Cost of Living Comparison Between Rundu and Swakopmund Cost of Living Comparison Between Rundu and Swakopmund

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $356 per month in Rundu vs $582 in Swakopmund, rent included.

A couple spends around $629 per month in Rundu vs $1,072 in Swakopmund, rent included.

A family of three spends $902 per month in Rundu vs $1,562 in Swakopmund, rent included.

Rundu is about 39% cheaper than Swakopmund, driven mainly by Eating Out.

Both Rundu and Swakopmund are more affordable than the global median – Rundu 73% lower, Swakopmund 57% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.91 NAD 248

$5.92 NAD 98.4

151.86%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$30.16 NAD 502

$35.91 NAD 597

-16.01%

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.00 NAD 99.8

$3.56 NAD 59.2

68.54%

Cappuccino

$2.10 NAD 34.93

$1.85 NAD 30.74

13.51%

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.70 NAD 11.60

$0.77 NAD 12.84

-9.09%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.58 NAD 9.73

$0.55 NAD 9.11

5.45%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.89 NAD 14.88

$1.38 NAD 22.96

-35.51%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.20 NAD 19.97

$1.84 NAD 30.67

-34.78%

Milk (1 liter)

$2.18 NAD 36.26

White Bread (500g)

$0.80 NAD 13.39

$1.41 NAD 23.44

-43.26%

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.69 NAD 78.1

Eggs

$2.98 NAD 49.54

$2.31 NAD 38.37

29.00%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.22 NAD 70.2

$7.97 NAD 133

-47.05%

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.94 NAD 82.1

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.81 NAD 80.0

Apples (1kg)

$2.18 NAD 36.21

$3.53 NAD 58.8

-38.24%

Banana (1kg)

$2.11 NAD 35.04

$1.55 NAD 25.71

36.13%

Oranges (1kg)

$1.25 NAD 20.80

Tomato (1kg)

$0.95 NAD 15.88

$2.13 NAD 35.41

-55.40%

Potato (1kg)

$5.19 NAD 86.3

Onion (1kg)

$0.89 NAD 14.74

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.59 NAD 9.79

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.06 NAD 17.63

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.23 NAD 20.47

Wine (Bottle)

$3.92 NAD 65.2

$8.10 NAD 135

-51.60%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.26 NAD 20.89

$0.58 NAD 9.69

117.24%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.50 NAD 24.88

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$30.31 NAD 504

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.82 NAD 13.57

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.87 NAD 14.44

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.29 NAD 121

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.25 NAD 20.83

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$54.3 NAD 903

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$73.1 NAD 1,217

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$422 NAD 7,026

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$235 NAD 3,917

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$898 NAD 14.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$719 NAD 12.0K

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update for Rundu: October 5, 2026

Last update for Swakopmund: October 6, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A mid-range dinner for two costs $30.00 in Rundu versus $36.00 in Swakopmund. Groceries tell a different story – $173 in Rundu vs $126 in Swakopmund – so Swakopmund wins on supermarket bills even if dining out costs more.

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Rundu vs Swakopmund: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Swakopmund costs about 63% more than Rundu, with the gap driven mainly by Eating Out. That's enough to noticeably affect everyday spending and lifestyle for anyone choosing between the two.

For a comfortable life, plan on about $534 per month in Rundu and $873 in Swakopmund. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.

Monthly expenses with rent come to $356 in Rundu and $582 in Swakopmund. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.

Interestingly, groceries are about 38% cheaper in Swakopmund – one category where the pricier city actually offers better value, probably thanks to stronger retail competition or local farming.

$800 covers both cities comfortably – all-in costs are $356 in Rundu and $582 in Swakopmund, leaving budget for savings and extras in both cases.

Families tend to lean toward Rundu – lower housing and cheaper childcare make a real difference, especially on a single income or when paying for private education.

Both have safer and rougher neighborhoods, but overall safety is comparable to other large cities. Neighborhood choice matters more than the city-level comparison – central, well-trafficked areas feel secure in both.

If budget matters most, go with Rundu. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Swakopmund makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.