Cost of Living in Asmara, Eritrea
Eritrea · Africa
$480
Monthly Cost
avg/person
20
Cost Index
NYC=100
14
Rent Index
NYC=100
30
Quality of Life
Poor
45
Safety Index
Below Average
0.8M
Population
ERN
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $1.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $6 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $0.8 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $1.5 |
| Cappuccino | $1 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.35 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.22 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.7 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.3 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Eggs (12) | $1 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.25 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.22 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.1 |
| Monthly Pass | $4 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.18 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.9 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $20000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $16000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $28 |
| Mobile Plan | $4 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $15 |
| Fitness Club/month | $10 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $160/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $90/mo |
| 3BR Center | $375/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $210/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $600/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $320/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $100 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 12% |
View Cost of Living in Eritrea
Cost of Living in Asmara — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Asmara, Eritrea is approximately $480 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Asmara has a cost index of 20, making it around 80% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Asmara costs around $90/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $160/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $375/month. The rent index is 14 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Asmara scores 30/100 on the quality of life index and 45/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 28/100. The climate index is 70/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Asmara is approximately $100/month. With a purchasing power index of 16/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is ERN, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Asmara
The average monthly salary in Asmara is approximately $100. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $480, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 16/100.
Healthcare Costs in Asmara
Healthcare quality in Asmara is rated 28/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Asmara
Asmara has a quality of life score of 30/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Asmara
Students living in Asmara should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Asmara
Expats moving to Asmara often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Asmara, Eritrea is approximately $480 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 20 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Asmara
Living in Asmara offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 20 and a quality of life score of 30/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $100 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Asmara provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Eritrea and around the world.
Key Facts About Asmara
- Average Monthly Cost: $480
- Cost Index: 20
- Rent Index: 14
- Average Salary: $100
- Quality of Life: 30/100
- Safety Score: 45/100
- Country: Eritrea
- Currency: ERN
Is Asmara Expensive?
Asmara has a cost index of 20 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Asmara compare to other cities?
Asmara is located in Africa with a population of approximately 0.8M. At a cost index of 20 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Asmara stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Asmara?
The average cost of living in Asmara, Eritrea is approximately $480 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 20 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Asmara?
Rent in Asmara varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 14 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Asmara alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Asmara expensive to live in?
Asmara has a cost index of 20 compared to New York City (100). At 20, Asmara is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $480.
What is the quality of life in Asmara?
Asmara has a quality of life index of 30/100 and a safety index of 45/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a poor quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Asmara compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Asmara with any city worldwide. Asmara's cost index is 20 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Asmara?
Many residents live comfortably in Asmara with a monthly budget of around $480 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Asmara good for expats?
Asmara is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Asmara?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $480 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Asmara.
Is Asmara cheaper than New York?
Yes, Asmara has a cost index of 20 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Asmara?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Asmara.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Asmara
Cheapest Ways to Live in Asmara
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Asmara typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $90/month compared to $160/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Asmara, Eritrea.
Is Asmara Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 16/100 and a quality of life score of 30/100, Asmara is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 20 relative to New York City, Asmara remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Eritrea has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Asmara Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Asmara", "Asmara monthly expenses 2026", and "is Asmara affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $480, a safety score of 45/100, and healthcare rated 28/100, Asmara offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Eritrea.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026