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Cost of Living in Dire Dawa

Dire Dawa, Dirē Dawa, Ethiopia · Population 277,000

▲ +0% vs Ethiopia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Br41,130 ($358)
Couple, monthlyBr73,060 ($635)
Family of four, monthlyBr94,544 ($822)

Estimated Prices in Dire Dawa

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantBr439 ($3.82)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeBr1,755 ($15.26)per meal
CappuccinoBr132 ($1.14)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Br9,947 ($86.50)per month
Monthly public transport passBr1,609 ($13.99)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentBr4,242 ($36.89)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Br1,229 ($10.68)per month
Fitness club membershipBr1,229 ($10.68)per month
Cinema ticketBr322 ($2.80)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreBr17,069 ($148)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreBr11,874 ($103)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreBr35,622 ($310)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Dire Dawa is Br24,380 ($212) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Br41,130 ($358) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Br53,469 ($465) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Br11,874 ($103)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Dire Dawa

Dire Dawa vs Addis AbabaDire Dawa vs SodoDire Dawa vs WarderDire Dawa vs Debre BirhanDire Dawa vs ShashemenēDire Dawa vs Nazrēt

Nearby Cities

Shīnīlē

11 km away · Sumalē

Harar

42 km away · Hārerī Hizb

Funyan Bīra

64 km away · Oromīya

Babīlē

65 km away · Oromīya

Hīrna

93 km away · Oromīya

Āfdem

96 km away · Sumalē

Ādīgala

102 km away · Sumalē

Jijiga

106 km away · Sumalē

Other Major Cities in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa

Ādīs Ābeba · pop. 5,704,000

Br51,205 ($445) / mo

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

Living in Dire Dawa

Dire Dawa is one of the key cities in Ethiopia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Br41,130 ($358), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Br11,874 ($103) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Br94,544 ($822) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Br73,060 ($635) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Dire Dawa is Br24,380 ($212). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Br53,469 ($465) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dire Dawa expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Br41,130 ($358) per month in Dire Dawa including rent outside the city centre. That is 0% more than the national average for Ethiopia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Dire Dawa?
A net salary of around Br53,469 ($465) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Dire Dawa with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Dire Dawa is Br24,380 ($212).
How much is rent in Dire Dawa?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Br17,069 ($148) per month in the city centre and Br11,874 ($103) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Br35,622 ($310).
Is Dire Dawa cheaper than Ethiopia on average?
No — Dire Dawa is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Ethiopia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Dire Dawa?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Br9,947 ($86) in Dire Dawa. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Br439 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around Br132 ($1).
How do transport costs in Dire Dawa compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Dire Dawa is estimated at Br1,609 ($14). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Dire Dawa are estimates based on Ethiopia national averages adjusted for city size (population 277,000). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.