CostLens
HomeSomalia › Boosaaso

Cost of Living in Boosaaso

Boosaaso, Bari, Somalia · Population 1,067,000

▲ +8% vs Somalia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Sh220,797 ($387)
Couple, monthlySh392,564 ($688)
Family of four, monthlySh508,352 ($890)

Estimated Prices in Boosaaso

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantSh2,343 ($4.10)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeSh9,374 ($16.42)per meal
CappuccinoSh703 ($1.23)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Sh53,117 ($93.02)per month
Monthly public transport passSh8,592 ($15.05)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentSh22,653 ($39.67)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Sh6,561 ($11.49)per month
Fitness club membershipSh6,561 ($11.49)per month
Cinema ticketSh1,718 ($3.01)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreSh92,821 ($163)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreSh64,571 ($113)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreSh193,713 ($339)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Boosaaso is Sh97,641 ($171) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Sh220,797 ($387) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Sh287,036 ($503) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Sh64,571 ($113)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Boosaaso

Boosaaso vs MogadishuBoosaaso vs HargeysaBoosaaso vs BaidoaBoosaaso vs BaardheereBoosaaso vs JawharBoosaaso vs Gaalkacyo

Nearby Cities

Qandala

77 km away · Bari

Ufeyn

94 km away · Bari

Laasqoray

106 km away · Sanaag

Badhan

112 km away · Sanaag

Buraan

130 km away · Sanaag

Hadaaftimo

131 km away · Sanaag

Bandar Murcaayo

145 km away · Bari

Iskushuban

160 km away · Bari

Other Major Cities in Somalia

Mogadishu

Banaadir · pop. 2,120,000

Sh254,244 ($445) / mo

Hargeysa

Woqooyi Galbeed · pop. 1,227,620

Sh220,797 ($387) / mo

Baidoa

Bay · pop. 1,200,000

Sh220,797 ($387) / mo

Baardheere

Gedo · pop. 755,500

Sh204,220 ($358) / mo

Jawhar

Shabeellaha Dhexe · pop. 750,000

Sh204,220 ($358) / mo

Gaalkacyo

Mudug · pop. 745,000

Sh204,220 ($358) / mo

Garoowe

Nugaal · pop. 485,000

Sh204,220 ($358) / mo

Qardho

Bari · pop. 365,000

Sh204,220 ($358) / mo

Living in Boosaaso

Boosaaso is one of the key cities in Somalia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Sh220,797 ($387), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Sh64,571 ($113) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Sh508,352 ($890) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Sh392,564 ($688) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Boosaaso is Sh97,641 ($171). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Sh287,036 ($503) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boosaaso expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Sh220,797 ($387) per month in Boosaaso including rent outside the city centre. That is 8% more than the national average for Somalia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Boosaaso?
A net salary of around Sh287,036 ($503) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Boosaaso with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Boosaaso is Sh97,641 ($171).
How much is rent in Boosaaso?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Sh92,821 ($163) per month in the city centre and Sh64,571 ($113) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Sh193,713 ($339).
Is Boosaaso cheaper than Somalia on average?
No — Boosaaso is estimated to be about 8% more expensive than the Somalia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Boosaaso?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Sh53,117 ($93) in Boosaaso. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Sh2,343 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around Sh703 ($1).
How do transport costs in Boosaaso compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Boosaaso is estimated at Sh8,592 ($15). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Boosaaso are estimates based on Somalia national averages adjusted for city size (population 1,067,000). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.