Cost of living in Eritrea compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 8% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Eritrea is 8% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Eritrea | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | Nakfa165 ($11) | $21 | - 47% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | Nakfa150 ($10) | $12 | - 16% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | Nakfa300 ($20) | $5.52 | + 262% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | Nakfa25 ($1.69) | $1.07 | + 58% | |
12 eggs, large | Nakfa72 ($4.79) | $5.00 | - 4% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | Nakfa25 ($1.67) | $4.46 | - 63% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | Nakfa141 ($9) | $7 | + 38% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | Nakfa125 ($8) | $3.76 | + 122% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | Nakfa30 ($2.00) | $1.97 | + 1% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | Nakfa23 ($1.51) | $4.06 | - 63% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | Nakfa275 ($18) | $18 | + 2% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | Nakfa15 ($1.00) | $2.91 | - 66% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | Nakfa17 ($1.13) | $2.63 | - 57% | |
Housing | - 42% | |||
Housing in Eritrea is 42% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Eritrea | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | - | $2,758 | - | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | Nakfa6,200 ($413) | $2,039 | - 80% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | Nakfa3,000 ($200) | $228 | - 12% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | Nakfa5,183 ($346) | $2,063 | - 83% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | Nakfa5,000 ($333) | $1,471 | - 77% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | Nakfa2,000 ($133) | $166 | - 20% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | Nakfa1,000 ($67) | $59 | + 12% | |
40” flat screen tv | Nakfa10,000 ($667) | $252 | + 165% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | Nakfa5,000 ($333) | $148 | + 125% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | Nakfa100 ($7) | $15 | - 55% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | Nakfa200 ($13) | $34 | - 60% | |
Clothes | - 8% | |||
Clothes in Eritrea is 8% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Eritrea | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | Nakfa555 ($37) | $56 | - 34% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | Nakfa1,000 ($67) | $53 | + 25% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | Nakfa1,150 ($77) | $106 | - 28% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | Nakfa926 ($62) | $139 | - 55% | |
Transportation | + 8% | |||
Transportation in Eritrea is 8% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Eritrea | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | Nakfa300,000 ($20,000) | $30,117 | - 34% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | Nakfa32 ($2.12) | $0.93 | + 127% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | - | $80 | - | |
Personal Care | - 11% | |||
Personal Care in Eritrea is 11% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Eritrea | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | Nakfa25 ($1.67) | $10 | - 83% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | Nakfa90 ($6.00) | $22 | - 72% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | - | $174 | - | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | Nakfa120 ($8) | $9 | - 13% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | Nakfa125 ($8) | $5.28 | + 58% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | Nakfa125 ($8) | $7 | + 21% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | Nakfa55 ($3.67) | $5.01 | - 27% | |
Tube of toothpaste | Nakfa65 ($4.34) | $2.41 | + 80% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | - | $30 | - | |
Entertainment | - 59% | |||
Entertainment in Eritrea is 59% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Eritrea | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | Nakfa382 ($25) | $61 | - 58% | |
2 tickets to the movies | - | $30 | - | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | Nakfa550 ($37) | $208 | - 82% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | Nakfa915 ($61) | $103 | - 41% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | Nakfa100 ($7) | $15 | - 55% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | Nakfa25 ($1.67) | $6 | - 72% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | Nakfa24 ($1.60) | $7 | - 78% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | Nakfa8,750 ($583) | $489 | + 19% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | Nakfa1.50 ($0.10) | $0.55 | - 82% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | Nakfa325 ($22) | $64 | - 66% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | Nakfa50 ($3.33) | $11 | - 69% | |
TOTAL | - 28% |

These prices were last updated on February 09, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.06667
USD
/
ERN
Cost of living in Eritrea is 28% cheaper than in United States
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