One of the first decisions renters face in Addis Ababa is whether to go furnished or unfurnished. Each option has distinct advantages depending on your situation, budget, and length of stay.
Price Difference
Furnished apartments in Addis Ababa typically command a 30–50% premium over unfurnished equivalents. A 2-bedroom apartment in Bole might rent for ETB 25,000 unfurnished vs. ETB 35,000–40,000 furnished. The gap is wider for premium properties and narrower in affordable areas.
When to Choose Furnished
Furnished is ideal if: you're staying less than 2 years, you're relocating from abroad and don't want to ship furniture, you prefer move-in-ready convenience, or your company is covering housing costs. Most expats and diaspora visitors prefer furnished options.
When to Choose Unfurnished
Unfurnished makes sense if: you're settling long-term (3+ years), you want to personalize your space, you already own furniture, or you're budget-conscious. The savings over a multi-year lease can be substantial.
What's Typically Included
Furnished apartments in Addis Ababa usually include: beds, wardrobes, sofa, dining table, kitchen appliances (fridge, stove), and sometimes washing machines. Premium furnished properties may also include TV, WiFi setup, linens, and kitchenware.
Our Recommendation
For stays under 2 years, furnished is almost always the better value when you factor in furniture purchase and disposal costs. For longer stays, consider unfurnished and invest in quality furniture you can either sell or ship when you leave.