Somalia: cost of living

What is the poverty rate in Somalia?

51.4% of Somalia's population lived below the national poverty line in 2022, according to the Somalia National Bureau of Statistics' district-level poverty estimates, based on the 2022 Integrated Household Budget Survey of 6,221 households.

The rate covers rural and urban areas and does not include households living in camps for displaced people, where poverty is likely to be higher. The Bureau used a small-area model to estimate poverty for each district, because the survey alone is only representative at national and regional level.

Official sources: district-level poverty estimates

How many households in Somalia are food insecure?

29% of households in the 17 surveyed regions of Somalia were food insecure, 25% moderately and 4% severely, according to the Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment 2026 published by the Somalia National Bureau of Statistics. A further 40% were marginally food secure.

The assessment uses the CARI framework, which combines food consumption, the share of spending on food and coping strategies. Displaced households (IDPs) and rural households face the highest food insecurity. Marginally food secure households could fall into food insecurity after further shocks such as drought or price rises.

Official sources: Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment 2026

Which prices are rising fastest in Somalia?

Restaurants and accommodation services had the largest price rise in Somalia in the twelve months to August 2026, up 16.5%, according to the Somalia National Bureau of Statistics' August 2026 CPI. Overall consumer prices rose 6.9%.

The Bureau has also published an analysis of Somalia's inflation outlook linking recent inflation to global oil shocks, dependence on imports and climate crises. Detailed CPI tables by group and state are in the monthly release.

Official sources: August 2026 CPI · Somalia's inflation outlook

How much do people in Somalia spend?

The World Bank puts household consumption per person in Somalia at $625 in 2025. Since 2013 it has ranged from $503 (2013) to $635 (2017). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was $840, and Somalia placed 25th highest of 37. Of 124 countries with 2025 data, 112th highest.

What share of Somalia lives below the poverty line?

The World Bank puts the share of people below the national poverty line in Somalia at 55.4% in 2022. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 53.0%, and Somalia placed 4th highest of 8. World rank, highest first: 4th of 52.