CostLens
Home › Eritrea

Cost of Living in Eritrea

18 cities covered · Currency: ERN (Nfk) · Capital: Asmara

Single person, monthlyNfk5,365 ($358)
Couple, monthlyNfk9,530 ($635)
Family of four, monthlyNfk12,332 ($822)
Average net salaryNfk3,180 ($212)

Average Prices in Eritrea

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantNfk57.24 ($3.82)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeNfk229 ($15.26)per meal
CappuccinoNfk17.17 ($1.14)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Nfk1,297 ($86.50)per month
Monthly public transport passNfk210 ($13.99)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentNfk553 ($36.89)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Nfk160 ($10.68)per month
Fitness club membershipNfk160 ($10.68)per month
Cinema ticketNfk41.98 ($2.80)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreNfk2,226 ($148)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreNfk1,549 ($103)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreNfk4,646 ($310)per month

Major Cities in Eritrea

Asmara

Ma’ĭkel · pop. 963,000

Keren

‘Anseba · pop. 146,500

Assab

Debubawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri · pop. 74,405

Massawa

Semienawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri · pop. 39,758

Mendefera

Debub · pop. 28,492

Dbarwa

Debub · pop. 25,000

Ādī-Teklezan

‘Anseba · pop. 15,000

Bēylul

Debubawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri · pop. 14,055

Adi Keyh

Ma’ĭkel · pop. 13,061

Ghinda’e

Semienawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri · pop. 11,560

Edd

Debubawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri · pop. 11,259

Dek’emhāre

Debub · pop. 10,959

Omhājer

Gash-Barka · pop. 9,000

Ak’ordat

Gash-Barka · pop. 8,857

Nefasīt

Semienawi K’eyyĭḥ Baḥri · pop. 8,600

Teseney

Gash-Barka · pop. 3,753

Barentu

Gash-Barka · pop. 2,500

Gwelej

Gash-Barka · small town

Cheapest Cities in Eritrea

MassawaMendeferaDbarwaĀdī-TeklezanBēylulAdi KeyhGhinda’eEddDek’emhāreOmhājerFull ranking →

City Comparisons in Eritrea

Asmara vs Keren

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Eritrea

Asmara vs Assab

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Eritrea

Keren vs Massawa

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Eritrea

Assab vs Massawa

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Eritrea

Cost of Living by City Size in Eritrea

Living costs in Eritrea vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of Nfk5,365 ($358) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Eritrea?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in Eritrea is Nfk5,365 ($358), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly Nfk12,332 ($822) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in Eritrea?
Massawa ranks among the most affordable cities in Eritrea with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in Eritrea?
The estimated average net salary in Eritrea is Nfk3,180 ($212) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for Eritrea derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.