Djibouti City Cost of Living, Rent Prices, Salaries & Quality of Life (2026)
Djibouti · Africa
$950
Monthly Cost
avg/person
38
Cost Index
NYC=100
30
Rent Index
NYC=100
42
Quality of Life
Below Average
52
Safety Index
Moderate
0.6M
Population
DJF
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated: July 2026
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $4 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $16 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $3 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.6 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $8 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.4 |
| Monthly Pass | $16 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $65 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $35 |
| Fitness Club/month | $28 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $480/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $280/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,100/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $630/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,800/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $950/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $400 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 11% |
Cost of Living in Djibouti City — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Djibouti City, Djibouti is approximately $950 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Djibouti City has a cost index of 38, making it around 62% more affordable. Individuals and couples should budget higher depending on housing size and lifestyle choices, while students and solo remote workers often spend near the lower end of this range.
Rent and Housing Costs
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside major population centers in Djibouti City costs around $280/month, while a one-bedroom in a central area is approximately $480/month. A three-bedroom apartment in a central area averages $1,100/month. The rent index for Djibouti City is 30 compared to New York City (NYC = 100).
Food, Groceries & Dining Out
Everyday grocery costs and restaurant prices in Djibouti City play a major role in the overall monthly budget. Prices vary between local markets, mid-range restaurants, and imported goods, so residents who cook at home and shop at local markets typically spend noticeably less than those who eat out often. See the Restaurants and Markets & Groceries tables above for a full item-by-item price breakdown.
Transportation Costs
Public transport, taxis, fuel, and vehicle costs in Djibouti City are detailed in the Transportation table above. A traffic and commute score of 28/100 indicates how easy day-to-day travel around the country generally is, which matters when comparing regions before relocating.
Quality of Life and Safety
Djibouti City scores 42/100 on the quality of life index and 52/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 40/100. The climate index is 42/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors, and are updated regularly to reflect current conditions.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Djibouti City is approximately $400/month. With a purchasing power index of 30/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is DJF, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Utilities & Monthly Bills
Electricity, water, heating/cooling, and internet costs are broken down in the Utilities & Services table above. Combined with rent, these fixed monthly costs form the core of any relocation budget for Djibouti City.
Is Djibouti City Good for Digital Nomads?
Remote workers evaluating Djibouti City should weigh the 38 cost index against the 42/100 quality of life score and 52/100 safety rating. Combined with reliable internet infrastructure (see Utilities above), these numbers help determine whether Djibouti City fits a remote-work budget and lifestyle.
Monthly Budget Breakdown in Djibouti City
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent — 1BR Outside Center | $280 |
| Rent — 1BR City Center | $480 |
| Rent — 3BR City Center | $1,100 |
| Average Net Salary | $400 |
| Total Avg. Monthly Cost (single person, all-inclusive) | $950 |
See the Restaurants, Markets & Groceries, Transportation, and Utilities tables above for a full itemized breakdown.
Cost of Living for Families in Djibouti City
Families relocating to Djibouti City typically need a larger home, higher grocery spend, and budget for schooling and healthcare. A 3-bedroom apartment in a central area runs around $1,100/month, and with a healthcare index of 40/100 and safety index of 52/100, Djibouti City is worth researching neighborhood-by-neighborhood before committing to a family move. Total household budgets usually run well above the single-person average of $950/month once housing size, schooling, and childcare are factored in.
Student Living Costs in Djibouti City
Students in Djibouti City generally spend less than the citywide single-person average by sharing accommodation, using public transport, and cooking at home. With a cost index of 38 (NYC = 100) and a rent index of 30, budget-conscious students can often keep total monthly spend meaningfully below the $950 average, especially if renting outside the city center at roughly $280/month or splitting that cost with roommates.
Quick Summary
The average cost of living in Djibouti City is $950 per month for a single person. Housing costs average $280for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center. The country scores 42/100 for quality of life and 52/100 for safety. Compared with New York City, Djibouti City has a cost index of 38, making itmore affordable.
Pros and Cons of Living in Djibouti City
Pros
- Affordable overall cost of living (index 38, NYC = 100)
Cons
- Safety score is below average (52/100) — research neighborhoods carefully
- Healthcare index is on the lower side (40/100)
- Purchasing power is limited relative to local prices (30/100)
- Traffic and commute can be a challenge (28/100)
- Climate scores lower (42/100) — check seasonal conditions
How does Djibouti City compare to other countries?
Djibouti City is located in Africa with a population of approximately 0.6M. At a cost index of 38 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable countries in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Djibouti City stacks up against any other city or country worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Djibouti City
What is the cost of living in Djibouti City?
The average cost of living in Djibouti City, Djibouti is approximately $950 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 38 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Djibouti City?
Rent in Djibouti City varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 30 (NYC=100). A 1-bedroom apartment outside the center averages around $280/month, while a 1-bedroom in the center runs closer to $480/month.
Is Djibouti City expensive to live in?
Djibouti City has a cost index of 38 compared to New York City (100). At 38, Djibouti City is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper places globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $950.
What is the quality of life in Djibouti City?
Djibouti City has a quality of life index of 42/100 and a safety index of 52/100. Located in Africa, it offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
What is the average salary in Djibouti City?
The average net salary in Djibouti City is approximately $400/month, with a purchasing power index of 30/100.
Is Djibouti City good for digital nomads and remote workers?
Djibouti City has a cost index of 38 and a quality of life score of 42/100, making it worth evaluating against your specific budget and lifestyle needs. Check current rent, transport, and utility costs above before planning a move.
What is the best city to live in Djibouti City?
Check the individual city pages for Djibouti City to compare quality of life, safety, and cost data across locations.
How does the cost of living in Djibouti City compare to other countries?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Djibouti City with any city or country worldwide. Djibouti City's cost index is 38 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side at https://worldlivingcost.com/compare