Cost Of Living For a Couple in Ethiopia 2024

Couple cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Ethiopia

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: ETB
3,500 10,000 56,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$62 $180 $980

Average monthly spending for couples in Ethiopia

How much money does a couple need in a month to survive in Ethiopia?

Couples in Ethiopia spend around 10,000 ETB per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a couple can survive with a monthly budget as low as 3,500 ETB or as high as 56,000 ETB. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Ethiopia


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Ethiopia

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

8.9 ETB 18 ETB 30 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.32 $0.53

Restaurant meal for one

30 ETB 45 ETB 89 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.53 $0.79 $1.6

Fine dining meal for one

60 ETB 89 ETB 360 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.6 $6.3

Cappuccino or latte

7.4 ETB 12 ETB 18 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.21 $0.32

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

6 ETB 7.1 ETB 8.9 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.11 $0.13 $0.16

12 eggs

4.5 ETB 6 ETB 8.9 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.11 $0.16

Fresh whole chicken

10 ETB 13 ETB 19 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.18 $0.23 $0.33

Pack of beef

12 ETB 18 ETB 36 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.21 $0.32 $0.63

Medium bag of rice

4.8 ETB 6.6 ETB 9.3 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.12 $0.16

Bag of tomatos

1.8 ETB 2.4 ETB 4.5 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.03 $0.04 $0.08

Bag of apples

3.2 ETB 4.2 ETB 6.9 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.06 $0.07 $0.12
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Ethiopia


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

7.4 ETB 8.9 ETB 18 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.16 $0.32

Average car full tank

45 ETB 60 ETB 120 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.79 $1.1 $2.1

Average car 1-day rental

45 ETB 60 ETB 89 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.79 $1.1 $1.6

Average car price

22,000 ETB 45,000 ETB 60,000 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $790 $1,100

Bus ticket one way

1.5 ETB 2.2 ETB 4.5 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.03 $0.04 $0.08

Car Service

60 ETB 89 ETB 180 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.6 $3.2
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Ethiopia


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Couple

140 ETB 470 ETB 3,100 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $8.3 $54

Internet and cable

45 ETB 89 ETB 120 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.79 $1.6 $2.1

Mobile phone charges

36 ETB 60 ETB 180 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.63 $1.1 $3.2

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

22 ETB 30 ETB 45 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.39 $0.53 $0.79

One month gym membership

71 ETB 89 ETB 180 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.6 $3.2
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Ethiopia


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

53 ETB 74 ETB 110 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.93 $1.3 $2

Woman dress

50 ETB 69 ETB 220 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.88 $1.2 $3.9

Woman shoes

47 ETB 64 ETB 150 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.83 $1.1 $2.6

Men's shoes

41 ETB 50 ETB 99 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.72 $0.88 $1.8

Men suit

45 ETB 56 ETB 300 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.79 $0.98 $5.3

Regular t-shirt

22 ETB 30 ETB 89 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.39 $0.53 $1.6
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Ethiopia


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

740 ETB 1,100 ETB 3,000 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $20 $53

1-bedroom apartment

1,100 ETB 1,800 ETB 4,500 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $32 $79

2-bedroom apartment

1,500 ETB 2,200 ETB 6,000 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $39 $110

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

150,000 ETB 220,000 ETB 450,000 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,600 $3,900 $7,900

1-bedroom apartment

180,000 ETB 300,000 ETB 1.1M ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,200 $5,300 $20,000

2-bedroom apartment

300,000 ETB 890,000 ETB 1.8M ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5,300 $16,000 $32,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Ethiopia


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

890 ETB 1,100 ETB 1,500 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $20 $26

Double Bed

600 ETB 890 ETB 1,100 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $16 $20

Single Bed

530 ETB 690 ETB 890 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.3 $12 $16

Living Room

990 ETB 1,300 ETB 4,500 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $23 $79

Dining Table

450 ETB 600 ETB 1,100 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.9 $11 $20

Sofa or Couch

600 ETB 810 ETB 1,800 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $14 $32
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Ethiopia


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

600 ETB 890 ETB 1,800 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $16 $32

Fridge or Freezer

530 ETB 810 ETB 1,100 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.3 $14 $20

Washing Machine

690 ETB 990 ETB 1,800 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $18 $32

Stove or Cooker

640 ETB 810 ETB 1,100 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $14 $20

Mobile Phone

740 ETB 890 ETB 1,300 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $16 $23

Laptop or Computer

810 ETB 990 ETB 1,800 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $18 $32
Couple cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Ethiopia

Couple expenditure to income ratio in Ethiopia

Analysing the how affordable it is for couples to live in Ethiopia

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Couples usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a couple of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

83%

76% to 91%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Couples in Ethiopia spend around 83% of their monthly income. Some couples spend as low as 76% of their income while some as high as 91%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a couple in Ethiopia

How do couples spend their money in Ethiopia?

We asked thousands of couples about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for couples

Accomodation Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (20% to 37%)

LOW$21   1,200 ETB
AVERAGE$63   3,600 ETB
HIGH$330   19,000 ETB
Per Month

Couples in Ethiopia typically spend from 20% to 37% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 3,600 ETB with expenditure ranging from 1,200 ETB to 19,000 ETB. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for couples

Cost of utilities8%

8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$2.5   140 ETB
AVERAGE$8.3   470 ETB
HIGH$54   3,100 ETB
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Ethiopia ranges from 6% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average for most couples. The average monthly cost of utilities is 470 ETB with 140 ETB and 3,100 ETB being the upper and lower limits for a couple of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for couples

Cost of transport and fuel9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$7.4   420 ETB
AVERAGE$22   1,300 ETB
HIGH$120   6,700 ETB
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a couple resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a couple would expect to spend from 420 ETB to 6,700 ETB in a month on commuting with 1,300 ETB being the norm for most couples. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 14%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for couples

Food and Groceries Cost17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$8.6   490 ETB
AVERAGE$26   1,500 ETB
HIGH$140   7,800 ETB
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical couple in a month in Ethiopia is 1,500 ETB. The cost of groceries can range between 490 ETB to 7,800 ETB. Couples spend on average about 17% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 12% and 22% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for couples

Cost of healthcare14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$6.8   380 ETB
AVERAGE$20   1,200 ETB
HIGH$110   6,100 ETB
Per Month

Couples in Ethiopia allocate 8% to 18% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 14%. The range of medical expenses range from 380 ETB to 6,100 ETB with 1,200 ETB being the norm for most couples.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for couples

Cost of leisure and shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$3.7   210 ETB
AVERAGE$11   630 ETB
HIGH$59   3,300 ETB
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 210 ETB to 3,300 ETB with 630 ETB being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 1% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most couples.

Education and schooling expenditure for couples

Cost of education and schooling1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$1.2   70 ETB
AVERAGE$3.7   210 ETB
HIGH$20   1,100 ETB
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different couples. On average, education constitutes 1% of the monthly expenditure of couples with 0.00% and 3% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 210 ETB per month with 70 ETB being the minimum spent amount and 1,100 ETB being the maximum.

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$10   590 ETB
AVERAGE$31   1,800 ETB
HIGH$170   9,500 ETB
Per Month
Percentage of couples who manage to save money from their income every month in Ethiopia

What percentage of couples in Ethiopia are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of couples that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
50%
Not Saving
50%

Almost 50% of surveyed couples in Ethiopia said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 50% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Couple savings to income ratio in Ethiopia

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do couples manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 19% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

980 ETB
$17
2,900 ETB
$52
16,000 ETB
$280
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%26%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%8%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples that are able to save money can put anywhere from 10% to 30% of their monthly income to their savings, with 19% being the average for most couples. The average monthly amount of money that couples can put aside is 2,900 ETB with 980 ETB and 16,000 ETB being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money in Ethiopia

Saving Challenges in Ethiopia

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping couples from maximizing their savings in Ethiopia. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans13%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending12%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later21%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the couples said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 13% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 12% of couples blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 21% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 13% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do couples choose to put their savings in Ethiopia

Typical saving choices for couples in Ethiopia

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold13%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings21%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for couples to live in Ethiopia

Affordable living in Ethiopia

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked couples one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Ethiopia?


Yes
42%
No
58%

Around 42% of surveyed couples think that living in Ethiopia is affordable with proper budgeting while 58% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for couples. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Ethiopia

Low-cost alternatives in Ethiopia

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked couples how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options52%

Few low-cost options48%


Based on the survey, 52% of the couples living in Ethiopia have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 48% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Couples

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked couples of Ethiopia whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes39%

No61%


Based on the survey, 61% of the couples living in Ethiopia said that they don't have an emergency fund while 39% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for couples in Ethiopia

Financial Literacy in Ethiopia

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy37%


We asked couple guardians and parents in Ethiopia whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 63% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 37% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether couples of Ethiopia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 63% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 37% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance63%

Easily manages finances37%

Financial goals and targets of couples living in Ethiopia

Financial goals of couples in Ethiopia

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Ethiopia, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction42%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing6%
Travel or Lifestyle7%
Healthcare Expenses14%
Financial Independence5%

Around 8% of couples said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 42% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 7% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 14% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of couples who are in debt in Ethiopia

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Ethiopia


Percentage of couples who are in debt


In Debt
34%
Debt Free
66%

According to the survey, 34% of the couples in Ethiopia have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 66% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Ethiopia

Debt-to-income ratio in Ethiopia

Debt to income ratio

32%

24% to 41%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 32% of a couple's monthly income in Ethiopia goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%18%
40% - 50%14%
30% - 40%16%
20% - 30%10%
10% - 20%12%
0% - 10%25%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Ethiopia pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 18% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 10% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Ethiopia

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage8%
Auto Loan15%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card30%
Personal Loan43%

8% of debtors in Ethiopia confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 30% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 15% of people and personal loans rose at 43%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Ethiopia.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Ethiopia

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked couples of Ethiopia how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never50%
Once a year24%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Ethiopia

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Ethiopia

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Ethiopia

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

740 ETB 1,100 ETB 3,000 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $20 $53

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,100 ETB 1,800 ETB 4,500 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $32 $79

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,500 ETB 2,200 ETB 6,000 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $39 $110

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,800 ETB 3,000 ETB 8,100 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $53 $140

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

3,600 ETB 8,900 ETB 18,000 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$63 $160 $320

Townhouse monthly rent cost

3,000 ETB 4,500 ETB 13,000 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$53 $79 $230

House monthly rent cost

3,600 ETB 8,900 ETB 18,000 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$63 $160 $320

Villa monthly rent cost

4,500 ETB 11,000 ETB 18,000 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79 $200 $320

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Ethiopia ranges between 740 ETB and 3,000 ETB, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,100 ETB to 4,500 ETB. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,500 ETB and 6,000 ETB per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,800 ETB to 8,100 ETB. The average rent of a townhouse in Ethiopia is around 4,500 ETB while house rental costs can be as high as 8,900 ETB per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 4,500 ETB to 18,000 ETB per month.



Apartment and house prices in Ethiopia

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

150,000 ETB 220,000 ETB 450,000 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,600 $3,900 $7,900

1-bedroom apartment price

180,000 ETB 300,000 ETB 1.1M ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,200 $5,300 $20,000

2-bedroom apartment price

300,000 ETB 890,000 ETB 1.8M ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5,300 $16,000 $32,000

3-bedroom apartment price

990,000 ETB 1.5M ETB 4.5M ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18,000 $26,000 $79,000

Townhouse price

1.3M ETB 3M ETB 11M ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23,000 $53,000 $200,000

House price

1.5M ETB 8.9M ETB 13M ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26,000 $160,000 $230,000

Villa price

1.8M ETB 9.9M ETB 15M ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32,000 $180,000 $260,000

The average price of a studio apartment in Ethiopia can range from 150,000 ETB to 450,000 ETB depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 180,000 ETB to 1.1M ETB. A villa can cost you 9.9M ETB on average with prices ranging from 1.8M ETB to 15M ETB.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Ethiopia will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


31 x85 monthly income 191
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Ethiopia can be x85 to x191 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x85 multiples of the average monthly salary in Ethiopia.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


19% 29% of income 39%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Ethiopia is around 29%. This means that people pay 29% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 19% to 39% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
27%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
1.9%
AVERAGE
2.9%
TO
3.9%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


14 ETB 180 ETB 1,800 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Ethiopia

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Ethiopia

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

140 ETB 470 ETB 3,100 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $8.3 $54

Internet and cable cost

45 ETB 89 ETB 120 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.79 $1.6 $2.1

Mobile phone bill and charges

36 ETB 60 ETB 180 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.63 $1.1 $3.2

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of couples is around 470 ETB. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 45 ETB to 120 ETB with 89 ETB being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 60 ETB but can range between 36 ETB and 180 ETB depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


4% 7% of income 11%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Ethiopia is around 7%. This means that people pay 7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 4% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Ethiopia

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Ethiopia

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

8.9 ETB 18 ETB 30 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.32 $0.53

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Ethiopia is approximatly 18 ETB with meal cost ranging from 8.9 ETB to 30 ETB. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

30 ETB 45 ETB 89 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.53 $0.79 $1.6

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 30 ETB and 89 ETB with 45 ETB being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Ethiopia.

Fine dining meal for one price

60 ETB 89 ETB 360 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.6 $6.3

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 60 ETB to 360 ETB with the average cost being 89 ETB for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Ethiopia.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

7.4 ETB 12 ETB 18 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.21 $0.32

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Ethiopia is around 12 ETB. Price ranges between 7.4 ETB and 18 ETB depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

6 ETB 7.1 ETB 8.9 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.11 $0.13 $0.16

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Ethiopia is 7.1 ETB. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 8.9 ETB and the minimum being 6 ETB depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

4.5 ETB 6 ETB 8.9 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.11 $0.16

A dozen eggs costs around 6 ETB on average with 4.5 ETB and 8.9 ETB being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

10 ETB 13 ETB 19 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.18 $0.23 $0.33

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Ethiopia is between 10 ETB and 19 ETB depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 13 ETB.

Pack of beef price

12 ETB 18 ETB 36 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.21 $0.32 $0.63

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 18 ETB. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

4.8 ETB 6.6 ETB 9.3 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.12 $0.16

A bag of rice in Ethiopia costs around 6.6 ETB on average with prices rangeing between 4.8 ETB and 9.3 ETB depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

1.8 ETB 2.4 ETB 4.5 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.03 $0.04 $0.08

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.8 ETB to 4.5 ETB. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

3.2 ETB 4.2 ETB 6.9 ETB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.06 $0.07 $0.12

A bag of apples costs 4.2 ETB on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


19% 27% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Ethiopia is around 27%. This means that couples spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 33% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for couples

Couples' spending on grocery ranges from 490 ETB to 7,800 ETB with the location, income, and size of the couple being the most determinite factors.

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