Is Ethiopia Expensive?

Is Ethiopia expensive to visit?

While Ethiopia is a popular destination, it is also fairly affordable and not very expensive to visit. Compared to other countries in Africa, travelers find it to be a reasonably affordable country. Ranked in the top 25% of countries in Africa for its affordability, our cost analysis found it to be comparable to countries such as Malawi and Botswana.

Ethiopia is not frequented by travelers as much as other countries, but it still offers destinations that attract plenty of visitors. One of the most expensive places to visit in Ethiopia is Addis Ababa. For more affordability, you can visit Addis Ababa.


Average daily price of selected cities in Ethiopia, by affordability
City Average Daily Cost
Addis Ababa $68


Injera, typical Ethiopian food

How expensive is Ethiopia?

The average daily spending amount for tourists in Ethiopia tends to be around $57 (U.S. Dollars). Keep in mind that your travel style, spending habits, and trip length will influence these costs. However, you can keep fairly close to this budget if you opt for moderately priced hotels, dine at economical restaurants, and make use of public transportation when available. See more travel costs for Ethiopia here.

How expensive is a one week trip to Ethiopia?

On average, a one week trip to Ethiopia costs about $399 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one week trip costs $798.

How expensive is a two week trip to Ethiopia?

A two week trip to Ethiopia costs about $798 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a two week trip costs $1,596.

How expensive is a month long trip to Ethiopia?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one month trip to Ethiopia costs around $1,710 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one month trip costs $3,420.



Lalibela, Ethiopia

Is it expensive to backpack in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia isn't the first place that comes to mind for most backpackers. There aren't many hostels around the country, so traveling here as a backpacker on a budget could be challenging. This is especially true for solo travelers who might need to pay for the full price of a hotel room on their own. To save money, look for budget hotels or guest houses.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Ethiopia.

  • $10 for a dorm bed at Mad Vervet Hostel in Addis Ababa

Where to find affordable hostels in Ethiopia
City Number of Hostels Average Price for a Dorm
Addis Ababa 1 $10

Are hotels expensive in Ethiopia?

When considering the analysis of hotel prices in Ethiopia, it becomes apparent that they are notably more budget-friendly compared to other countries. The average nightly price for a hotel room is around $59. However, within Ethiopia, be aware of varying prices across cities, with destinations like commanding a higher average of per night. For those looking for more economical choices, offers a budget-friendly alternative, with hotel prices averaging per night.


Where to find affordable hotels in Ethiopia
City Average Hotel Price

Mike leyland street, Addis Ababa
Overall Rating 9.5

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Ethiopia?

Activities and things to do in Ethiopia can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $20 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.

    • Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour: $75
    • Every day Addis Ababa City Tour : $76
    • Rock Churches of Lalibela Guided Tour: $55
    • Addis Ababa Private Guided City Tours : $80
    • Guided tour of Tigray rock hewn churches: $41
    • Museum Highlights Guided Day Tour in Addis Ababa: $103
    • Awash National Park Tours: $295
    • Private Half Day Guided tour in Addis Ababa New Flower: $70

    Is food expensive in Ethiopia?

    Food in Ethiopia can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $15 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

    • Private Ethiopian Home Cooking Class in Addis Ababa with Transfer: $124
    • Food Tour in Addis Ababa: $205
    • Ethiopian Cooking Class and Coffee Ceremony with a Local in Addis with transfers: $154
    • Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Coffee Ceremony at a Home in Addis Ababa: $168
    • HALF DAY + DINNER Addis Ababa City Tour: $140
    • Cooking a diversity of Ethiopia food; Enjoy the rular area life &coffee ceremony: $10

    Is transportation expensive in Ethiopia?

    Local transportation in Ethiopia can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $6 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

    Intercity transportation in Ethiopia can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $36 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.

    More for Ethiopia

    If you're planning a trip to Ethiopia, check out these other informative travel guides.



    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.



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