Somalia flagCost of Living Guide · Somalia

Cost of Living Guide in Somalia

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

Somalia is among the most affordable countries in Africa, with a cost of living significantly below the continental average. However, expat living costs are substantially higher than local costs due to security considerations, imported goods, and limited infrastructure. The country faces economic challenges with a GDP per capita of $630 and an average post-tax salary of just $157 monthly, making it one of Africa's poorest nations.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
$300–$400 per month (single person living locally): basic housing ($50–$100), local food ($100–$150), transport ($30–$50), utilities ($50–$80), and minimal discretionary spending. This reflects how Somali residents survive on very limited incomes.
Comfortable
$800–$1,200 per month (single expat): secure housing in a decent neighborhood ($300–$500), mix of local and imported groceries ($200–$300), occasional dining out ($100–$150), transport ($50–$100), utilities ($100–$150), and communications ($50–$100). This assumes security-conscious choices and some Western comforts.
Family of four
$2,000–$3,000+ per month (family of four on expat lifestyle): expat-standard housing in secure area ($800–$1,200), international school fees ($200–$800 depending on quality), imported and local groceries ($600–$800), transport/vehicle ($200–$300), utilities and internet ($200–$250), healthcare ($100–$200), and discretionary spending ($100–$200). Families prioritizing security and education face substantially higher costs.

Somalia offers exceptional value for budget travelers and digital nomads with very low baseline costs—roughly 70% cheaper than the Africa average for rent. However, this advantage applies mainly to those comfortable with local living standards and security trade-offs. Expats and families seeking international-standard housing, education, and services face costs 3–5 times higher than local budgets, though still cheaper than most African capitals. The country's extreme poverty, limited infrastructure, and security challenges mean that true cost savings require accepting significant lifestyle compromises.

Economic & Living Costs in Somalia
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

1-7 $
Avg: 4 $
+14.3% vs 3 months ago

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

10-35 $
Avg: 22.5 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

4-5 $
Avg: 4.5 $
-10.0% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

4-33 $
Avg: 18.5 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

70-200 $
Avg: 135 $
-15.6% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

40-100 $
Avg: 70 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

200-500 $
Avg: 350 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

150-250 $
Avg: 200 $
-20.0% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.3-0.5 $
Avg: 0.4 $
-36.0% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

3-10 $
Avg: 6.5 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

8-30 $
Avg: 19 $
-56.8% vs 3 months ago

Gasoline (1L)

0.85-1.1 $
Avg: 0.98 $
-2.5% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

50-160 $
Avg: 105 $
+5.0% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

25-60 $
Avg: 42.5 $
+21.4% vs 3 months ago

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

5-15 $
Avg: 10 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

1-2 $
Avg: 1.5 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

0.5-3 $
Avg: 1.75 $
+2.9% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

1.6-3.6 $
Avg: 2.6 $
+3.2% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

2-6 $
Avg: 4 $
-42.9% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

15-45 $
Avg: 30 $
-7.7% vs 3 months ago

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

1-20 $
Avg: 10.5 $
-4.5% vs 3 months ago

Cinema Ticket

N/A
Avg: N/A

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

25-100 $
Avg: 62.5 $
-3.8% vs 3 months ago
Last updated: 2026-04-03