Addis Ababa Expenses: What It Really Costs to Live in Ethiopia’s Capital
How much does it cost to live in Addis Ababa? So many people ask this question when thinking about moving, working, or starting a life in Ethiopia’s fast-growing capital. Whether you’re an expat, a local planning to move cities, or someone working remotely, knowing the real expenses upfront makes a huge difference.
Rental Prices in Addis can surprise you. In key neighborhoods like Bole or Kazanchis, a simple one-bedroom apartment might set you back 15,000–25,000 ETB per month (around $250–$420 USD), but it can get higher if you want modern buildings, security, or furnished flats. Cheaper areas hover around 7,000–12,000 ETB if you don’t mind a bit of commute or fewer amenities.
Utilities—like electricity, water, and garbage—are usually lower than in western countries, but keep an eye on your power bill if your place uses electric water heaters and stoves; monthly costs range from 800–2,500 ETB depending on usage. Internet packages vary widely, with mobile data being the most common. For home broadband, expect around 1,200–3,500 ETB per month, depending on speed and provider.
Food is a mixed bag. If you love cooking at home with local groceries, you’ll save big. A month’s vegetables, bread, eggs, and the basics often run under 2,000 ETB per person. Eating out? Street food is tasty and starts at just 80 ETB for a filling meal. Sit-down restaurants can go from 250–800 ETB per main dish. International spots charge more, so expats with a taste for imported food should budget extra.
If you have kids, school fees in Addis Ababa are a big deal. Private schools can cost anywhere from 15,000 to 80,000 ETB per month, with international schools asking much more. For healthcare, basic government clinics are cheap but crowded. Private hospitals bill in USD for bigger procedures—a check-up is 500–2,000 ETB, but insurance is a must for serious cases.
Getting around the city isn’t bad if you don’t mind crowded minibuses (fare: under 20 ETB per trip). App taxis like Ride or Feres book rides ranging from 120–400 ETB across town. More folks are using bicycles and motorbikes to beat the traffic, and both are affordable upfront investments.
So, what about salaries? The average monthly salary in Addis Ababa for office jobs is about 8,000–25,000 ETB—lower for entry-level positions, a lot higher for professionals in banking, NGOs, and tech. High earners in top companies or international outfits make 30,000 ETB and above, but those jobs are competitive.
The bottom line? Living comfortably in Addis Ababa is all about priorities—where you stay, how you move, and where you shop. Locals have clever ways to stretch their birr, from shopping at Mercato to sharing homes. Whether you’re moving for a job, education, or just a change, getting a handle on expenses ahead of time keeps stress low and your budget steady.
