150 cities covered · Currency: ETB (Br) · Capital: Addis Ababa
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | Br439 ($3.82) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | Br1,755 ($15.26) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | Br132 ($1.14) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | Br9,947 ($86.50) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | Br1,609 ($13.99) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | Br4,242 ($36.89) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | Br1,229 ($10.68) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | Br1,229 ($10.68) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | Br322 ($2.80) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | Br17,069 ($148) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | Br11,874 ($103) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | Br35,622 ($310) | per month |
Ādīs Ābeba · pop. 5,704,000
YeDebub Bihēroch Bihēreseboch na Hizboch · pop. 512,498
Sumalē · pop. 450,400
Āmara · pop. 436,711
Oromīya · pop. 407,000
Oromīya · pop. 324,000
Āmara · pop. 323,900
Tigray · pop. 323,700
Sīdama · pop. 300,100
Dirē Dawa · pop. 277,000
Āmara · pop. 243,300
Oromīya · pop. 241,200
Āmara · pop. 187,900
Oromīya · pop. 177,900
Hārerī Hizb · pop. 157,000
Sumalē · pop. 132,149
Sumalē · pop. 125,876
Āmara · pop. 111,000
Oromīya · pop. 110,088
Oromīya · pop. 100,000
Oromīya · pop. 99,928
YeDebub M‘irab Ītyop’iya Hizboch · pop. 91,437
YeDebub Bihēroch Bihēreseboch na Hizboch · pop. 88,083
Oromīya · pop. 86,400
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Ethiopia
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Ethiopia
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Ethiopia
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Ethiopia
Living costs in Ethiopia 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 Br41,130 ($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.