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Cost of Living in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, Ādīs Ābeba, Ethiopia · Population 5,704,000 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Ethiopia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Br51,205 ($445)
Couple, monthlyBr91,193 ($793)
Family of four, monthlyBr118,237 ($1,028)

Estimated Prices in Addis Ababa

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantBr538 ($4.68)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeBr2,153 ($18.72)per meal
CappuccinoBr161 ($1.40)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Br12,199 ($106)per month
Monthly public transport passBr1,973 ($17.16)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentBr5,203 ($45.24)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Br1,507 ($13.10)per month
Fitness club membershipBr1,507 ($13.10)per month
Cinema ticketBr395 ($3.43)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreBr22,030 ($192)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreBr15,325 ($133)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreBr45,975 ($400)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Addis Ababa is Br29,900 ($260) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Br51,205 ($445) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Br66,566 ($579) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Br15,325 ($133)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa vs SodoAddis Ababa vs WarderAddis Ababa vs Debre BirhanAddis Ababa vs ShashemenēAddis Ababa vs NazrētAddis Ababa vs Gonder

Nearby Cities

Sebeta

20 km away · Oromīya

Genet

28 km away · Oromīya

Sendafa

33 km away · Oromīya

Ādīs ‘Alem

39 km away · Oromīya

Debre Zeyit

41 km away · Oromīya

Mojo

56 km away · Oromīya

Nazrēt

78 km away · Oromīya

‘Alem T’ēna

85 km away · Oromīya

Other Major Cities in Ethiopia

Sodo

YeDebub Bihēroch Bihēreseboch na Hizboch · pop. 512,498

Br41,130 ($358) / mo

Warder

Sumalē · pop. 450,400

Br41,130 ($358) / mo

Debre Birhan

Āmara · pop. 436,711

Br41,130 ($358) / mo

Shashemenē

Oromīya · pop. 407,000

Br41,130 ($358) / mo

Nazrēt

Oromīya · pop. 324,000

Br41,130 ($358) / mo

Gonder

Āmara · pop. 323,900

Br41,130 ($358) / mo

Mekele

Tigray · pop. 323,700

Br41,130 ($358) / mo

Āwasa

Sīdama · pop. 300,100

Br41,130 ($358) / mo

Living in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital and one of the key cities in Ethiopia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Br51,205 ($445), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Br15,325 ($133) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Br118,237 ($1,028) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Br91,193 ($793) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Addis Ababa is Br29,900 ($260). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Br66,566 ($579) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Addis Ababa expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Br51,205 ($445) per month in Addis Ababa including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Ethiopia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Addis Ababa?
A net salary of around Br66,566 ($579) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Addis Ababa with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Addis Ababa is Br29,900 ($260).
How much is rent in Addis Ababa?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Br22,030 ($192) per month in the city centre and Br15,325 ($133) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Br45,975 ($400).
Is Addis Ababa cheaper than Ethiopia on average?
No — Addis Ababa is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Ethiopia average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Addis Ababa?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Br12,199 ($106) in Addis Ababa. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Br538 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around Br161 ($1).
How do transport costs in Addis Ababa compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Addis Ababa is estimated at Br1,973 ($17). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Addis Ababa are estimates based on Ethiopia national averages adjusted for city size (population 5,704,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.