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Cost of Living in Assab

Assab, Debubawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri, Eritrea · Population 74,405

▼ -6% vs Eritrea average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Nfk5,040 ($336)
Couple, monthlyNfk8,946 ($596)
Family of four, monthlyNfk11,570 ($771)

Estimated Prices in Assab

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantNfk54.00 ($3.60)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeNfk216 ($14.40)per meal
CappuccinoNfk16.20 ($1.08)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Nfk1,224 ($81.60)per month
Monthly public transport passNfk198 ($13.20)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentNfk522 ($34.80)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Nfk151 ($10.08)per month
Fitness club membershipNfk151 ($10.08)per month
Cinema ticketNfk39.60 ($2.64)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreNfk2,070 ($138)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreNfk1,440 ($96.00)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreNfk4,320 ($288)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Assab is Nfk3,000 ($200) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Nfk5,040 ($336) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Nfk6,552 ($437) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Nfk1,440 ($96)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Assab

Assab vs AsmaraAssab vs KerenAssab vs MassawaAssab vs MendeferaAssab vs DbarwaAssab vs Ādī-Teklezan

Nearby Cities

Bēylul

52 km away · Debubawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri

Edd

153 km away · Debubawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri

Adi Keyh

417 km away · Ma’ĭkel

Massawa

458 km away · Semienawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri

Dek’emhāre

460 km away · Debub

Mendefera

472 km away · Debub

Nefasīt

473 km away · Semienawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri

Ghinda’e

479 km away · Semienawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri

Other Major Cities in Eritrea

Asmara

Ma’ĭkel · pop. 963,000

Nfk6,679 ($445) / mo

Keren

‘Anseba · pop. 146,500

Nfk5,040 ($336) / mo

Living in Assab

Assab is one of the key cities in Eritrea. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Nfk5,040 ($336), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Nfk1,440 ($96) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Nfk11,570 ($771) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Nfk8,946 ($596) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Assab is Nfk3,000 ($200). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Nfk6,552 ($437) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Assab expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Nfk5,040 ($336) per month in Assab including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Eritrea.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Assab?
A net salary of around Nfk6,552 ($437) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Assab with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Assab is Nfk3,000 ($200).
How much is rent in Assab?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Nfk2,070 ($138) per month in the city centre and Nfk1,440 ($96) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Nfk4,320 ($288).
Is Assab cheaper than Eritrea on average?
Yes — Assab is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Eritrea average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Assab?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Nfk1,224 ($82) in Assab. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Nfk54 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around Nfk16 ($1).
How do transport costs in Assab compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Assab is estimated at Nfk198 ($13). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Assab are estimates based on Eritrea national averages adjusted for city size (population 74,405). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.