Families moving to Addis Ababa tend to ask the same three questions: where will we live, where will the children go to school, and how much will all of this cost? The honest answer is that housing and schooling are the two big numbers, and they can be very different depending on your choices. This guide gives you a realistic picture so you can plan before you land.
A note on prices: the birr has been weak and inflation high, so many landlords and schools quote in US dollars, and figures change quickly. Treat everything below as a planning range and confirm directly with the landlord or school.
Housing: your biggest monthly cost
Rent depends heavily on the area and on whether the flat is furnished.
• A general benchmark for a decent one-bedroom apartment is around Br 115,000 per month, and around Br 150,000 for a typical two-bedroom (verify).
• Listings in the most sought-after expat areas (Bole Atlas, Old Airport, Kazanchis, Sarbet and CMC) are often advertised in dollars at much higher levels, with larger family apartments in the low thousands of dollars per month.
• Rents in formal housing have been rising, with one 2026 estimate putting the rise at roughly 15% year on year (verify).
For a more detailed area-by-area comparison, see our guide to the cheapest areas to rent an apartment in Addis Ababa.
International schools: the biggest decision
Addis Ababa has around ten international schools offering British, IB, French, German and American-style programmers. Published fees for 2025–26 and 2026–27 vary widely:
Note:- These figures come from third-party school-fee databases and school publications, so always request the current fee schedule from the school itself
Watch the extras. Tuition is rarely the full cost. Registration, capital levies, transport, uniforms, lunch, exam fees and activities can add around 5% to 10% on top of the headline tuition, and sometimes more. Fees also change each school year, and some schools have had public disputes with parents about increases.
Ways to lower the bill:
• Some schools offer a discount (for example, around 5% at one school) if you pay a full year’s tuition in advance. Discounts usually apply to tuition only, not registration, transport or uniforms.
• Ask about sibling discounts.
• Ask whether your employer covers school fees as part of a relocation package.
• Compare the registration, deposit and refund terms. Registration fees are often non-refundable.
We cover the main schools, curricula and locations in more detail in our guides to the top international schools and tuition fees.
Daycares and early years
For children under school age, you can choose between daycares, nursery programmers, and the early-years sections of international schools. Fees vary a great deal by area, hours and facilities, and there is no single published price list, so use these questions when you visit:
• What is the monthly fee, and what is included (meals, diapers, activities)?
• Is there a registration or annual fee?
• What are the opening hours, and what is the late pick-up policy?
• What is the staff-to-child ratio, and how are the staff trained?
• How are sickness, emergencies and hygiene handled?
Our list of the best daycares in Addis Ababa is a good place to start your shortlist. Ask each daycare for its fee schedule in writing.
The other costs most newcomers forget
• Utilities and backup. Reliable water, a generator or inverter and internet are worth paying for, and flats that have them cost more.
• Transport. If you do not drive, budget for ride-hailing and taxis. A car adds fuel, insurance and parking.
• Security and household help. Many families budget for a guard and domestic help.
• Health care and insurance. Check what your health insurance covers locally and whether you need evacuation cover.
• Food. Local markets are far cheaper than imported products at supermarkets, so your shopping habits make a big difference.
A simple way to plan your budget
Write down five lines before you decide where to live: rent, school fees (with extras), childcare, transport, and a monthly cushion for utilities, food and surprises. Then test two or three neighborhood's. A flat in a more affordable area with a short school run can cost less than a nicer flat that needs long daily commutes.
Tips for a smoother move
1. Start the school search early, because some schools have waiting lists and rolling admissions.
2. Choose the school first, then the neighborhood, to keep the commute short.
3. See the apartment in person, or through a trusted agent, before paying.
4. Keep your budget flexible, because prices and exchange rates move.
Looking for a home near your school? Browse apartments for rent in Addis Ababa and filter by area.
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