Mari,
- How much does it cost to rent a three-bedroom apartment in Addis, say in Bole (yet, not necessarily)? I'm looking for the monthly rent, fees included (with hot water possibly).
It is difficult to find an apartment in Bole. Many of the houses are villa types which claim £st 1,000 to £st 2,500 per month. If you can live outside bole, you can rent 3 bed room apartments for Birr 2,500 (£st 125)if it is a government condo or for Birr 6,000(£st 300)you can get a privately owned apartment.
- How much (daily) would it be living in a hotel instead, and which one would you suggest as a fine hotel?
Living in a good hotel will cost you daily at least Birr 400 (£st 20)excluding food and beverage.
- What about the daily living costs? I'm referring to food and transportation mainly (am not thinking of hiring a car, & would rather travel by minibus). I understand the travel would depend on the length, and I'm asking for the highest tariff for the longest journey.
A single meal at an average restaurant on average costs Birr 40 (£st 2), and the longest minibus jorney costs you Birr 3.50 (£st .18). If you will cook, the cost can be reduced by more than half.
-My budget would be around 300-400£st for accommodation and 'what's necessary' for living costs.
400 £st converted to Ethiopian Birr is around Birr 8,000. This may not enable you to live comfortably like an expatriate but if you can carefully manage your expenses, you can get along.
Now there is one major issue. You will stay only for a month or so. Quite a short time: furnished apartment needed. And furnished apartments are rare and expensive in Addis. You may go for furnished studio units for something like Birr 3,500 (£st 175).
Suave