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Cost of Living in Gwelej

Gwelej, Gash-Barka, Eritrea

▼ -13% vs Eritrea average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Nfk4,663 ($311)
Couple, monthlyNfk8,270 ($551)
Family of four, monthlyNfk10,688 ($713)

Estimated Prices in Gwelej

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantNfk50.22 ($3.35)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeNfk201 ($13.39)per meal
CappuccinoNfk15.07 ($1.00)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Nfk1,138 ($75.89)per month
Monthly public transport passNfk184 ($12.28)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentNfk485 ($32.36)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Nfk141 ($9.37)per month
Fitness club membershipNfk141 ($9.37)per month
Cinema ticketNfk36.83 ($2.46)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreNfk1,890 ($126)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreNfk1,315 ($87.67)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreNfk3,945 ($263)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Gwelej is Nfk2,790 ($186) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Nfk4,663 ($311) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Nfk6,062 ($404) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Nfk1,315 ($88)) represents about 28% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Gwelej

Gwelej vs AsmaraGwelej vs KerenGwelej vs AssabGwelej vs MassawaGwelej vs MendeferaGwelej vs Dbarwa

Nearby Cities

Teseney

41 km away · Gash-Barka

Omhājer

48 km away · Gash-Barka

Barentu

103 km away · Gash-Barka

Ak’ordat

154 km away · Gash-Barka

Keren

219 km away · ‘Anseba

Mendefera

226 km away · Debub

Dbarwa

231 km away · Debub

Ādī-Teklezan

239 km away · ‘Anseba

Other Major Cities in Eritrea

Asmara

Ma’ĭkel · pop. 963,000

Nfk6,679 ($445) / mo

Keren

‘Anseba · pop. 146,500

Nfk5,040 ($336) / mo

Assab

Debubawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri · pop. 74,405

Nfk5,040 ($336) / mo

Living in Gwelej

Gwelej is one of the key cities in Eritrea. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Nfk4,663 ($311), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Nfk1,315 ($88) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Nfk10,688 ($713) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Nfk8,270 ($551) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Gwelej is Nfk2,790 ($186). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Nfk6,062 ($404) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gwelej expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Nfk4,663 ($311) per month in Gwelej including rent outside the city centre. That is 13% less than the national average for Eritrea.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Gwelej?
A net salary of around Nfk6,062 ($404) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Gwelej with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Gwelej is Nfk2,790 ($186).
How much is rent in Gwelej?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Nfk1,890 ($126) per month in the city centre and Nfk1,315 ($88) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Nfk3,945 ($263).
Is Gwelej cheaper than Eritrea on average?
Yes — Gwelej is estimated to be about 13% cheaper than the Eritrea average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Gwelej?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Nfk1,138 ($76) in Gwelej. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Nfk50 ($3) and a cappuccino runs around Nfk15 ($1).
How do transport costs in Gwelej compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Gwelej is estimated at Nfk184 ($12). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Gwelej are estimates based on Eritrea national averages adjusted for city size. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.