The cost of living in Somalia depends mainly on whether you live like a local resident or like an international worker who needs secure housing, generators and a driver. Reliable official price data is limited. One 2026 cost guide puts furnished 2 to 3 bedroom apartments in Mogadishu at roughly $800 to $2,500 a month, while everyday food and transport are cheap in dollar terms. Treat every figure here as a rough estimate and verify it locally.
Quick answer
There is no trustworthy single monthly figure. Rent in Mogadishu starts around $200 to $500 for a shared furnished room and runs to $800 to $2,500 for a furnished apartment. Secure compounds cost far more. Food and local transport are inexpensive, but security, power and imported goods add up quickly.
What Is the Cost of Living in Somalia?
Published figures come from expatriate cost guides and crowdsourced sites, not government statistics, and they are often based on very few price points. The Expatistan listing for Mogadishu, for example, says its rent figure is based on only two price points and is a guess. Use the ranges below for planning, then confirm prices with local contacts or your employer.
Housing and Rent
According to the Africarrieres 2026 cost guide, monthly rents in US dollars are about:
| Housing | Monthly rent (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Shared furnished room | $200 to $500 |
| Furnished 2 to 3 bedroom apartment, Mogadishu | $800 to $2,500 |
| Residential property, Hargeisa | $400 to $1,200 |
| Bosaso and Kismayo | $300 to $800 |
| Secure compound with generator and water tank, Mogadishu | $3,000 to $5,000 |
Landlords often ask for several months’ rent in advance plus a deposit, so cash needed at move-in can be much higher than the monthly figure. Local housing outside the expat market can cost less, but quality, security and services vary.
Food and Transport
The same guide lists these approximate prices:
- Local restaurant meal: $3 to $8. A mid-range restaurant meal is $10 to $20.
- Staples: 10 kg of rice $15 to $25, 10 kg of flour $12 to $20, a dozen eggs $2 to $4.
- Meat and fish: goat or lamb $4 to $7 per kg, fish $3 to $6 per kg.
- Imported packaged food: $50 to $100 or more a month if you rely on it.
- Fuel: about $1.00 to $1.50 per liter.
- Shared minibus: $0.50 to $2 per trip. Taxis cost $2 to $10 per ride.
- 4×4 with driver: $1,500 to $3,500 a month, which international staff often need for security.
Utilities and Healthcare
Electricity in Somalia is supplied mostly by private operators and is among the most expensive in the region, so utilities often cost more than residents elsewhere expect. I could not verify a current average, so none is quoted. Ask landlords and neighbors what they pay for electricity, water delivery and generator fuel.
Healthcare is mostly private. Expect to pay out of pocket for clinics and pharmacies, and arrange medical evacuation insurance if you are a foreign visitor or worker. Check your government’s travel advice before you plan a trip.
How to Budget for Living in Somalia
- Decide where you will live and what level of security you need. This sets most of the budget.
- Price rent and the advance payment first.
- Add transport, including a driver if advised.
- Add electricity, water and generator costs from local quotes.
- Keep a cash reserve for emergencies and medical care.
For comparison with other African budgets, see our guides to the cost of living in Ethiopia and the cost of living in The Gambia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Somalia?
There is no official average. Furnished apartments in Mogadishu are around $800 to $2,500 a month, shared rooms $200 to $500, and secure compounds much more. Food and local transport are cheap.
Is Somalia cheap to live in?
Local food and transport are inexpensive, but rent for secure housing, power and imported goods can be high compared with neighboring countries.
How much is rent in Mogadishu?
Roughly $800 to $2,500 a month for a furnished 2 to 3 bedroom apartment, according to one 2026 cost guide. Prices vary a lot by neighborhood and security level.
Do I need security and a driver?
Many foreign residents and organizations use secure compounds and vehicles with drivers. Follow your government’s travel advice and local guidance.
Conclusion
Somalia can be inexpensive for local-style living but costly for secure, international-standard housing. Rely on current local quotes, budget for advance rent and security, and treat published averages with caution.
