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Awassa (Hawassa), Ethiopia
Capital City

Follows Ethiopia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$600
Retiree Score
73.0
Safety Index
65.0
Healthcare
10 facilities

This Ethiopian city of 300,100 people is no tourist paradise. The political center may have shifted here in 1968, but the Sidama people who lived here beforehand were simply bulldozed out of their homes without warning or compensation. Today, bureaucracy remains a persistent headache, with the regional government set to move elsewhere in the next election cycles. While the tropical climate is tolerable, the occasional freezing morning temperatures can be a rude awakening. Ultimately, Awassa is best suited for those who can navigate its challenges - this is no picturesque Rift Valley retreat.

Can I afford Awassa (Hawassa)?

$

Awassa (Hawassa)

You could save

2,400/mo

Savings Rate80%

Monthly Costs

Rent $250
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$350

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
80/100
Retiree Score
(i)
73/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
65/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Ethiopia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
65
Safety
10
Healthcare
100
Walkability
20
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$2
Chicken (1kg) *$12

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$4
Meal (Mid-range) $82
Cappuccino $1
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $164
Mobile Plan (mo) $10
Gym (mo) *$14
Cinema Ticket $4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $200
1BR Outside (mo) *$277
3BR Center (mo) $400
3BR Outside (mo) *$574

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Hawassa Waterfront
Best For
industrial managers

Expat Life Notes

A lakeside resort city and industrial hub. Expat life is mostly manufacturing managers.

Pros

  • ✓ Beautiful lake
  • ✓ Pleasant climate

Cons

  • ✗ Basic services only
  • ✗ Limited English
  • ✗ Poor internet

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1168 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Awassa (Hawassa)

Click any question to expand the answer.

Awassa (Hawassa) has a population of approximately 300,100 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $625 per month in Awassa (Hawassa), including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $250/month.

The nearest airport to Awassa (Hawassa) is AWA, approximately 10km away.

Awassa (Hawassa) is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 65.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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