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Cost of Living in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, Banaadir, Somalia · Population 2,120,000 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Somalia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Sh254,244 ($445)
Couple, monthlySh452,792 ($793)
Family of four, monthlySh587,073 ($1,028)

Estimated Prices in Mogadishu

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantSh2,672 ($4.68)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeSh10,689 ($18.72)per meal
CappuccinoSh802 ($1.40)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Sh60,572 ($106)per month
Monthly public transport passSh9,798 ($17.16)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentSh25,832 ($45.24)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Sh7,482 ($13.10)per month
Fitness club membershipSh7,482 ($13.10)per month
Cinema ticketSh1,960 ($3.43)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreSh109,382 ($192)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreSh76,092 ($133)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreSh228,275 ($400)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Mogadishu is Sh111,345 ($195) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Sh254,244 ($445) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Sh330,517 ($579) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Sh76,092 ($133)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Mogadishu

Mogadishu vs HargeysaMogadishu vs BaidoaMogadishu vs BoosaasoMogadishu vs BaardheereMogadishu vs JawharMogadishu vs Gaalkacyo

Nearby Cities

Afgooye

26 km away · Shabeellaha Hoose

Aw Dheegle

61 km away · Shabeellaha Hoose

Marka

73 km away · Shabeellaha Hoose

Wanlaweyn

81 km away · Shabeellaha Hoose

Jawhar

85 km away · Shabeellaha Dhexe

Qoryooley

97 km away · Shabeellaha Hoose

Cadale

135 km away · Shabeellaha Dhexe

Ceel Baraf

138 km away · Shabeellaha Dhexe

Other Major Cities in Somalia

Hargeysa

Woqooyi Galbeed · pop. 1,227,620

Sh220,797 ($387) / mo

Baidoa

Bay · pop. 1,200,000

Sh220,797 ($387) / mo

Boosaaso

Bari · pop. 1,067,000

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 Mogadishu

Mogadishu is the capital and one of the key cities in Somalia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Sh254,244 ($445), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Sh76,092 ($133) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Sh587,073 ($1,028) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Sh452,792 ($793) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Mogadishu is Sh111,345 ($195). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Sh330,517 ($579) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mogadishu expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Sh254,244 ($445) per month in Mogadishu including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Somalia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Mogadishu?
A net salary of around Sh330,517 ($579) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Mogadishu with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Mogadishu is Sh111,345 ($195).
How much is rent in Mogadishu?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Sh109,382 ($192) per month in the city centre and Sh76,092 ($133) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Sh228,275 ($400).
Is Mogadishu cheaper than Somalia on average?
No — Mogadishu is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Somalia average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Mogadishu?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Sh60,572 ($106) in Mogadishu. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Sh2,672 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around Sh802 ($1).
How do transport costs in Mogadishu compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Mogadishu is estimated at Sh9,798 ($17). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Mogadishu are estimates based on Somalia national averages adjusted for city size (population 2,120,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.