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Cost of Living in Asmara

Asmara, Ma’ĭkel, Eritrea · Population 963,000 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Eritrea average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Nfk6,679 ($445)
Couple, monthlyNfk11,895 ($793)
Family of four, monthlyNfk15,422 ($1,028)

Estimated Prices in Asmara

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantNfk70.20 ($4.68)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeNfk281 ($18.72)per meal
CappuccinoNfk21.06 ($1.40)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Nfk1,591 ($106)per month
Monthly public transport passNfk257 ($17.16)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentNfk679 ($45.24)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Nfk197 ($13.10)per month
Fitness club membershipNfk197 ($13.10)per month
Cinema ticketNfk51.48 ($3.43)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreNfk2,873 ($192)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreNfk1,999 ($133)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreNfk5,997 ($400)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Asmara is Nfk3,900 ($260) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Nfk6,679 ($445) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Nfk8,683 ($579) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Nfk1,999 ($133)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Asmara

Asmara vs KerenAsmara vs AssabAsmara vs MassawaAsmara vs MendeferaAsmara vs DbarwaAsmara vs Ādī-Teklezan

Nearby Cities

Nefasīt

16 km away · Semienawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri

Ghinda’e

22 km away · Semienawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri

Dbarwa

28 km away · Debub

Ādī-Teklezan

30 km away · ‘Anseba

Dek’emhāre

32 km away · Debub

Mendefera

51 km away · Debub

Massawa

63 km away · Semienawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri

Keren

71 km away · ‘Anseba

Other Major Cities in Eritrea

Keren

‘Anseba · pop. 146,500

Nfk5,040 ($336) / mo

Assab

Debubawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri · pop. 74,405

Nfk5,040 ($336) / mo

Living in Asmara

Asmara is the capital and one of the key cities in Eritrea. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Nfk6,679 ($445), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Nfk1,999 ($133) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Nfk15,422 ($1,028) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Nfk11,895 ($793) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Asmara is Nfk3,900 ($260). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Nfk8,683 ($579) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Asmara expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Nfk6,679 ($445) per month in Asmara including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Eritrea.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Asmara?
A net salary of around Nfk8,683 ($579) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Asmara with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Asmara is Nfk3,900 ($260).
How much is rent in Asmara?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Nfk2,873 ($192) per month in the city centre and Nfk1,999 ($133) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Nfk5,997 ($400).
Is Asmara cheaper than Eritrea on average?
No — Asmara is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Eritrea average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Asmara?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Nfk1,591 ($106) in Asmara. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Nfk70 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around Nfk21 ($1).
How do transport costs in Asmara compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Asmara is estimated at Nfk257 ($17). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Asmara are estimates based on Eritrea national averages adjusted for city size (population 963,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.