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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Windhoek 2024
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Windhoek, Namibia


Cost of Living in Windhoek

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: If you're moving to Windhoek, understanding the the cost of living in Windhoek helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Windhoek is around N$3,500 per month. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Windhoek is around N$1,500,000. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Windhoek is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs around N$5. Taxis are also available and the cost of a taxi ride is around N$20.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Windhoek is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around N$10, a liter of milk costs around N$15, and a kilogram of rice costs around N$20.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Windhoek is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around N$30, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around N$100.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Windhoek is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of electricity is around N$200 per month, while the average cost of water is around N$50 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Windhoek varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around N$2,000 per month, while the average cost of elementary school tuition is around N$3,000 per month. The average cost of middle school tuition is around N$4,000 per month, while the average cost of high school tuition is around N$5,000 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Windhoek

"The cost of living in Windhoek is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are generally lower than in many other cities in the region. However, the cost of luxury items such as electronics and imported goods can be quite expensive. Additionally, the cost of utilities such as electricity and water can be quite high," said one expat living in Windhoek.

Can I live in Windhoek on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Windhoek for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for a place in neighborhoods like Khomasdal, Pionierspark, or Rocky Crest. These areas are more affordable compared to more upscale neighborhoods like Klein Windhoek, Eros, or Ludwigsdorf, which you should probably avoid if you're on a tight budget.When it comes to utilities and internet, you'll need to be mindful of your usage to keep costs down. Electricity and water can be expensive, so try to conserve energy and water whenever possible. For internet, you might have to settle for a slower connection or a limited data plan to save money.Transportation can also be a significant expense, so consider using public transportation or carpooling instead of owning a car. Taxis and minibuses are widely available and relatively affordable, but be prepared to negotiate fares.Eating out can be pricey, so you'll want to cook most of your meals at home. Local markets and supermarkets offer a good variety of fresh produce and other groceries at reasonable prices. However, imported goods can be expensive, so you might have to adjust your diet and stick to local products.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you'll need to be selective about how you spend your free time. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like hiking, visiting local parks, or attending community events. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings, like frequent trips to bars, restaurants, or movie theaters.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Windhoek is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Windhoek.

Can I live in Windhoek on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Windhoek for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, let's talk about housing. The more affordable neighborhoods in Windhoek are places like Khomasdal, Pioneers Park, and Rocky Crest. These areas have a mix of houses and apartments, and you can find a decent 2-3 bedroom place for around $600-$800 per month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like Klein Windhoek, Ludwigsdorf, and Eros, as these areas can be quite expensive, with rents easily going over $1,500 per month for a similar-sized place.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $100-$150 per month for electricity, water, and gas, depending on your usage. Internet and cable TV packages can range from $50 to $100 per month, depending on the provider and the plan you choose. So, in total, you're looking at around $800-$1,000 per month for housing and utilities.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high fuel prices. However, if you're willing to use public transportation, you can save a significant amount of money. Taxis and minibuses are the most common forms of public transport in Windhoek, and they're quite affordable, with fares usually ranging from $0.50 to $1.50 per trip. If you do decide to buy a car, you should budget around $300-$400 per month for fuel, insurance, and maintenance.Groceries and eating out can also be quite affordable if you're willing to shop at local markets and eat at local restaurants. You can expect to spend around $300-$400 per month on groceries and another $200-$300 on eating out, depending on your preferences. Of course, if you prefer to shop at upscale supermarkets and dine at fancy restaurants, your costs will be significantly higher.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Windhoek. You can find movie tickets for around $5, and there are numerous parks, museums, and cultural events that are either free or have a low entrance fee. If you're into sports and fitness, gym memberships can range from $30 to $60 per month, depending on the facilities and location.So, all in all, if you're willing to make some adjustments and live a more local lifestyle, you can definitely live comfortably in Windhoek on $3,000 a month. Just be prepared to make some sacrifices when it comes to housing, transportation, and dining out," said one expat living in Windhoek.

Can I live in Windhoek on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Windhoek for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be a few sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable areas in Windhoek include Pionierspark, Academia, and Dorado Park. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of housing options, from apartments to standalone houses, and you should be able to find something within your budget. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Klein Windhoek, Eros, and Ludwigsdorf, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Windhoek, so you might want to consider using public transportation or taxis to get around. This will not only save you money on car payments and maintenance but also on fuel, which can be quite pricey in Namibia.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that prices can vary quite a bit depending on where you shop and eat. To save money, try shopping at local markets and supermarkets like Woermann Brock, Pick n Pay, or Spar, where you can find affordable groceries and household items. Dining out can be quite expensive in Windhoek, especially at high-end restaurants, so you might want to limit how often you eat out and instead cook at home or opt for more affordable eateries.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you'll want to be mindful of your spending in this area. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Windhoek, such as hiking, visiting local parks, or attending community events. However, if you're interested in more expensive hobbies or activities, you might need to cut back in other areas of your budget to accommodate these expenses.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Windhoek is definitely achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about transportation, and being conscious of your spending on groceries, dining out, and entertainment, you should be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Windhoek.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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Windhoek, Namibia

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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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