Cost Of Living in Djibouti 2025

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Djibouti

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Djibouti

Whether you're living in Djibouti or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: DJF
13,000 170,000 1.7M
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$74 $970 $9,700

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: DJF
17,000 120,000 790,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$94 $670 $4,500

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: DJF
66,000 200,000 1.1M
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $1,100 $5,900

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: DJF
93,000 260,000 1.7M
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$520 $1,500 $9,700

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: DJF
13,000 87,000 580,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$74 $490 $3,300
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Djibouti is 120,000 DJF. Expenses can range from 17,000 DJF at the minimum level to 790,000 DJF at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Djibouti is 200,000 DJF. Expenditure can range from 66,000 DJF to 1.1M DJF per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Djibouti is 260,000 DJF per month. Families spend anywhere from 93,000 DJF to 1.7M DJF.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Djibouti is 87,000 DJF. Students spend from 13,000 DJF to 580,000 DJF per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.



Prices and cost of goods and services in Djibouti


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

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

180 DJF 350 DJF 590 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.99 $2 $3.3

Restaurant meal for one

590 DJF 880 DJF 1,800 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $5 $9.9

Fine dining meal for one

1,200 DJF 1,800 DJF 7,100 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.6 $9.9 $40

Cappuccino or latte

150 DJF 240 DJF 350 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.83 $1.3 $2

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

120 DJF 140 DJF 180 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.79 $0.99

12 eggs

88 DJF 120 DJF 180 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.50 $0.66 $0.99

Fresh whole chicken

200 DJF 260 DJF 370 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.1

Pack of beef

240 DJF 350 DJF 710 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $2 $4

Medium bag of rice

95 DJF 130 DJF 180 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.53 $0.73 $1

Bag of tomatos

35 DJF 47 DJF 88 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.26 $0.50

Bag of apples

63 DJF 82 DJF 140 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.35 $0.46 $0.76
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Djibouti

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

150 DJF 180 DJF 350 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.83 $0.99 $2

Average car full tank

880 DJF 1,200 DJF 2,400 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $6.6 $13

Average car 1-day rental

880 DJF 1,200 DJF 1,800 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $6.6 $9.9

Average car price

440,000 DJF 880,000 DJF 1.2M DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,500 $5,000 $6,600

Bus ticket one way

29 DJF 44 DJF 88 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.17 $0.25 $0.50

Car Service

1,200 DJF 1,800 DJF 3,500 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.6 $9.9 $20
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Djibouti

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

1,000 DJF 7,100 DJF 48,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.6 $40 $270

Utility Bill - Couple

2,600 DJF 8,900 DJF 58,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $50 $330

Utility Bill - Family

4,600 DJF 13,000 DJF 86,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $74 $480

Internet and cable

880 DJF 1,800 DJF 2,400 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $9.9 $13

Mobile phone charges

710 DJF 1,200 DJF 3,500 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $6.6 $20

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

440 DJF 590 DJF 880 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.3 $5

One month gym membership

1,400 DJF 1,800 DJF 3,500 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.9 $9.9 $20
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Djibouti

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

1,000 DJF 1,500 DJF 2,200 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.8 $8.3 $12

Woman dress

980 DJF 1,400 DJF 4,400 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.5 $7.6 $25

Woman shoes

930 DJF 1,300 DJF 2,900 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $7.1 $17

Men's shoes

800 DJF 980 DJF 2,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $5.5 $11

Men suit

880 DJF 1,100 DJF 5,900 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $6.2 $33

Regular t-shirt

440 DJF 590 DJF 1,800 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.3 $9.9
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Djibouti

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

15,000 DJF 22,000 DJF 59,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$83 $120 $330

1-bedroom apartment

22,000 DJF 35,000 DJF 88,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $200 $500

2-bedroom apartment

29,000 DJF 44,000 DJF 120,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $250 $660

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

2.9M DJF 4.4M DJF 8.8M DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17,000 $25,000 $50,000

1-bedroom apartment

3.5M DJF 5.9M DJF 22M DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20,000 $33,000 $120,000

2-bedroom apartment

5.9M DJF 18M DJF 35M DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33,000 $99,000 $200,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Djibouti

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

18,000 DJF 22,000 DJF 29,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$99 $120 $170

Double Bed

12,000 DJF 18,000 DJF 22,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66 $99 $120

Single Bed

10,000 DJF 14,000 DJF 18,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $76 $99

Living Room

20,000 DJF 25,000 DJF 88,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $140 $500

Dining Table

8,800 DJF 12,000 DJF 22,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$50 $66 $120

Sofa or Couch

12,000 DJF 16,000 DJF 35,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66 $90 $200
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Djibouti

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

12,000 DJF 18,000 DJF 35,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66 $99 $200

Fridge or Freezer

10,000 DJF 16,000 DJF 22,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $90 $120

Washing Machine

14,000 DJF 20,000 DJF 35,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$76 $110 $200

Stove or Cooker

13,000 DJF 16,000 DJF 22,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$71 $90 $120

Mobile Phone

15,000 DJF 18,000 DJF 25,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$83 $99 $140

Laptop or Computer

16,000 DJF 20,000 DJF 35,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$90 $110 $200

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Djibouti

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.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Djibouti

Spending to Income Ratio

84%

77% to 94%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%17%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%17%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Djibouti is 84% This means that on average, people spend around 84% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 17% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
76%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
85%

Couple
80%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
89%

Family
88%
Spending-Income-Ratio
81%
99%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Djibouti

How do people spend their money in Djibouti?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

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 Expenditure26%

26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)

LOW$22   4,000 DJF
AVERAGE$290   52,000 DJF
HIGH$2,900   520,000 DJF
Per Month

People living in Djibouti typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 52,000 DJF with expenditure ranging from 4,000 DJF to 520,000 DJF. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$3.7   660 DJF
AVERAGE$48   8,600 DJF
HIGH$480   86,000 DJF
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Djibouti ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 8,600 DJF with 660 DJF and 86,000 DJF being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$7.4   1,300 DJF
AVERAGE$97   17,000 DJF
HIGH$970   170,000 DJF
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 1,300 DJF to 170,000 DJF on commuting with 17,000 DJF being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$19   3,300 DJF
AVERAGE$240   43,000 DJF
HIGH$2,400   430,000 DJF
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Djibouti is 43,000 DJF. The cost of groceries can range between 3,300 DJF to 430,000 DJF. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$5.2   930 DJF
AVERAGE$68   12,000 DJF
HIGH$680   120,000 DJF
Per Month

People in Djibouti allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 930 DJF to 120,000 DJF with 12,000 DJF being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$3   530 DJF
AVERAGE$39   6,900 DJF
HIGH$390   69,000 DJF
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 530 DJF to 69,000 DJF with 6,900 DJF being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$4.5   790 DJF
AVERAGE$58   10,000 DJF
HIGH$580   100,000 DJF
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 10,000 DJF per month with 790 DJF being the minimum spent amount and 100,000 DJF being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$9.7   1,700 DJF
AVERAGE$130   22,000 DJF
HIGH$1,300   220,000 DJF
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Djibouti

How much money can you save in Djibouti every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Djibouti manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
54%
Not Saving
46%

Almost 54% of the surveyed people in Djibouti said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 46% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Djibouti

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles62%38%
Couples57%43%
Families52%48%

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.


Savings to income ratio in Djibouti

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 20% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

4,400 DJF
$25
57,000 DJF
$320
570,000 DJF
$3,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 11% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 20% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 57,000 DJF on average with savings ranging from 4,400 DJF to 570,000 DJF.

62% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 57% of couples said the same. 52% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Djibouti?

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.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 24% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

4,400 DJF
$25
40,000 DJF
$220
260,000 DJF
$1,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 24% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 40,000 DJF with 4,400 DJF and 260,000 DJF being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 22% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

22,000 DJF
$120
66,000 DJF
$370
350,000 DJF
$2,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 32% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 66,000 DJF with 22,000 DJF and 350,000 DJF being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 18% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

31,000 DJF
$170
88,000 DJF
$500
570,000 DJF
$3,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Djibouti can save anywhere between 11% to 29% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 88,000 DJF with 31,000 DJF and 570,000 DJF being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Djibouti

Saving Challenges in Djibouti

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

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


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans17%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later18%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% 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. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% 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. 11% 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, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Djibouti

Typical saving choices for people in Djibouti

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings17%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
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 to live in Djibouti

Affordable living in Djibouti

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Djibouti?


Yes
56%
No
44%

Around 56% of surveyed residents think that living in Djibouti is affordable with proper budgeting while 44% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Djibouti

Low-cost alternatives in Djibouti

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 residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options55%

Few low-cost options45%


Based on the survey, 55% of the people living in Djibouti have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 45% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

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 residents of Djibouti whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes52%

No48%


Based on the survey, 48% of the people living in Djibouti said that they don't have an emergency fund while 52% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Djibouti

Financial Literacy in Djibouti

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 Leteracy51%


We asked residents of Djibouti whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 49% 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 51% 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 residents of Djibouti have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 51% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 49% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance51%

Easily manages finances49%

Financial goals and targets of people living in Djibouti

Financial goals of people in Djibouti

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Djibouti, 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 Fund7%
Debt Reduction35%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle10%
Healthcare Expenses10%
Financial Independence7%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 35% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Djibouti

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Djibouti and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Djibouti is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Djibouti:
AgeAmount
25460,000 DJF
30920,000 DJF
351.6M DJF
402.3M DJF
453.4M DJF
504.8M DJF
555.7M DJF
607.1M DJF
658.5M DJF

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Djibouti about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job11%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Djibouti

9,700 DJF
$55
87,000 DJF
$490
580,000 DJF
$3,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Djibouti

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Djibouti


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
33%
Debt Free
67%

According to the survey, 33% of the people in Djibouti have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 67% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Djibouti

Debt-to-income ratio in Djibouti

Debt to income ratio

29%

21% to 39%

( 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 29% of the people's monthly income in Djibouti goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%13%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%14%
10% - 20%17%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Djibouti pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 13% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Djibouti

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage12%
Auto Loan21%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card26%
Personal Loan38%

12% of debtors in Djibouti confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 21% of people and personal loans rose at 38%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Djibouti.


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 Djibouti

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Djibouti 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
Never54%
Once a year22%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Djibouti

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Djibouti

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


Rent Cost in Djibouti

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

15,000 DJF 22,000 DJF 59,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$83 $120 $330

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

22,000 DJF 35,000 DJF 88,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $200 $500

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

29,000 DJF 44,000 DJF 120,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $250 $660

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

35,000 DJF 59,000 DJF 160,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $330 $900

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

71,000 DJF 180,000 DJF 350,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $990 $2,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

59,000 DJF 88,000 DJF 250,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $500 $1,400

House monthly rent cost

71,000 DJF 180,000 DJF 350,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $990 $2,000

Villa monthly rent cost

88,000 DJF 220,000 DJF 350,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $1,200 $2,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Djibouti ranges between 15,000 DJF and 59,000 DJF, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 22,000 DJF to 88,000 DJF. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 29,000 DJF and 120,000 DJF per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 35,000 DJF to 160,000 DJF. The average rent of a townhouse in Djibouti is around 88,000 DJF while house rental costs can be as high as 180,000 DJF per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 88,000 DJF to 350,000 DJF per month.



Apartment and house prices in Djibouti

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

2.9M DJF 4.4M DJF 8.8M DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17,000 $25,000 $50,000

1-bedroom apartment price

3.5M DJF 5.9M DJF 22M DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20,000 $33,000 $120,000

2-bedroom apartment price

5.9M DJF 18M DJF 35M DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33,000 $99,000 $200,000

3-bedroom apartment price

20M DJF 29M DJF 88M DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $170,000 $500,000

Townhouse price

25M DJF 59M DJF 220M DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140,000 $330,000 $1.2M

House price

29M DJF 180M DJF 250M DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170,000 $990,000 $1.4M

Villa price

35M DJF 200M DJF 290M DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200,000 $1.1M $1.7M

The average price of a studio apartment in Djibouti can range from 2.9M DJF to 8.8M DJF depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 3.5M DJF to 22M DJF. A villa can cost you 200M DJF on average with prices ranging from 35M DJF to 290M DJF.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Djibouti 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


38 x109 monthly income 205
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Djibouti can be x109 to x205 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x109 multiples of the average monthly salary in Djibouti.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


21% 31% of income 41%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Djibouti is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 41% 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
29%

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
2.1%
AVERAGE
3.1%
TO
4.1%

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.


260 DJF 3,400 DJF 34,000 DJF
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 Djibouti

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

1,000 DJF 7,100 DJF 48,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.6 $40 $270

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

2,600 DJF 8,900 DJF 58,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $50 $330

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

4,600 DJF 13,000 DJF 86,000 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $74 $480

Internet and cable cost

880 DJF 1,800 DJF 2,400 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $9.9 $13

Mobile phone bill and charges

710 DJF 1,200 DJF 3,500 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $6.6 $20

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 expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Djibouti ranges between 1,000 DJF and 48,000 DJF with average being 7,100 DJF, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 8,900 DJF with 2,600 DJF and 58,000 DJF being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 13,000 DJF. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 880 DJF to 2,400 DJF with 1,800 DJF being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 1,200 DJF but can range between 710 DJF and 3,500 DJF 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


3% 6% of income 10%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Djibouti is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3% to 10% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Djibouti

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


Prices and cost of goods and services in Djibouti

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

Fast food combo meal price

180 DJF 350 DJF 590 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.99 $2 $3.3

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Djibouti is approximatly 350 DJF with meal cost ranging from 180 DJF to 590 DJF. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

590 DJF 880 DJF 1,800 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $5 $9.9

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 590 DJF and 1,800 DJF with 880 DJF being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Djibouti.

Fine dining meal for one price

1,200 DJF 1,800 DJF 7,100 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.6 $9.9 $40

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 1,200 DJF to 7,100 DJF with the average cost being 1,800 DJF for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Djibouti.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

150 DJF 240 DJF 350 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.83 $1.3 $2

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Djibouti is around 240 DJF. Price ranges between 150 DJF and 350 DJF depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

120 DJF 140 DJF 180 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.79 $0.99

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Djibouti is 140 DJF. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 180 DJF and the minimum being 120 DJF depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

88 DJF 120 DJF 180 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.50 $0.66 $0.99

A dozen eggs costs around 120 DJF on average with 88 DJF and 180 DJF being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

200 DJF 260 DJF 370 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.1

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Djibouti is between 200 DJF and 370 DJF depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 260 DJF.

Pack of beef price

240 DJF 350 DJF 710 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $2 $4

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 350 DJF. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

95 DJF 130 DJF 180 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.53 $0.73 $1

A bag of rice in Djibouti costs around 130 DJF on average with prices rangeing between 95 DJF and 180 DJF depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

35 DJF 47 DJF 88 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.26 $0.50

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 35 DJF to 88 DJF. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

63 DJF 82 DJF 140 DJF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.35 $0.46 $0.76

A bag of apples costs 82 DJF 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


18% 26% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Djibouti is around 26%. This means that people spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 19,000 DJF per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 2,700 DJF and 130,000 DJF depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 28,000 DJF per month. That number can be get as low as 9,300 DJF or a high as 150,000 DJF. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 17,000 DJF to 310,000 DJF with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Djibouti

Housing cost for a single person32%

32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)

LOW$34   6,000 DJF
AVERAGE$240   43,000 DJF
HIGH$1,600   290,000 DJF
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$5.6   1,000 DJF
AVERAGE$40   7,100 DJF
HIGH$270   48,000 DJF
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$7.5   1,300 DJF
AVERAGE$54   9,500 DJF
HIGH$360   63,000 DJF
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$15   2,700 DJF
AVERAGE$110   19,000 DJF
HIGH$710   130,000 DJF
Per Month

Healthcare Cost11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$8.5   1,500 DJF
AVERAGE$60   11,000 DJF
HIGH$400   71,000 DJF
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%

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

LOW$4.7   840 DJF
AVERAGE$33   6,000 DJF
HIGH$220   40,000 DJF
Per Month

Education Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$1.9   340 DJF
AVERAGE$13   2,400 DJF
HIGH$89   16,000 DJF
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$17   3,000 DJF
AVERAGE$120   21,000 DJF
HIGH$800   140,000 DJF
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Djibouti

Housing cost for a couple29%

29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)

LOW$130   22,000 DJF
AVERAGE$380   67,000 DJF
HIGH$2,000   360,000 DJF
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$15   2,600 DJF
AVERAGE$50   8,900 DJF
HIGH$330   58,000 DJF
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$45   7,900 DJF
AVERAGE$130   24,000 DJF
HIGH$710   130,000 DJF
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$52   9,300 DJF
AVERAGE$160   28,000 DJF
HIGH$830   150,000 DJF
Per Month

Healthcare Cost13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$41   7,300 DJF
AVERAGE$120   22,000 DJF
HIGH$650   120,000 DJF
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$22   4,000 DJF
AVERAGE$67   12,000 DJF
HIGH$360   63,000 DJF
Per Month

Education Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$7.4   1,300 DJF
AVERAGE$22   4,000 DJF
HIGH$120   21,000 DJF
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$63   11,000 DJF
AVERAGE$190   34,000 DJF
HIGH$1,000   180,000 DJF
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Djibouti

Housing cost for a family28%

28% of total expenses on average (23% to 38%)

LOW$170   30,000 DJF
AVERAGE$480   85,000 DJF
HIGH$3,100   550,000 DJF
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$26   4,600 DJF
AVERAGE$74   13,000 DJF
HIGH$480   86,000 DJF
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$52   9,300 DJF
AVERAGE$150   26,000 DJF
HIGH$970   170,000 DJF
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$94   17,000 DJF
AVERAGE$270   48,000 DJF
HIGH$1,700   310,000 DJF
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$47   8,300 DJF
AVERAGE$150   26,000 DJF
HIGH$770   140,000 DJF
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$26   4,600 DJF
AVERAGE$74   13,000 DJF
HIGH$480   86,000 DJF
Per Month

Education Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$73   13,000 DJF
AVERAGE$210   37,000 DJF
HIGH$1,400   240,000 DJF
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$42   7,400 DJF
AVERAGE$120   21,000 DJF
HIGH$770   140,000 DJF
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Djibouti

Housing costs for Student20%

20% of total expenses on average (15% to 26%)

LOW$18   3,200 DJF
AVERAGE$120   21,000 DJF
HIGH$790   140,000 DJF
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$3   530 DJF
AVERAGE$20   3,500 DJF
HIGH$130   23,000 DJF
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$5.2   930 DJF
AVERAGE$34   6,100 DJF
HIGH$230   41,000 DJF
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$15   2,600 DJF
AVERAGE$98   17,000 DJF
HIGH$650   120,000 DJF
Per Month

Healthcare Cost8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$4.5   790 DJF
AVERAGE$29   5,200 DJF
HIGH$200   35,000 DJF
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$3.7   660 DJF
AVERAGE$25   4,400 DJF
HIGH$160   29,000 DJF
Per Month

Education Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$14   2,500 DJF
AVERAGE$93   17,000 DJF
HIGH$620   110,000 DJF
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$11   2,000 DJF
AVERAGE$74   13,000 DJF
HIGH$490   87,000 DJF
Per Month
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