Cost of Living in Mogadishu, Somalia
Somalia · Africa
$580
Monthly Cost
avg/person
25
Cost Index
NYC=100
18
Rent Index
NYC=100
20
Quality of Life
Poor
10
Safety Index
Poor
2.4M
Population
SOS
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $8 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $0 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $0 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.28 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.4 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.3 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.35 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.28 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.15 |
| Monthly Pass | $6 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.25 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $22000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $18000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $40 |
| Mobile Plan | $6 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $30 |
| Fitness Club/month | $14 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $230/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $130/mo |
| 3BR Center | $540/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $305/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $880/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $460/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $130 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 18% |
View Cost of Living in Somalia
Cost of Living in Mogadishu — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Mogadishu, Somalia is approximately $580 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Mogadishu has a cost index of 25, making it around 75% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Mogadishu costs around $130/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $230/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $540/month. The rent index is 18 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Mogadishu scores 20/100 on the quality of life index and 10/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 18/100. The climate index is 52/100. 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 Mogadishu is approximately $130/month. With a purchasing power index of 14/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is SOS, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Mogadishu
The average monthly salary in Mogadishu is approximately $130. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $580, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 14/100.
Healthcare Costs in Mogadishu
Healthcare quality in Mogadishu is rated 18/100. 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 Mogadishu
Mogadishu has a quality of life score of 20/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Mogadishu
Students living in Mogadishu 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 Mogadishu
Expats moving to Mogadishu 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 Mogadishu, Somalia is approximately $580 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 25 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Mogadishu
Living in Mogadishu offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 25 and a quality of life score of 20/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $130 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Mogadishu provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Somalia and around the world.
Key Facts About Mogadishu
- Average Monthly Cost: $580
- Cost Index: 25
- Rent Index: 18
- Average Salary: $130
- Quality of Life: 20/100
- Safety Score: 10/100
- Country: Somalia
- Currency: SOS
Is Mogadishu Expensive?
Mogadishu has a cost index of 25 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Mogadishu compare to other cities?
Mogadishu is located in Africa with a population of approximately 2.4M. At a cost index of 25 (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 Mogadishu stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mogadishu?
The average cost of living in Mogadishu, Somalia is approximately $580 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 25 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Mogadishu?
Rent in Mogadishu varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 18 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Mogadishu alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Mogadishu expensive to live in?
Mogadishu has a cost index of 25 compared to New York City (100). At 25, Mogadishu is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $580.
What is the quality of life in Mogadishu?
Mogadishu has a quality of life index of 20/100 and a safety index of 10/100. 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 Mogadishu compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Mogadishu with any city worldwide. Mogadishu's cost index is 25 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Mogadishu?
Many residents live comfortably in Mogadishu with a monthly budget of around $580 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Mogadishu good for expats?
Mogadishu is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Mogadishu?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $580 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Mogadishu.
Is Mogadishu cheaper than New York?
Yes, Mogadishu has a cost index of 25 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Mogadishu?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Mogadishu.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Mogadishu
Cheapest Ways to Live in Mogadishu
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Mogadishu typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $130/month compared to $230/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 Mogadishu, Somalia.
Is Mogadishu Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 14/100 and a quality of life score of 20/100, Mogadishu is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 25 relative to New York City, Mogadishu remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Somalia has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Mogadishu Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Mogadishu", "Mogadishu monthly expenses 2026", and "is Mogadishu affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $580, a safety score of 10/100, and healthcare rated 18/100, Mogadishu offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Somalia.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026