Hi KRoss,
I assume you mean $1,000 per month ? The rents in Addis have soared through the roof in recent years, but still very reasonable, when you consider and compare that it is a Capitol City, with all the conveniences that that brings. You`d get nothing close to that in places like Nairobi, Cairo, Dar Es' Salam or Khartoum for example, which would swallow up much of your budget and leave nothing left for you !Â
If you look just outside the city centre or even some of the lovely smaller towns within 20 or 30 miles then your value for money will go much further, even so far as 50% / 75% cheaper !!, dependant upon the type of accommodation you are looking for. For that budget it will be easy to live, eat and maintain yourself comfortably.
With the average salary of just over 50 USD/month, you may wish to have a room in a house share or part of a family, they are very welcoming and would be pleased to have the extra income of a lodger. it depends what size (metres square) and standards that you require.
Good Luck, Richard.