Swakopmund, a coastal city in Namibia, is known for its German colonial architecture and vibrant tourism industry. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and potential newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Swakopmund, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5.55 on average, with a range between $4.44 and $32.53.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $33.3, with prices ranging from $27.75 to $47.18.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $3.27, with a range between $2.22 and $4.33.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $1.25, imported beer $1.67, cappuccino $1.67, and Coke/Pepsi $0.7.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.11 and $1.33 per liter, averaging $1.22.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.89 on average.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $2.11.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs $7.21 per kg on average.
  • Fruits (e.g., Bananas) - Bananas average $1.44 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Tomatoes, Lettuce) - Tomatoes average $1.94 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.22 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.06 and $1.44 per liter, averaging $1.25.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.72.
  • Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs approximately $13,877.02, while a Toyota Corolla is around $16,652.42.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $388.56 to $555.08, averaging $471.82.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $222.03 to $506.45, averaging $353.84.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $832.62 to $1110.16, averaging $971.39.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $499.57 to $832.62, averaging $666.1.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $555.08.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $333.05.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $49.96 per month.
  • Internet - Internet services average $66.61 per month.
Worldwide
Namibia

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Namibia are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Namibia, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 11 user contributions, as of the most recent update in June, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$5.55
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$33.30
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$3.27
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.25
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.67
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.70
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.53
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.67
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.22
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.89
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.11
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.21
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$6.19
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.56
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.05
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.22
Tomato (1kg)
$1.94
Banana (1kg)
$1.44
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.25
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$13,877.02
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.72
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$16,652.42
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$471.82
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$353.84
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$971.39
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$666.10
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$49.96
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$66.61
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$33.30
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.10
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$6.11
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$66.61
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$555.08
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$333.05
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$777.11
Swakopmund Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Swakopmund offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many global cities, with low rental prices and inexpensive dining options.

Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable fuel prices and taxi fares.

Grocery prices are reasonable, though some imported goods may be more expensive.

Utilities and internet services are competitively priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Swakopmund.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Swakopmund presents a cost-effective living environment, especially for those seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life.

With its scenic coastal location and vibrant community, Swakopmund is an attractive option for both residents and expatriates looking to settle in Namibia.