0.71 SOS 405
$1.03 SOS 583
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$6,440 SOS 3.7M
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$158 SOS 89.7K
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$5.13 SOS 2,913
$5.13 SOS 2,913
$12.31 SOS 6,991
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$65.7 SOS 37.3K
$39.39 SOS 22.4K
$98.5 SOS 55.9K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$32.16 SOS 18.3K
$20.31 SOS 11.5K
$45.69 SOS 26.0K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$79.2 SOS 45.0K
$15.16 SOS 8,609
$121 SOS 68.9K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$775 SOS 440.3K
$367 SOS 208.5K
$1,530 SOS 868.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$14.05 SOS 7,982
$10.04 SOS 5,702
$18.07 SOS 10.3K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$13.92 SOS 7,907
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$25.37 SOS 14.4K
$20.30 SOS 11.5K
$30.44 SOS 17.3K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$31.90 SOS 18.1K
$24.54 SOS 13.9K
$39.26 SOS 22.3K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$194 SOS 110.2K
$119 SOS 67.8K
$279 SOS 158.2K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$76.4 SOS 43.4K
$59.2 SOS 33.6K
$98.6 SOS 56.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$477 SOS 270.9K
$452 SOS 256.6K
$552 SOS 313.6K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$186 SOS 105.4K
$149 SOS 84.3K
$347 SOS 196.8K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,219 SOS 1.8M
$3,219 SOS 1.8M
$3,219 SOS 1.8M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,421 SOS 1.4M
$2,421 SOS 1.4M
$70.6K SOS 40.1M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$271 SOS 154.0K
-

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

Last update: October 12, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Mogadishu $610
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$229
Groceries & Markets
$162 *
Accommodation & Living
$76
Eating Out
$67 *
Clothing & Footwear
$38
Sport & Entertainment
$32 *
Getting Around
$5.6 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $194 for a central one-bedroom, or $76.4 outside the center. At 72% of the average salary ($271), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $271, while typical expenses reach $610. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $162 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $35.00 for two – broadly in line with the African average.

Cost Highlights

White bread is more expensive than 95% of cities in Africa

Internet is more expensive than 91% of cities in Africa

Good to know
🕒 Local time
06:07 6:07 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
2,610,000 Capital
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to SOS – Somali Shilling Converter

Somali Shilling exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 568 SOS (1,000 SOS = 1.76 USD). 1 EUR = 640 SOS (1,000 SOS = 1.56 EUR).

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Mogadishu Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Mogadishu - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Mogadishu compare in terms of overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Compared with many regional hubs, Mogadishu can offer a comfortable value proposition for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who adapt to local options. Local markets, casual eateries, and modest housing in well-connected districts allow you to stretch a budget without sacrificing daily ease. Cost of Living in Mogadishu can feel approachable when you prioritize local services, buy fresh produce, and balance convenience with authenticity; imported goods and Western-style venues tend to push costs higher. Seasonality and security considerations factor into planning, but a simple routine stays sustainable for longer stays. Tip: Start with a flexible plan and test a couple of neighborhoods before settling.
What does daily life look like in Mogadishu in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Daily life blends local practicality with selective comfort. Housing search typically centers on modest apartments in safe, well-connected neighborhoods, usually found through local listings or trusted word of mouth. Food options range from busy street stalls to small cafes; you can eat well for modest sums by embracing local staples and seasonal produce. Transport is flexible and affordable: shared taxis, minibuses, and walking when distances are short. For errands, carry cash and familiarize yourself with market hours to avoid crowds. Mogadishu living cost stays modest for routine needs if you favor local goods and plan around peak traffic. Tip: map a week of errands and test transit routes before renting.
How can you optimize quality of life in Mogadishu through budgeting, neighborhood choice, and seasonal planning?
Quality of life in Mogadishu comes from a practical budgeting approach and neighborhood fit. Build a simple framework that covers housing, meals, internet, and transport, with a reserve for surprises. Save by cooking at home, shopping at neighborhood markets, and choosing services that match your pace and values. Seasonality affects outdoor plans and energy use, so adjust schedules for hottest parts of the day and occasional rains. For neighborhood fit, prioritize areas with reliable connectivity, safety, and access to markets and coworking spaces; test a short stay in a few districts before committing. Tip: keep a flexible plan and reassess monthly as you settle.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Mogadishu?
With 72% of the average paycheck going to rent, Mogadishu is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What is the average cost of living in Mogadishu?
A single person in Mogadishu typically spends $610 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $376. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Is the average salary in Mogadishu enough to cover living costs?
An average salary of $271 technically covers the $610 monthly cost of living in Mogadishu, but just barely. There's little room for surprises – a rent hike, medical bill, or unexpected repair can throw things off quickly at this income level.
What are typical rents in Mogadishu?
Where you live in Mogadishu makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $194; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $76.4. Overall, the market runs from $76.4 to $194 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How cheap is food in Mogadishu?
Mogadishu is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $162, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.
How expensive is a gym membership in Mogadishu?
Fitness in Mogadishu is cheap at around $32.16 monthly for a standard gym. It's one of the lighter items in the budget, making it easy to stay active without worrying about the cost.
Can you live on $800 a month in Mogadishu?
$800 stretches far in Mogadishu – all-in monthly costs average only $610. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What is quality of life like in Mogadishu?
Mogadishu offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value coastal lifestyle, beach access, great local cuisine, and at around $610 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
Can you save money living in Mogadishu?
Monthly expenses in Mogadishu run around $610, so putting money aside takes more than $915 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Is Mogadishu good for backpackers on a budget?
Budget travelers love Mogadishu – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $610 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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