Addis Ababa
Dire Dawa

Addis Ababa vs Dire Dawa — Cost of Living Comparison

Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
VS
Dire Dawa
Ethiopia
Estimated average living costs are ~31% lower in Dire Dawa

Addis Ababa

$650

avg. monthly cost

Population

5,461,000

Safety

45/100

Quality

35/100

Cost
22
Safety
45
Life
35

Dire Dawa

$450

avg. monthly cost

Population

500,000

Safety

48/100

Quality

32/100

Cost
18
Safety
48
Life
32

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~31% lower in Dire Dawa

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Addis Ababa

$650

estimated per month

Dire Dawa

$450

estimated per month

Difference

-30.8%

Monthly savings

$200

Yearly savings

$2,400

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$51,923

-$23,077/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemAddis AbabaDire DawaDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$300.00$180.00
-40.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$150.00$90.00
-40.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$650.00$400.00
-38.5%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$350.00$200.00
-42.9%
ItemAddis AbabaDire DawaDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$2.00$1.50
-25.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$15.00$10.00
-33.3%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.50$4.00
-11.1%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.00$0.90
-10.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.60$0.50
-16.7%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20$1.10
-8.3%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.80$1.60
-11.1%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.00$3.50
-12.5%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.50$2.80
+12.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.80$0.60
-25.0%
ItemAddis AbabaDire DawaDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$12.00$8.00
-33.3%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.15$0.10
-33.3%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.80$0.60
-25.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.40$0.30
-25.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.95$0.95
0.0%
ItemAddis AbabaDire DawaDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$35.00$28.00
-20.0%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$8.00$7.00
-12.5%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$25.00$22.00
-12.0%
ItemAddis AbabaDire DawaDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$10.00$8.00
-20.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$15.00$12.00
-20.0%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$4.00$3.00
-25.0%
ItemAddis AbabaDire DawaDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$20.00$15.00
-25.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$3.00$2.00
-33.3%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$1.20$0.90
-25.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$1.50$1.00
-33.3%
ItemAddis AbabaDire DawaDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$25.00$22.00
-12.0%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$18.00$15.00
-16.7%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$55.00$50.00
-9.1%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Addis Ababa vs Dire Dawa

Is Addis Ababa or Dire Dawa more expensive?
Addis Ababa is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 22 compared with 18 for Dire Dawa.
How much cheaper is Dire Dawa than Addis Ababa?
Living in Dire Dawa is around 18% cheaper than Addis Ababa, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa?
Addis Ababa scores 22 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Dire Dawa scores 18 — where New York City equals 100.