You’ll typically need about $800–$1,200 per month to live modestly in Djibouti, with rent and food driving most costs. City-center one-bedrooms can run low or near $241 but expat listings hit ~$1,000; cheaper units exist outside center. Monthly food and dining can push totals toward $1,000, utilities are around $41, and internet about $26. Public transport is cheap; taxis and fuel cost more. Keep going to see detailed breakdowns and saving tips.

Overview of Djibouti’s Cost of Living

Although Djibouti’s overall cost of living is below the global average, you’ll still see variation by category: the country-wide index sits at $581 (about 1.97 times cheaper than the world average, ranking 168th of 197).

Djibouti’s cost of living is below the global average, with a country index of $581.

A city-center one-bedroom goes for roughly $241 versus $168 for a budget unit, and typical monthly expenses including rent, utilities, transport, and food hover near $1,000—with dining out able to push that higher.

You’ll find the Cost of Living relatively low compared with many countries, but estimated monthly costs depend on lifestyle choices.

Public transport is inexpensive: a local ticket is $0.49 and an 8 km taxi is $7.43, so commuting remains affordable.

Eating out is also budget-friendly; expect about $4.08 for a lunch menu and $22.20 for dinner for two.

When comparing scenarios, factor in frequency of dining out and transport mode — small shifts in those variables move estimated monthly costs noticeably.

Housing and Utilities Costs

Moving from overall living costs to where you’ll spend the most, housing and utilities show wide variation across Djibouti.

You’ll find stark contrasts between central and peripheral neighborhoods that directly affect your housing expenses and monthly utility bills.

1. City-center rents are high: a one-bedroom averages about $1,000/month, while a three-bedroom lists near $511/month in some central areas, reflecting demand and amenities.
2. Outside the center you can cut rent dramatically: one-bedrooms around $168/month illustrate how location drives cost.
3. Utilities are modest: monthly utility bills for an individual average $41.2, covering essentials like water and electricity, so your baseline overhead stays low compared with rent.
4. Connectivity costs: reliable internet (50+ Mbps) runs about $25.7/month, an important factor if you work remotely.

Food, Groceries, and Dining Out

If you stick to groceries and occasional local meals, expect monthly food costs near $1,000. However, eating out quickly raises that total: a typical lunch runs about $4.08, fast-food meals cost roughly $5.16, and a dinner for two averages $22.20.

You’ll find grocery staples modestly priced—milk about $1.20 per liter and 0.5 kg of bread around $0.83—so home cooking can meaningfully lower living expenses versus frequent dining.

Coffee and drinks are cheap by regional expat standards: a cappuccino is ~$1.92 and a 0.5 L local beer is ~$1.86, which makes casual café outings affordable compared with restaurant dinners.

Compare costs: three weekly restaurant lunches at $4.08 each adds about $49 monthly, while a single weekly dinner for two at $22.20 totals nearly $97.

You can control overall food spending by balancing groceries, occasional fast food, and selective restaurant meals to align with your budget and lifestyle.

Transportation and Fuel Prices

After weighing food costs, you’ll want to contemplate how getting around will affect your monthly budget: local bus tickets run about $0.49, making short trips inexpensive, but taxis (an 8 km ride ≈ $7.43) add up if you use them often.

You’ll compare modes by frequency and distance: public transport is cheap per trip but limited in coverage; taxis are convenient yet costly for daily commuting; owning a car shifts costs to gasoline and purchase price.

1. Bus: $0.49 per ticket — best for frequent short trips, lowest transportation costs per ride.
2. Taxi: ≈ $7.43 for 8 km — useful for irregular or late-night trips, costly if used daily.
3. Gasoline prices: ≈ $1.08 per liter — factor this into monthly fuel budgets if you drive.
4. Used car: ≈ $16,000 purchase — upfront cost raises monthly expenses compared with relying on public options.

Use this data to model your likely monthly transport spending.

Healthcare, Personal Care, and Insurance

Expect healthcare to be a notable part of your budget in Djibouti: a short private doctor visit runs about 9,490 Franc, while a 12-dose box of antibiotics is ~2,225 Franc.

Basic personal care items and common medicines—deodorant ~769 Franc, six-day cold medicine ~1,210 Franc—add predictable monthly costs.

Healthcare Costs Breakdown

Although healthcare in Djibouti can feel pricier than in many U.S. cities, you’ll see concrete examples: a 15-minute private doctor visit runs about 9,490 Franc, cold medicine for six days is roughly 1,210 Franc, and a 12-dose box of antibiotics costs near 2,225 Franc.

You’ll compare these healthcare costs to your expected budget and estimated monthly costs for minor illnesses and routine visits.

Data-driven points:

1. Single private visit: 9,490 Franc — plan for occasional specialist or follow-up fees.
2. Common meds: 1,210–2,225 Franc — expect higher per-episode drug spend than some U.S. regions.
3. Basic personal care items (e.g., deodorant 769 Franc) add to monthly spend variability.
4. Prices fluctuate with availability and market conditions; budget a 5–10% buffer.

Personal Care & Insurance

Because healthcare and personal care prices in Djibouti run noticeably higher than in many parts of the U.S., you’ll want to factor specific item costs into your budget: a private doctor visit costs about 9,490 Franc, cold medicine for six days 1,210 Franc, and a 12-dose box of antibiotics 2,225 Franc.

Deodorant (roll-on, 50ml) runs near 769 Franc, so personal care items add up quickly. Overall living costs are roughly 7% higher than in Oklahoma City, reflecting healthcare-driven inflation.

For planning, use estimated monthly costs that combine occasional doctor visits, prescription needs, and routine hygiene purchases. Data is limited; contribute local receipts or surveys to improve the accuracy of personal care and healthcare cost estimates.

Entertainment, Leisure, and Services

A few routine outings and paid activities can push your monthly budget noticeably higher in Djibouti, since dining out, events, and recreational facilities tend to carry mid-to-high local prices compared with basic living costs.

You should plan for variable entertainment expenses: monthly outlays depend on frequency of dining and event attendance, with a dinner for two around $22.20 illustrating local leisure cost levels.

1. Dining and social meals — Regular restaurant visits add up quickly; a few mid-range dinners per month will raise your entertainment spend relative to groceries.
2. Events and cultural activities — Admissions and participation fees vary; attending local festivals or performances can require a noticeable allocation.
3. Recreational facilities — Gyms, clubs, and leisure venues are costlier in popular neighborhoods, influencing where you choose to spend.
4. Variable local options — Free or low-cost community activities exist, but relying on paid venues will materially increase your monthly leisure budget.

Budgeting Tips for Expats and Residents

You can structure a monthly budget around the $581 average cost of living, allocating roughly $241 for city-center rent (or $168 outside the center), $41 for utilities, and $26 for internet to keep fixed costs predictable.

To cut food bills—where dining out can push monthly costs toward $1,000—compare grocery prices, buy local staples, and limit restaurant meals (dinner for two averages $22.20).

For housing savings, weigh cheaper neighborhoods and calculate transport trade-offs (local tickets $0.49, 8 km taxi $7.43) to balance rent versus commute costs.

Monthly Expense Breakdown

Monthly budgets in Djibouti run lean compared with global norms, averaging about $581 per month—roughly half the world average—so you can expect lower baseline living costs.

Use these estimated monthly costs when planning living in Djibouti and compare line items to other countries to prioritize spending.

1. Rent: expect ~$241 for a one-bedroom city-center flat or ~$511 for a three-bedroom, letting you choose density versus comfort.
2. Food: an estimated $1,000 monthly food budget reflects combined groceries and dining; it’s the largest single variance versus rent.
3. Utilities & internet: utilities run about $41.2 per person; a 50 Mbps+ internet plan costs ~$25.7.
4. Transportation: local tickets cost ~$0.49; taxis (~8 km) run ~$7.43, useful for occasional trips.

Affordable Grocery Strategies

Having seen how rent, utilities and dining shape the $581 average budget, focus next on groceries to control food spending—about $1,000 monthly if you rely heavily on eating out.

You can cut that by prioritizing affordable grocery strategies: shop local markets, compare prices between vendors, and favor domestic produce over imported items.

With milk at roughly $1.20 per liter and 0.5 kg bread about $0.83, staple substitutions lower costs measurably.

Track estimated monthly costs by keeping receipts and targeting a weekly spend ceiling; a disciplined plan often halves overspend on meals out.

Compare supermarket versus market baskets weekly to adjust purchases.

These data-driven, comparative choices let you manage food expenditure effectively without sacrificing quality.

Housing and Utility Hacks

While rent in Djibouti’s city center averages about $241 for a one-bedroom (and can dip to $168 in cheaper areas), expats often face listings near $1,000 depending on location and amenities—so compare neighborhoods, unit sizes, and shared versus solo rentals to cut costs.

You’ll pair housing choices with predictable utility bills—about $41.2 monthly for a single person—and affordable internet at $25.7 for 50 Mbps+.

Use these comparative, cost-focused hacks to optimize your budget:

1. Share a 2–3 bedroom to split rent and reduce per-person housing expense versus solo units.
2. Target peripheral neighborhoods where one-bed rents fall toward $168 rather than $1,000-priced central options.
3. Bundle services or negotiate internet and electricity for lower combined utility bills.
4. Inspect amenities vs. cost to avoid paying for unused services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cost of Living in Djibouti?

You’ll pay about $581 monthly; cost breakdown shows housing prices around $241 for a one‑bedroom city center, $511 for three bedrooms, lower than global averages, with modest food and transport costs compared comparatively.

Is Djibouti City Expensive?

Yes — you’ll find Djibouti City expensive: cost comparison shows it’s 1.5× Paris index, local expenses like $1,000 rent and $22.20 dinners drive higher monthly costs, so budget accordingly.

Is Djibouti a Nice Place to Live?

Like a hidden gem, you’ll find Djibouti appealing if you value cultural experiences and community engagement; it’s comparatively affordable regionally, has unique coastal scenery, but limited salaries and higher living costs than many cities, so weigh trade-offs.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Africa in Dollars?

You’ll see living expenses across Africa range roughly $200–$1,200 monthly; on average about $500–$700, with cost comparison showing Djibouti near $581, meaning significant variation driven by city, country, and inflation.

Conclusion

Living in Djibouti will likely cost you more than many nearby African countries but less than major global capitals, like a tight budget compared to a roomy one. Expect high rents and imported-food prices, moderate transport costs, and limited public healthcare—private insurance often necessary. Compare neighborhoods, shop local markets, and factor utilities and fuel into monthly estimates. With targeted choices and contingency savings, you can control expenses and live comfortably without overspending.