Eritrea flagCost of Living Guide · Eritrea

Cost of Living Guide in Eritrea

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses

Eritrea offers a very low cost of living, particularly for housing which is significantly cheaper than the Africa regional average. Rent is 33.9% lower than the Africa average, making it attractive for budget-conscious expats and digital nomads in Asmara, though data is limited and based on few sources. With an HDI of 0.492 indicating low development, expect basic infrastructure and challenges like limited data availability.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
ERN 20,000-25,000 ($1,300-1,700 USD) for a single person living like a local: modest housing outside center, local markets, public buses
Comfortable
ERN 30,000-50,000 ($2,000-3,300 USD) for a single expat: city-center 1BR, mix of local/imported food, occasional dining, reliable internet
Family of four
ERN 55,000-70,000 ($3,700-4,700 USD) for family of four: decent expat housing, imported groceries, local schooling, car or taxis

Eritrea provides excellent value for money with rent 33.9% cheaper than the Africa average, ideal for frugal expats despite data limitations and infrastructure challenges. No home country comparison available.

Economic & Living Costs in Eritrea
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

12-30 ERN
Avg: 21 ERN
+23.5% vs 3 months ago

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

18-50 ERN
Avg: 34 ERN
-2.9% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

5-5.99 ERN
Avg: 5.5 ERN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

0.6-1.33 ERN
Avg: 0.97 ERN
-65.5% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

300-650 ERN
Avg: 475 ERN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

200-600 ERN
Avg: 400 ERN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

600-850 ERN
Avg: 725 ERN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

550-750 ERN
Avg: 650 ERN
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.13-0.3 ERN
Avg: 0.21 ERN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

26.67-27 ERN
Avg: 26.83 ERN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

N/A
Avg: N/A

Gasoline (1L)

2-2.5 ERN
Avg: 2.25 ERN
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

25-30 ERN
Avg: 27.5 ERN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

N/A
Avg: N/A

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

N/A
Avg: N/A
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

1.6 ERN
Avg: 1.6 ERN
+20.0% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

N/A
Avg: N/A

Eggs (12)

3.96-4.8 ERN
Avg: 4.38 ERN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

N/A
Avg: N/A
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

N/A
Avg: N/A

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

5-10 ERN
Avg: 7.5 ERN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Cinema Ticket

1-1.2 ERN
Avg: 1.1 ERN
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

25 ERN
Avg: 25 ERN
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Last updated: 2026-04-03