Addis Ababa is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Addis Ababa?
You should plan to spend around $35 (ETB4,558) per day on your vacation in Addis Ababa. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $13 (ETB1,723) on meals
- $3.40 (ETB445) on local transportation
- $38 (ETB4,949) on hotels
A one week trip to Addis Ababa for two people costs, on average, $487 (ETB63,812). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$243
ETB31,906
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$487
ETB63,812
-
One Month
Per person
$1,043
ETB136,740
-
One Week
For a couple
$487
ETB63,812
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$974
ETB127,624
-
One Month
For a couple
$2,086
ETB273,480
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Addis Ababa cost?
A one week trip to Addis Ababa usually costs around $243 (ETB31,906) for one person and $487 (ETB63,812) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Addis Ababa on average costs around $487 (ETB63,812) for one person and $974 (ETB127,624) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Addis Ababa will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Addis Ababa on average costs around $1,043 (ETB136,740) for one person and $2,086 (ETB273,480) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Addis Ababa expensive to visit?
Addis Ababa is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Although Addis Ababa can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $13 (ETB1,777) per day, mid-range travelers spend $34 (ETB4,558) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $90 (ETB11,875) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Addis Ababa.
Within Africa, Addis Ababa is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Africa for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Addis Ababa.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Addis Ababa Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Addis Ababa?
The average Addis Ababa trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Addis Ababa travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Addis Ababa cost?
Addis Ababa on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$7
(ETB977)
|
$19
(ETB2,475)
|
$48
(ETB6,265)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$1
(ETB172)
|
$3
(ETB445)
|
$9
(ETB1,187)
|
|
Food2
|
$5
(ETB660)
|
$13
(ETB1,723)
|
$36
(ETB4,660)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$1
(ETB179)
|
$4
(ETB460)
|
$9
(ETB1,206)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-2
(ETB75-226)
|
$1-4
(ETB190-570)
|
$4-11
(ETB477-1,430)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Addis Ababa is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
Addis Ababa on a Shoestring Budget?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $13 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. A trip to Addis Ababa wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $34 per person, per day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $90 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the destination, prepare for a luxury price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Addis Ababa
In Addis Ababa, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $ and peak season rising to an average of $. Prices typically range from $ to $, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Addis Ababa for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $38 (ETB4,949). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $19 (ETB2,475) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Addis Ababa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Addis Ababa include:
- Caravan Hotel Addis Ababa starting at $43
- Sidra International Hotel starting at $81
- Reliance Hotel Apartment starting at $74
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of , you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Transportation Budget in Addis Ababa
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $3.40 (ETB445) per person, per day, on local transportation in Addis Ababa. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Addis Ababa is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$3.40
ETB445
Bole International Airport, the busiest airport in East Africa and the hub of Ethiopian Airlines, is located at the southeast end of the city. It is serviced by several international airlines with daily flights to Europe, United States, and Asia as well as inter-African destinations including Accra, Bamako, Brazzaville, Cairo, Dakar, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Khartoum, Harare, Johannesburg, Nairobi, and many other cities in Africa. There are two terminals-one for domestic flights and one for international.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- City and Airport Transfer in Addis Ababa for $35 details
- Lalibela Full Day Tour with Guide and Transfer for $130 details
- City/Airport Transfers-Addis Ababa for $24 details
How much does it cost to go to Addis Ababa? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Addis Ababa will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Below, you'll find common transit prices in Addis Ababa, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.
Food Budget in Addis Ababa
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Addis Ababa can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Addis Ababa is $13 (ETB1,723) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$13
ETB1,723
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Addis Ababa is around $13 (ETB1723) per person, with previous travelers spending from $5 to $35. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Addis Ababa are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $4
- Lunch: $2 to $5
- Dinner: $4 to $9
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Central to Ethiopian cuisine is a bread-like food called Injera. It is a yeast-risen flat bread with a unique, slightly spongy texture and mildly sour taste, traditionally made out of tef flour. The Injera is typically laid out on a platter and accompanied by a smattering of spicy stews, cooked vegetables, and salads for dipping. Other common mixed platters include Maheberawi (meat mixed plate) which usually combines several stews like key wat (beef stew), tibs (lamb, beef or goat cubes stir-fried with herbs and spices), and kitfo (raw ground beef) as well as Yetsom Beyaynetu (vegetarian mixed plate) which usually includes several types of lentil and split pea stews with kale (gomen) and a spicy tomato stew (sils). A few additional meat dishes include Doro Wat (chicken stew), Minchet (spicy ground beef stew), and Gomen Be Sega (meat with vegetables), while vegetarian selections include Shiro (chickpea stew), Mesir Wat (red lentil stew), and Kik Wat (split pea stew). Coffee in Ethiopia is also of the highest quality, and is often served in a ceremonial process which involves three rounds of coffee that proceed from strong (abol) to medium (tona) to weak (baraka), with the final round considered as bestowing a blessing on the coffee drinker.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Addis Ababa, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Half Day Food Tour Addis Ababa With Airport pickUp And Drop-Off for $75 details
- Local Ethiopian Food Tour Addis Ababa for $62 details
- Flavors of Ethiopia Explore Traditional Cooking Class for $67 details
Food and meal prices in Addis Ababa, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Addis Ababa
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Addis Ababa typically cost an average of $3.51 (ETB460) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$3.51
ETB460
Meskel Square serves as a central gathering place to Addis Ababa. It is often used as a location for festivals and political demonstrations and is a good point of reference for local transportation. Also in the square is the official Ethiopian Tourism office, and nearby are two museums: The Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum (a small and modern museum showing and explaining the period of "Red Terror" in Ethiopia) and the Addis Ababa Museum (which focuses solely on artifacts and exhibits from Addis Ababa). Other museums worth visiting include the Ethiopian National Museum, which features artifacts from all over Ethiopia spanning thousands of years, as well as the Ethiopian Ethnological Museum, which showcases exhibits relating to the ethnic history and culture of Ethiopia.
Addis Ababa is also home to a selection of impressive landmarks and monuments. Tiglachan Monument, for example, located on Churchill Avenue, is a memorial of the Ogaden War with Somalia, while the Statue of the Lion of Judah, in front of the old Railway Station in Addis Ababa, represents the Ethiopian pride and the emperor. There is also another Statue of the Lion of Judah made from black stone that sits outside the National Theater. As far as religious landmarks go, St. George's Cathedral and museum is the most famous place of worship in the city, featuring memorabilia from the ancient church and a collection of religious writings, Ethiopian crosses, and clothing. Alternatively, the Holy Trinity Cathedral is the most sacred Ethiopian Orthodox church in the city, and one of the most sacred sites of worship in Ethiopia after the churches of Lalibela.
Walking around and exploring Addis Ababa on foot is one of the best ways to experience the life and character of the city. An especially popular place to do so is at the Mercato market where visitors can get a taste of the culture of Addis from crowds of people going about their daily bustle to a large selection of street food, local crafts, and souvenirs. Another great place to explore is the Bole sub-city of Addis Ababa - a modern trendy district of town, packed with shopping centers, the Edna Mall cinema, condos, hotels, and plenty of both international and upscale Ethiopian restaurants.
A nice way to explore destinations in Addis Ababa is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Go where thelocalsgo, Eatwhat the localseat!open MarketTour&More for $71 details
- Addis Ababa City Tour for $65 details
- Addis Ababa +Mount Entoto View Point,Museums Palace Market Tours for $66 details
Nightlife Budget in Addis Ababa
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $2.90 (ETB380) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Addis Ababa per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$2.90
ETB380
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Addis Ababa. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Pub-crawl Tour ( locally crafted beer and wine tasting ) for $46 details
- Night Tour Addis Ababa beer and wine tasting for $65 details
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 25, 2025
Traveling in Addis Ababa
Injera, typical Ethiopian food
Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and also the nation's largest when ranked by its population of over three million. There are also more than 120 international missions and embassies in Addis Ababa, making the city a hub for international diplomacy concerning Africa. Other draws include its thriving marketplaces, spicy food, and rich coffee.
As it's the transportation hub of the country, you won't be able to skip it unless you fly in and out right away.
Neighborhoods & Around
Areas like CMC, Ayat, Gerji, and Lebu are mostly quiet residential neighborhoods. Bole Road (also called Airport Road) and the Haya Hulet area are fairly high standard with plenty of cafes, restaurants, accommodations, and opportunities for shopping. Besides Bole and Haya Hulet another popular hub for tourists is the Mercato, an open air market still in use that dates from the colonial administration of the late 1930s. It is also one of the largest outdoor markets in the world, featuring items from tourist t-shirts and souvenirs to handcrafted goods made with wood, metal, fabric, and more. Other shopping centers include a string of souvenir shops on Churchill Avenue going downhill from Tomoca cafe as well as Shiromeda Market between Sidist Kilo & Mt Entoto which offers a calmer alternative to the bustle of Mercato. Haggling is widely practiced in most shopping areas of the city.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.