Most Arusi-Galla live in rural areas where they make a living mainly from raising animals along with some farming. The typical dwelling is a tukal , or a circular hut made of acacia branches covered with grass mats. The cone-shaped roof has an opening that allows smoke to escape. Coffee and tea are both popular beverages. The Arusi-Galla family is headed by an authoritarian father who has the right to expect total obedience.
Men usually have only one wife, and children are considered a necessity.
The more children and grandchildren a man has, the greater his prestige. Arusi-Galla boys are taught to use a spear and begin training at an early age to become warriors. Traditionally, men ready to marry were expected to present to their brides part of a man who they had killed. The killing of a man was customarily a part of becoming a full-fledged adult as well as part of certain festivals. Although this tradition survives, wild animals are now used instead of humans.