Last update: Oct 2026 Yemen ⭐ Capital 1.5M

Cost of Living in Sanaa

For one person, living costs in Sanaa are estimated at $1,022 a month, including rent and utilities, which take less than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $27 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Sanaa

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Sanaa actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $1,022 per month with rent, or $820 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,022 /mo

A couple spends around $1,611 per month with rent, or $1,323 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,611 /mo

A family of three spends around $2,201 per month with rent, or $1,827 without housing.

$2,201 /mo

Overall, Sanaa is about 24% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are close to average – just 4% lower.

Currency
Do you live in Sanaa? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.41 YER 1,512
$3.03 YER 714
$8.55 YER 2,016
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$25.05 YER 5,909
$19.73 YER 4,653
$83.5 YER 19.7K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.68 YER 2,283
$8.60 YER 2,029
$10.75 YER 2,535
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.95 YER 460
-
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.52 YER 595
-
Cappuccino
$3.75 YER 884
$2.02 YER 477
$6.41 YER 1,513
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.17 YER 276
$1.02 YER 240
$1.29 YER 305
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.59 YER 139
$0.43 YER 102
$1.03 YER 243
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.08 YER 490
$1.23 YER 291
$3.05 YER 718
White Bread (500g)
$1.69 YER 398
$0.50 YER 119
$3.42 YER 807
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.97 YER 466
$1.65 YER 390
$3.71 YER 874
Eggs
$3.57 YER 841
$1.95 YER 461
$5.91 YER 1,394
Local Cheese (1kg)
$16.99 YER 4,008
$2.96 YER 699
$29.63 YER 6,990
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.29 YER 1,956
$3.97 YER 936
$10.50 YER 2,476
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$18.53 YER 4,371
$10.80 YER 2,547
$24.93 YER 5,880
Apples (1kg)
$3.34 YER 788
$1.99 YER 469
$5.05 YER 1,191
Banana (1kg)
$1.05 YER 247
$0.81 YER 192
$2.15 YER 508
Oranges (1kg)
$2.15 YER 508
$0.98 YER 232
$2.91 YER 687
Tomato (1kg)
$1.72 YER 405
$1.01 YER 238
$2.56 YER 605
Potato (1kg)
$1.46 YER 343
$0.68 YER 160
$2.67 YER 629
Onion (1kg)
$1.31 YER 309
$0.78 YER 183
$1.64 YER 387
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.26 YER 297
$0.43 YER 101
$1.73 YER 408
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.69 YER 163
$0.21 YER 49.52
$1.33 YER 314
Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)
$2.51 YER 592
-
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.84 YER 434
$1.01 YER 237
$3.41 YER 805
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.58 YER 608
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$5.60 YER 1,320
$5.09 YER 1,200
$6.10 YER 1,440
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.43 YER 102
$0.43 YER 102
$0.43 YER 102
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$84.9 YER 20.0K
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.25 YER 1,002
-
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.18 YER 514
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$7.44 YER 1,755
$4.08 YER 963
$10.80 YER 2,547
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.10 YER 496
$1.93 YER 455
$2.24 YER 529
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$16.9K YER 4.0M
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$35.6K YER 8.4M
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$106 YER 25.0K
$83.2 YER 19.6K
$125 YER 29.4K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$23.54 YER 5,553
$9.99 YER 2,357
$33.84 YER 7,983
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$102 YER 24.0K
$33.99 YER 8,017
$201 YER 47.3K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$65.4 YER 15.4K
$49.03 YER 11.6K
$74.7 YER 17.6K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.55 YER 3,903
$6.47 YER 1,527
$21.58 YER 5,091
Cinema Ticket
$5.78 YER 1,365
$5.78 YER 1,365
$5.78 YER 1,365
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$114 YER 27.0K
$41.79 YER 9,858
$167 YER 39.4K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,122 YER 500.5K
$830 YER 195.8K
$3,921 YER 925.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$42.26 YER 9,970
$25.35 YER 5,981
$63.4 YER 15.0K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$125 YER 29.4K
$34.39 YER 8,113
$215 YER 50.7K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$48.18 YER 11.4K
$29.76 YER 7,020
$55.3 YER 13.0K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$40.57 YER 9,569
$33.57 YER 7,919
$46.16 YER 10.9K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$219 YER 51.7K
$167 YER 39.4K
$292 YER 68.9K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$96.2 YER 22.7K
$85.5 YER 20.2K
$171 YER 40.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$410 YER 96.8K
$343 YER 81.0K
$644 YER 151.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$268 YER 63.2K
$197 YER 46.4K
$375 YER 88.4K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$4,082 YER 962.8K
$687 YER 162.0K
$7,477 YER 1.8M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$797 YER 187.9K
$344 YER 81.2K
$1,249 YER 294.6K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$193 YER 45.4K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
11.25
-

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

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Sanaa $1,022
Groceries & Markets
$268
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$231
Eating Out
$132
Clothing & Footwear
$115
Getting Around
$102
Accommodation & Living
$96
Sport & Entertainment
$77

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $219, dropping to $96.2 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 114% of the average salary ($193) – close to the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $193 – below monthly costs of $1,022. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $268 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $25.00 – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $84.9 – above the Asian average of $33.00.

Cost Highlights

Sanaa has the 7th most expensive internet in Asia

Gasoline is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia

Public transport monthly pass is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
02:25 2:25 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
1,527,861 Capital
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to YER – Yemeni Rial Converter

Yemeni Rial exchange rates as of October 18, 2026: 1 USD = 236 YER (1,000 YER = 4.24 USD). 1 EUR = 265 YER (1,000 YER = 3.77 EUR).

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Sanaa Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Sanaa - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Cost of Living in Sanaa compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
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.
What should you know about daily life in Sanaa around housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
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.
What factors influence your quality of life in Sanaa, and how can you budget and choose a neighborhood effectively?
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.
Is Sanaa expensive to live in?
Sanaa sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $1,022, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Sanaa?
In Sanaa, housing takes around 114% of a typical salary – close to the global norm of 30%. Most full-time workers can afford a decent apartment and still cover their other bills without too much stress.
What is a good salary in Sanaa?
In Sanaa, $1,533 per month is what most people would call a good salary. It handles rent, food, and utilities with enough left for savings and the occasional splurge. Above that, you unlock better apartments and more freedom with spending.
How much is rent in Sanaa?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Sanaa runs about $219 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $96.2. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Sanaa?
Grocery spending in Sanaa lands around $268 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
How much is public transport in Sanaa?
Getting around Sanaa by public transport costs about $84.9 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Sanaa?
$1,000 is below the $1,022 average in Sanaa, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Is Sanaa good for digital nomads?
Digital nomads flock to Sanaa for good reason: café culture, great local cuisine. Monthly costs land around $1,022 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.
How affordable is Sanaa?
Sanaa is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,022, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.
Is Sanaa good for backpackers?
Sanaa is doable for backpackers, though it takes more planning than cheaper destinations. Monthly costs average $1,022, so daily spending is moderate. Hostels, local food, and public transport keep things in check, but attractions and nightlife can push costs up.

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