Cost of Living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa has a cost of living index of 32/100 (New York = 100). It is 68% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

32/100
Cost Index
$390/mo
Median Income
48/100
Safety Index
subtropical highland
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 25/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$450/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$250/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$950/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 20/100
Milk (1 liter)$0.45/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$0.55/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$0.85/kg
Dining OutScore: 22/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$3.5/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$20.5/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$5/meal
TransportationScore: 15/100
Monthly Transit Pass$19.5/month
One-Way Ticket$0.03/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.4/km
UtilitiesScore: 18/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$13.5/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$8/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$5.5/month
HealthcareScore: 22/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$15.5/visit
Dentist Visit$25/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$3/course
EntertainmentScore: 28/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$3/ticket
Theater Ticket$12/ticket
Museum Entry$1.5/ticket
FitnessScore: 18/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$12.5/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$4/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$2.5/entry
Personal CareScore: 20/100
Haircut (Men)$3/cut
Haircut (Women)$8/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$2/bottle
ClothingScore: 25/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$35/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$20/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$55/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

12 Mbps
Internet Speed
$150
Coworking/Month
fair
Café WiFi
moderate
English Level
small
Nomad Community
55/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Bole, Kazanchis, Old Airport

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Addis Ababa cheap to live in?

Addis Ababa has a cost of living index of 32/100, where New York = 100. It is 68% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $640–$896 per month.

How much does rent cost in Addis Ababa?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Addis Ababa costs approximately $450/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $250/month.

Is Addis Ababa good for digital nomads?

Addis Ababa has a small digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 12 Mbps, café wifi reliability is fair, and coworking spaces run about $150/month. English proficiency is moderate.

What is the average salary in Addis Ababa?

The median net monthly salary in Addis Ababa is approximately $390 USD. The income tax rate is around 10%.

How does Addis Ababa compare to New York for cost of living?

Addis Ababa (cost index 32) is 68% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,700/month by moving from New York to Addis Ababa.

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