Ethiopia🇪🇹

At a Glance

How Ethiopia compares across key indices

Quality of Life60Safety50Healthcare52Affordability40Climate97Clean Air74

Cost of Living

40 vs NYC

100 = NYC

Safety Index

50/100

Healthcare

52/100

Quality of Life

60/200

Climate

97/100

Cost of Living

How far your money goes in Ethiopia

Cost of Living

40

100 = NYC baseline

Rent Index

17

100 = NYC rent

Groceries

43

100 = NYC groceries

Restaurant Prices

23

100 = NYC dining

City Costs Comparison

Addis Ababa

Cheapest

$1,522/mo

Food$82

Safety & Crime

Moderate Risk

How safe residents feel in Ethiopia — based on surveys of people living there

Safety Index

50/100

Crime Index

50/100

Lower is better

Crime Trend

71/100

Crime perceived as increasing

Walking Safety

Daytime70
Nighttime39

31 point drop from day to night

Problem Severity

Corruption & bribery
Very High76
Property crimes
Moderate60
Violent crimes
Low45
Drug-related crime
Low39

0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem

What Residents Worry About

Things stolen from car
Moderate60
Being mugged or robbed
Moderate58
Home broken into
Moderate46
Car stolen
Moderate46
Being physically attacked
Low43
Being insulted or harassed
Low42
Targeted for skin/ethnicity/religion
Low29

Based on 136 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.

Cities in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has 1 city with Numbeo data. Addis Ababa has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $1,522. Addis Ababa leads on safety, scoring 50/100.

💸Most Affordable

Addis Ababa

$1,522/mo

Safest

Addis Ababa

50/100

CityMonthly CostSafetyQuality of LifeHealthcarePollution
Addis Ababa$1,52250/100——75

Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.

Compare Cities Side by Side

Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life

Healthcare

Healthcare system overview for Ethiopia

Healthcare Index

52/100

Quality Breakdown

Friendliness & Courtesy61/100
Speed of Service56/100
Staff Skill & Competency51/100
Modern Equipment51/100
Accuracy & Completeness43/100
Responsiveness & Waitlist43/100
Cost Satisfaction48/100

How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality

Based on 26 survey responses

Insurance Coverage

None
42.3%
Employer Sponsored
26.9%
Private
19.2%
Public
11.5%
Healthcare52Safety50Quality of Life60
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Environment

Polluted

Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Ethiopia

Pollution Index

74/100

Lower is better

Environmental Quality

Comfortable to Spend Time45/100
Drinking Water Quality41/100
Air Quality38/100
Green Spaces & Parks30/100
Clean & Tidy28/100
Garbage Disposal26/100

Concerns

Water Pollution67/100
Noise & Light Pollution59/100

0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern

Based on 75 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.

Transport & Commute

How people get around in Ethiopia

Average One-Way Commute

66minutes

Very Long

Traffic Index

298

Heavy congestion

Inefficiency

257

Time wasted in traffic

CO2 Emissions

3.9kg/trip

How People Commute

Car30.8%
Bus/Trolleybus30.8%
Walking15.4%
Working from Home15.4%
Bicycle7.7%

Based on 14 survey responses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living in Ethiopia, answered with data

What is the cost of living in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia has a cost of living index of 40 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,522 in Addis Ababa.

Is Ethiopia safe for expats?

Ethiopia has a safety index of 50/100, making it moderately safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Addis Ababa scores highest on safety at 50/100.

How good is healthcare in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia scores 52/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it adequate by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.

Is Ethiopia cheaper than the United States?

Yes. Ethiopia's cost of living is roughly 60% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 83% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.

What is the air quality and pollution like in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia has a pollution index of 74/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.

Before You Go

Your pre-departure checklist for Ethiopia

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