Cost of Living in Sanaa - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $745 (excluding rent), and $903 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,774 (excluding rent), and $2,017 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.02 YER 1,436

$2.93 YER 699

$8.04 YER 1,916

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$23.00 YER 5,484

$16.73 YER 3,989

$83.6 YER 19.9K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.35 YER 2,467

$9.07 YER 2,162

$10.35 YER 2,467

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.77 YER 422

$1.49 YER 355

$2.04 YER 486

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.86 YER 444

$1.24 YER 295

$2.48 YER 592

Cappuccino

$3.68 YER 878

$1.99 YER 474

$6.13 YER 1,461

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

$1.10 YER 263

$1.01 YER 240

$1.60 YER 382

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.46 YER 110

$0.39 YER 93.7

$0.59 YER 142

Milk (1 liter)

$1.92 YER 457

$1.23 YER 293

$2.10 YER 501

White Bread (500g)

$1.27 YER 302

$0.64 YER 152

$3.38 YER 807

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.60 YER 620

$2.05 YER 488

$3.79 YER 904

Eggs

$3.92 YER 936

$1.94 YER 463

$5.70 YER 1,359

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.52 YER 2,270

$4.86 YER 1,159

$29.57 YER 7,051

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.83 YER 1,627

$4.03 YER 960

$10.34 YER 2,465

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$18.52 YER 4,417

$11.76 YER 2,805

$24.17 YER 5,763

Apples (1kg)

$3.86 YER 920

$1.94 YER 464

$4.40 YER 1,050

Banana (1kg)

$1.42 YER 338

$0.81 YER 194

$2.29 YER 546

Oranges (1kg)

$2.44 YER 582

$1.24 YER 296

$3.32 YER 791

Tomato (1kg)

$1.68 YER 401

$1.01 YER 242

$2.03 YER 484

Potato (1kg)

$1.69 YER 403

$0.68 YER 162

$1.99 YER 475

Onion (1kg)

$1.59 YER 380

$0.99 YER 236

$2.03 YER 483

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.63 YER 150

$0.21 YER 49.02

$1.69 YER 402

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.73 YER 175

$0.38 YER 91.1

$0.85 YER 202

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$3.32 YER 792

$2.49 YER 594

$4.14 YER 987

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.61 YER 383

$1.05 YER 250

$3.22 YER 768

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.37 YER 803

$2.53 YER 603

$4.21 YER 1,003

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.07 YER 970

$2.08 YER 496

$6.08 YER 1,451

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.42 YER 101

$1.91 YER 455

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$82.7 YER 19.7K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.02 YER 959

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$4.01 YER 956

$2.01 YER 478

$4.01 YER 956

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.08 YER 1,688

$3.97 YER 946

$10.18 YER 2,428

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.59 YER 618

$1.80 YER 428

$3.69 YER 880

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$16.3K YER 3.9M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$33.3K YER 7.9M

$48.9K YER 11.7M

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

$70.9 YER 16.9K

$37.37 YER 8,910

$168 YER 39.9K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$13.61 YER 3,244

$10.10 YER 2,408

$33.21 YER 7,919

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$38.40 YER 9,157

$20.50 YER 4,889

$73.8 YER 17.6K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$66.6 YER 15.9K

$11.83 YER 2,820

$122 YER 29.0K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$16.87 YER 4,023

$9.09 YER 2,168

$20.76 YER 4,950

Cinema Ticket

$5.77 YER 1,376

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$113 YER 27.1K

$41.11 YER 9,804

$164 YER 39.2K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$1,848 YER 440.8K

$838 YER 199.7K

$12.6K YER 3.0M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$40.39 YER 9,630

$24.85 YER 5,927

$62.1 YER 14.8K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$150 YER 35.7K

$33.29 YER 7,939

$208 YER 49.6K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$41.20 YER 9,824

$28.72 YER 6,849

$53.3 YER 12.7K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$41.62 YER 9,924

$32.50 YER 7,750

$44.69 YER 10.7K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$165 YER 39.2K

$123 YER 29.4K

$288 YER 68.7K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$95.2 YER 22.7K

$69.3 YER 16.5K

$203 YER 48.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$405 YER 96.6K

$328 YER 78.3K

$615 YER 146.7K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$263 YER 62.6K

$198 YER 47.1K

$366 YER 87.2K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,463 YER 825.8K

$709 YER 169.0K

$7,642 YER 1.8M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,101 YER 262.5K

$356 YER 85.0K

$1,665 YER 397.0K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$193 YER 46.1K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

11.25

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

Last update: January 12, 2026

Sanaa Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

214

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

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

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🕌 Middle east

Cost of Living in Sanaa - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Sanaa tends to be modest compared with many global cities, especially for basics like groceries, casual meals and public transport. Travelers and expats who stay flexible, sticking to local markets, bargaining in some cases, and choosing budget hostels or shared apartments, usually find good value for their plans. Long stay digital nomads who can blend into neighborhood life may reduce expenses further by cooking at home and using communal work spaces instead of pricey venues. Seasonal fluctuations and security considerations can affect your day-to-day costs, so plan buffers for transport and contingencies. Tip: Budget with a simple monthly plan and keep a small safety fund for changes in availability and access to services.

Housing search in Sanaa typically centers on proximity to markets and safety, with options ranging from traditional apartments in old city quarters to newer compounds outside the core. You can negotiate rent and check water, power, and internet reliability before signing. For daily life, prioritize local markets and inexpensive eateries to stretch your budget; cooking at home is practical in most areas. Public transport, including shared taxis and minibuses, is affordable, while walking is feasible in close to center areas. Co-working spaces or cafes with power outlets support remote work. Sanaa living cost varies by area and lifestyle. Tip: Start with short term stays in a few neighborhoods to compare convenience, safety, and access before extending your lease.

A strong quality of life in Sanaa comes from balancing your daily needs with flexibility and local rhythm. Use a simple budgeting framework that separates housing, utilities, groceries, and discretionary spending, with a monthly cap on non-essentials. The climate means you will lean on fresh produce in cooler months and lighter meals when heat spikes; plan for electricity or cooling as needed. Neighborhood fit matters: look for areas with walkable markets, reliable services, and a sense of community, even if quieter. For nomads, build routines around work friendly spaces and social hubs that suit your pace. Tip: Align your calendar to seasonal markets and cultural events to maximize value and enjoyment.