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Cost of Living in Windhoek

Windhoek, Khomas, Namibia · Population 486,169 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Namibia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)N$9,656 ($531)
Couple, monthlyN$17,260 ($948)
Family of four, monthlyN$22,437 ($1,233)

Estimated Prices in Windhoek

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantN$99.37 ($5.46)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeN$397 ($21.84)per meal
CappuccinoN$29.81 ($1.64)each
Monthly groceries (single person)N$2,252 ($124)per month
Monthly public transport passN$364 ($20.02)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentN$961 ($52.78)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)N$278 ($15.29)per month
Fitness club membershipN$278 ($15.29)per month
Cinema ticketN$72.87 ($4.00)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreN$4,358 ($239)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreN$3,032 ($167)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreN$9,095 ($500)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Windhoek is N$15,379 ($845) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of N$9,656 ($531) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly N$12,553 ($690) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (N$3,032 ($167)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Windhoek

Windhoek vs RunduWindhoek vs WalvisbaaiWindhoek vs SwakopmundWindhoek vs OshakatiWindhoek vs OtjiwarongoWindhoek vs Katima Mulilo

Nearby Cities

Okahandja

67 km away · Otjozondjupa

Rehoboth

83 km away · Hardap

Otjimbingwe

101 km away · Erongo

Karibib

145 km away · Erongo

Usakos

165 km away · Erongo

Omaruru

173 km away · Erongo

Gobabis

194 km away · Omaheke

Omatjete

235 km away · Erongo

Other Major Cities in Namibia

Rundu

Kavango East · pop. 118,632

N$7,280 ($400) / mo

Walvisbaai

Erongo · pop. 102,704

N$7,280 ($400) / mo

Swakopmund

Erongo · pop. 75,921

N$7,280 ($400) / mo

Oshakati

Oshana · pop. 58,656

N$7,280 ($400) / mo

Living in Windhoek

Windhoek is the capital and one of the key cities in Namibia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is N$9,656 ($531), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around N$3,032 ($167) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to N$22,437 ($1,233) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately N$17,260 ($948) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Windhoek is N$15,379 ($845). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least N$12,553 ($690) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Windhoek expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated N$9,656 ($531) per month in Windhoek including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Namibia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Windhoek?
A net salary of around N$12,553 ($690) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Windhoek with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Windhoek is N$15,379 ($845).
How much is rent in Windhoek?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated N$4,358 ($239) per month in the city centre and N$3,032 ($167) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about N$9,095 ($500).
Is Windhoek cheaper than Namibia on average?
No — Windhoek is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Namibia average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Windhoek?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at N$2,252 ($124) in Windhoek. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about N$99 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around N$30 ($2).
How do transport costs in Windhoek compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Windhoek is estimated at N$364 ($20). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Windhoek are estimates based on Namibia national averages adjusted for city size (population 486,169) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.