Cost of Living in Windhoek - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,206 monthly including rent, or $693 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,057 with rent, or $1,233 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,907 including rent, or $1,773 for daily expenses alone.

Windhoek sits 0–12% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are 33% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$11.61 NAD 190
$7.33 NAD 120
$18.32 NAD 300
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$62.1 NAD 1,017
$37.28 NAD 610
$80.8 NAD 1,323
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.11 NAD 100
$5.51 NAD 90.2
$7.34 NAD 120
Cappuccino
$2.43 NAD 39.71
$1.39 NAD 22.72
$3.16 NAD 51.8
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.89 NAD 14.62
$0.73 NAD 11.89
$1.81 NAD 29.72
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.94 NAD 15.37
$0.64 NAD 10.47
$1.59 NAD 26.02
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.05 NAD 33.51
$1.14 NAD 18.60
$3.15 NAD 51.6
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.28 NAD 37.38
$1.39 NAD 22.82
$3.04 NAD 49.85
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.64 NAD 26.93
$1.26 NAD 20.71
$2.53 NAD 41.41
White Bread (500g)
$0.90 NAD 14.79
$0.83 NAD 13.53
$1.01 NAD 16.52
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.18 NAD 35.66
$1.39 NAD 22.71
$3.79 NAD 62.1
Eggs
$3.11 NAD 50.8
$1.82 NAD 29.77
$5.81 NAD 95.1
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.62 NAD 158
$4.93 NAD 80.8
$18.49 NAD 303
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.83 NAD 112
$2.20 NAD 36.00
$9.12 NAD 149
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.52 NAD 123
$4.46 NAD 73.1
$13.88 NAD 227
Apples (1kg)
$2.24 NAD 36.68
$1.25 NAD 20.42
$3.86 NAD 63.2
Banana (1kg)
$1.95 NAD 32.00
$1.68 NAD 27.52
$2.40 NAD 39.36
Oranges (1kg)
$1.93 NAD 31.59
$1.26 NAD 20.67
$3.16 NAD 51.8
Tomato (1kg)
$2.19 NAD 35.85
$1.22 NAD 19.95
$3.35 NAD 54.8
Potato (1kg)
$2.18 NAD 35.76
$0.62 NAD 10.22
$3.10 NAD 50.8
Onion (1kg)
$1.80 NAD 29.41
$1.22 NAD 19.99
$2.44 NAD 39.97
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.97 NAD 32.27
$1.19 NAD 19.55
$2.69 NAD 44.04
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.15 NAD 18.80
$0.73 NAD 11.89
$1.75 NAD 28.60
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.41 NAD 55.8
$2.97 NAD 48.68
$4.27 NAD 70.0
Wine (Bottle)
$7.13 NAD 117
$4.96 NAD 81.2
$11.78 NAD 193
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.45 NAD 23.74
$0.85 NAD 13.98
$2.31 NAD 37.88
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.47 NAD 24.06
$0.91 NAD 14.96
$2.13 NAD 34.96
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.83 NAD 13.65
$0.71 NAD 11.61
$0.96 NAD 15.70
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$48.44 NAD 793
$39.49 NAD 647
$56.3 NAD 922
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.84 NAD 13.73
$0.84 NAD 13.73
$1.68 NAD 27.46
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.90 NAD 14.81
$0.79 NAD 12.88
$1.51 NAD 24.80
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$15.77 NAD 258
$7.28 NAD 119
$18.20 NAD 298
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.38 NAD 22.64
$1.26 NAD 20.65
$1.45 NAD 23.79
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$24.4K NAD 399.8K
$23.9K NAD 390.8K
$24.7K NAD 403.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$30.1K NAD 493.0K
$25.0K NAD 409.2K
$35.0K NAD 573.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$141 NAD 2,310
$74.2 NAD 1,215
$186 NAD 3,038
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$28.22 NAD 462
$15.27 NAD 250
$36.66 NAD 600
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$48.44 NAD 793
$34.25 NAD 561
$81.0 NAD 1,326
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$38.41 NAD 629
$31.14 NAD 510
$46.71 NAD 765
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$10.56 NAD 173
$3.02 NAD 49.46
$18.10 NAD 296
Cinema Ticket
$5.60 NAD 91.6
$4.97 NAD 81.4
$9.32 NAD 153
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$211 NAD 3,457
$73.1 NAD 1,196
$304 NAD 4,985
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,403 NAD 88.5K
$4,266 NAD 69.8K
$6,581 NAD 107.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$57.1 NAD 936
$43.84 NAD 718
$81.4 NAD 1,333
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$35.44 NAD 580
$12.30 NAD 201
$61.5 NAD 1,008
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$91.5 NAD 1,499
$73.9 NAD 1,209
$154 NAD 2,519
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$101 NAD 1,652
$62.2 NAD 1,019
$124 NAD 2,037
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$545 NAD 8,917
$376 NAD 6,158
$940 NAD 15.4K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$385 NAD 6,302
$248 NAD 4,061
$682 NAD 11.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,181 NAD 19.3K
$737 NAD 12.1K
$2,149 NAD 35.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$963 NAD 15.8K
$548 NAD 8,971
$1,522 NAD 24.9K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,623 NAD 26.6K
$917 NAD 15.0K
$2,444 NAD 40.0K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$619 NAD 10.1K
$233 NAD 3,820
$1,228 NAD 20.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,023 NAD 16.8K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
11.42
10
12.25

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

Last update: September 14, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $545 for a central one-bedroom, or $385 outside the center. At 53% of the average salary ($1,023), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,023, while typical expenses reach $1,206. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $230 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $62.0 for two – above the African average of $41.00.

Public transport is priced at around $48.44 per month – above the African average of $30.00.

Cost Highlights

Family monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 95% of cities in Africa

Three-course dinner for two, mid-range is more expensive than 95% of cities in Africa

Family monthly cost (including rent) is more expensive than 95% of cities in Africa

Windhoek Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Windhoek - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windhoek affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Cost of Living in Windhoek, Namibia varies with neighborhood proximity to the city center and international facilities, while exploring outer areas or developing suburbs can stretch your budget further. You'll find a mix of affordable street-food options, reliable utilities, and mid-range housing that remains approachable compared with some larger capitals. For digital nomads, a few coworking hubs and short-term leases provide flexibility, but planning around seasonal travel peaks helps. Tip: Map costs across neighborhoods and set a monthly cap for housing and transport.
What does daily life look like in Windhoek in terms of housing search, food, transport, and errands?
Daily life centers on practical budgeting and friendly services. Housing searches cluster around Klein Windhoek and Eros, with options from compact apartments to larger homes; expect longer lease norms than some cities. Food choices range from local markets to international groceries, with seasonal produce and affordable street meals. Transport leans toward a car or ride-hailing, while central districts are walkable. Co-working spaces offer reliable work environments and flexible hours for remote work. Windhoek living cost varies by neighborhood, schedule, and lifestyle, so test several areas during a short stay. Tip: Make a two-week exploratory pass to compare vendors and transit routes.
What quality-of-life considerations and budgeting strategies help you settle in Windhoek and choose a neighborhood?
Quality of life in Windhoek blends outdoor activity with solid infrastructure. A simple budgeting framework works: rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and leisure. In neighborhoods like Klein Windhoek or Eros, you'll find mature housing and safer streets; more affordable options appear further east or in smaller complexes. Seasons influence daily routines: the rainy season can affect travel and laundry, while dry months are sunny and pleasant for outdoor work. Save by cooking at home, using local markets, and negotiating longer leases for lower rates. Tip: Build a weekly menu, set a cap for discretionary spending, and rotate errands to off-peak hours.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Windhoek?
With 53% of the average paycheck going to rent, Windhoek is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What is the average cost of living in Windhoek?
A single person in Windhoek typically spends $1,206 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $693. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Is the average salary in Windhoek enough to cover living costs?
An average salary of $1,023 technically covers the $1,206 monthly cost of living in Windhoek, but just barely. There's little room for surprises – a rent hike, medical bill, or unexpected repair can throw things off quickly at this income level.
What are typical rents in Windhoek?
Where you live in Windhoek makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $545; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $385. Overall, the market runs from $385 to $545 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Windhoek?
A regular gym membership in Windhoek costs around $38.41 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
What is a typical grocery budget in Windhoek?
Expect to spend around $230 per month on groceries in Windhoek. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Windhoek?
Living on $1,000 in Windhoek means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,206. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What is quality of life like in Windhoek?
Windhoek offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value vibrant nightlife, clean air, wellness scene, and at around $1,206 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
Can you save money living in Windhoek?
Monthly expenses in Windhoek run around $1,206, so putting money aside takes more than $1,810 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Is Windhoek good for backpackers?
Budget travel in Windhoek works but takes effort. Hostels, street food, and local restaurants keep daily costs reasonable. All-in monthly expenses run about $1,206 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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