Cost of living in Asmara

Asmara, the capital city of Eritrea, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Asmara is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in various categories, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, to help you budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $18.14 on average, with a range between $4 and $30.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $30, with prices ranging from $20 to $50.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.99.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $0.6 to $5, imported beer $1.33 to $5, cappuccino $0.67 to $0.85, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $3.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $1 and $1.67 per liter, averaging $1.62.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.5.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $3.96 to $4.8, averaging $4.52.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $10 to $16.67 per kg, while oranges range from $1.67 to $2 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $1 and $2 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.67 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.13 and $0.3, with a monthly pass priced at $8.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $2 and $2.5 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $0.67, with a cost of $0.6 to $0.67 per km and $6.67 to $10 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $300 to $650, averaging $475.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $200 to $600, averaging $400.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $600 to $850, averaging $725.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $550 to $750, averaging $650.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $190 to $611.07, averaging $400.53.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1937.5.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $25 and $30, averaging $27.5.
  • InternetInternet services average $200.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 13 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$18.14
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$30.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.99
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.83
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.33
Cappuccino (regular)
$0.77
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.62
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.50
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.52
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.14
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$12.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.17
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$26.83
Apples (1kg)
$12.22
Oranges (1kg)
$1.89
Potato (1kg)
$1.76
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.67
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.98
Tomato (1kg)
$1.22
Banana (1kg)
$1.28
Onion (1kg)
$1.07
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$10.00
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.13
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$8.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.33
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$66,666.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.67
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.63
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$8.33
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$70,000.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$475.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$400.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$725.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$650.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$27.50
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$200.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$67.99
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$27.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$7.50
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$1.10
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$82.50
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$75.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$200.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$95.00
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$400.53
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$1,937.50
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,060.00
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
12%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$25.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$1,675.00
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