🇪🇷 Cost of Living in Eritrea - Prices & Budget Guide
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameState of Eritrea
CapitalAsmara
Population3.6 million
Area117,600 km² (45,406 sq mi)
LanguagesArabic, English, Tigrinya
CurrencyEritrean nakfa (Nfk)
TimezoneUTC+03:00
RegionAfrica / Eastern Africa
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Economic Indicators
Health Spend per Capita$28 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend48.5% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data
Quick Facts
Cost LevelAffordable
Daily Budget (Backpacker)$20-30 USD
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)$30-50 USD
Daily Budget (Comfort)$50-80 USD
CurrencyERN
Tipping Customnot expected
How Expensive Is Eritrea?
Eritrea is considered an affordable country to visit or live in, with a cost of living that is lower than many of its neighboring countries. Compared to other African nations, Eritrea has a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers and expats. The country's economy is largely driven by agriculture and remittances from abroad, which has helped to keep prices low. However, it's worth noting that the cost of living in Eritrea can vary depending on the location, with the capital city Asmara tend to be more expensive than other parts of the country.
Overall, Eritrea is a great value destination for travelers, with a unique cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. From the colonial-era architecture of Asmara to the stunning beaches of the Red Sea coast, there's plenty to see and do in Eritrea without breaking the bank. With some basic planning and research, visitors can have a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Eritrea without overspending.
Accommodation Prices
Type
Price Range (USD/night)
Notes
Hostel/Budget
$5-15
Basic rooms with shared facilities
Mid-Range Hotel
$20-40
Comfortable rooms with private bathroom and air conditioning
Luxury/Resort
$50-100
High-end amenities and services, often located in Asmara or near the coast
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$100-300
City center apartments tend to be more expensive, while those outside the city center are more affordable
Food & Dining Prices
Meal Type
Price Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery
$1-3
Casual Restaurant
$5-10
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)
$15-30
Fine Dining
$30-50
Beer (local)
$2-5
Coffee
$1-3
Water (1.5L bottle)
$1-2
Transport Costs
Transport
Cost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride
$0.50-1.00
Taxi (per km)
$1-2
Domestic flight
$50-100
Fuel (per liter)
$0.50-1.00
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget ($)
Mid-Range ($)
Comfortable ($)
Rent
100
200
400
Food
150
300
500
Transport
50
100
200
Utilities
50
100
150
Entertainment
50
100
200
Total
400
800
1450
Money-Saving Tips
Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations, such as hostels or guesthouses, to save on accommodation costs.
Eat at local eateries or street food stalls to sample traditional Eritrean cuisine at a fraction of the cost of mid-range restaurants.
Use public transportation, such as buses or taxis, to get around instead of renting a car or hiring a private driver.
Avoid traveling during peak season (June to September) to avoid higher prices for accommodations and tourist services.
Learn some basic Tigrinya phrases, such as "hello" (selam) and "thank you" (hamid), to show respect for the local culture and people.
Bargain at markets and shops to get the best prices for souvenirs and other goods.