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.
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.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$16.9KYER 4.0M
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$35.6KYER 8.4M
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$106YER 25.0K
$83.2YER 19.6K
$125YER 29.4K
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$23.54YER 5,553
$9.99YER 2,357
$33.84YER 7,983
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$102YER 24.0K
$33.99YER 8,017
$201YER 47.3K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$65.4YER 15.4K
$49.03YER 11.6K
$74.7YER 17.6K
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.55YER 3,903
$6.47YER 1,527
$21.58YER 5,091
Cinema Ticket
$5.78YER 1,365
$5.78YER 1,365
$5.78YER 1,365
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$114YER 27.0K
$41.79YER 9,858
$167YER 39.4K
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$2,122YER 500.5K
$830YER 195.8K
$3,921YER 925.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$42.26YER 9,970
$25.35YER 5,981
$63.4YER 15.0K
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$125YER 29.4K
$34.39YER 8,113
$215YER 50.7K
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$48.18YER 11.4K
$29.76YER 7,020
$55.3YER 13.0K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$40.57YER 9,569
$33.57YER 7,919
$46.16YER 10.9K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$219YER 51.7K
$167YER 39.4K
$292YER 68.9K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$96.2YER 22.7K
$85.5YER 20.2K
$171YER 40.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$410YER 96.8K
$343YER 81.0K
$644YER 151.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$268YER 63.2K
$197YER 46.4K
$375YER 88.4K
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$4,082YER 962.8K
$687YER 162.0K
$7,477YER 1.8M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$797YER 187.9K
$344YER 81.2K
$1,249YER 294.6K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$193YER 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.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Sanaa$1,022
Sanaa$2,201
🛒Groceries & Markets
$268 26.3%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$231 22.6%
🍽Eating Out
$132 13%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$115 11.3%
🚌Getting Around
$102 10%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$96 9.4%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$77 7.5%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$658 29.9%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$255 11.6%
🍽Eating Out
$389 17.7%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$256 11.6%
🚌Getting Around
$204 9.3%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$268 12.2%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$170 7.8%
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
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.