Jimma, a vibrant city in Ethiopia, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone planning to move or invest in the area.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you make informed decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Jimma costs around $4.23.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - Enjoy a domestic beer for approximately $2.65.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - An imported beer is priced at about $1.32.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs around $0.53.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A small bottle of water is available for $0.42.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.06 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.35.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are available for $3.81.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.12 per kg, while oranges are $3.18 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Tomatoes) - Potatoes and tomatoes are priced at $0.53 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way ticket for local transport costs $0.21.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at $12.7.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline costs $1.59 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares for one hour of waiting are approximately $1.59.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is about $195.17.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent is approximately $146.38.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - A 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around $390.35.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, a 3-bedroom apartment is priced at $292.76.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $58.21.
  • Internet - Internet services are available for $287.88.
Worldwide
Ethiopia

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Ethiopia are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Ethiopia, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Jan, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 1 user contributions, as of the most recent update in March, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$4.23
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.65
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.32
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.53
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.42
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.06
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.06
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.35
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.81
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.53
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$6.35
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.06
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.32
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.58
Apples (1kg)
$2.12
Oranges (1kg)
$3.18
Potato (1kg)
$0.53
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.06
Tomato (1kg)
$0.53
Banana (1kg)
$1.06
Onion (1kg)
$3.18
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$10.58
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.21
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$12.70
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.59
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$47,626.66
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.59
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$52,918.51
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$195.17
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$146.38
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$390.35
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$292.76
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$58.21
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$287.88
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$33.87
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$31.75
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$84.67
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$127.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$105.84
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$2,116.74
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$1,058.37
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$211.67
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
9%
Jimma Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Jimma offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many global cities, with low rental prices and inexpensive dining options.

Transportation is very affordable, making it easy to navigate the city without a significant financial burden.

While utilities and internet costs are higher, the overall expenses remain manageable for most residents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jimma provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing and transportation.

Potential residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high expenses associated with larger metropolitan areas.

This makes Jimma an attractive option for those looking to experience Ethiopian culture while maintaining a reasonable budget.