MigrantoCost of living in Ethiopia
What a month costs, how prices compare with other countries, and where the money goes
Monthly cost in Ethiopia
Spending runs from ETB 4,100 a month in the poorest fifth to ETB 19,600 in the richest
Per person, whole country
ETB 8,520
what a typical person spends in a month
Spending across the population
ETB 4,100richest 20%
ETB 19,600
Where people spend money in Ethiopia
One person's out-of-pocket spending, averaged across the whole country
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Key facts
The cost of living in Ethiopia in numbers
Groceries takes an unusual share of the budget
It absorbs 43.4% of spending here, or ETB 3,630 a month, against 19.7% in a typical country, 23.7 points more.
Among the cheapest countries in the world
Cheaper than 96% of countries. A basket that costs ETB 158,000 at world-middle prices costs ETB 91,000 here.
The cheapest of its neighbours
No neighbouring country is cheaper. The same basket costs ETB 91,000 here against ETB 100,000 in Sudan, the closest on price.
Typical spending takes 61% of the average wage
A typical person spends ETB 8,520 a month while the average take-home wage is ETB 13,900, so 39% of an average wage sits above what a typical person spends.
How living costs in Ethiopia compare
Neighbours, region and the world on the same monthly figure
What things cost here
How much the same goods and services cost in Ethiopia against other countries
Cheaper than 96% of countries
Where Ethiopia sits when every country is lined up from cheapest to most expensive
Pakistanmost expensive
Bermuda
middle
A basket of goods and services that costs ETB 158,000 at world-middle prices costs ETB 91,000 here.
Data source: household consumption 2024 (World Bank), International Comparison Program 2021 (World Bank), category breakdown 2018 (United Nations Statistics Division), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
Living-cost calculator
What it costs to live in Ethiopia
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Cost of living in Ethiopia
ETB 4,100/mo
vs ETB 126,000 in your country
Take-home
ETB 8,080
vs ETB 189,000 in your country
Potential savings
ETB 3,980
more than in your country
Standard of living
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Ethiopia?
A typical person in Ethiopia spends about ETB 8,520 a month — around ETB 102,000 a year — on housing, groceries, transport and other everyday costs. It's a nationwide average across different regions, cities and types of housing.
What is the standard of living in Ethiopia?
By spending, Ethiopia ranks #169 of 185 countries. A typical person spends about ETB 8,520 a month, the poorest 20% about ETB 4,100 and the richest 20% about ETB 19,600. The gap between them shows how unevenly people live.
What is the cost of living in Ethiopia in US dollars?
The cost of living in Ethiopia is about $54 a month, or roughly $648 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Ethiopia?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about ETB 4,100 a month per person, a typical one around ETB 8,520, and a comfortable life around ETB 11,000. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
What do people spend the most on in Ethiopia?
The biggest expense is groceries, at about ETB 3,630 a month (43% of spending). Then come housing (ETB 2,210, 25%) and dining out (ETB 473, 5%).
Is the average salary in Ethiopia enough to live on?
Yes, with room to spare. Average spending is about ETB 8,520 a month, while the average take-home pay in Ethiopia is about ETB 13,900. For more on incomes, see salaries in Ethiopia.
Is Ethiopia an expensive country to live in?
No. Ethiopia is more expensive than 9% of countries worldwide and ranks 37th of 53 in Africa by cost of living.
What currency is used in Ethiopia?
Ethiopia uses the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Amounts on this page are shown in it; the currency switcher converts them.
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Living in Ethiopia
See the full country overview