Cost of living in Sanaa

Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, is a city rich in history and culture. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering moving to or working in the city.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses in Sanaa, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, offering a comprehensive view of what to expect financially in 2024.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $6 on average, with a range between $4 and $8.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $18.01, with prices ranging from $8 to $28.01.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.5, with a range between $8.8 and $10.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $1.5 to $2, imported beer $1.2 to $1.8, cappuccino $1 to $4, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $1.6.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $1.2 and $2.8 per liter, averaging $1.89.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.8 and $2, with an average price of $1.25.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $2 to $4.8, averaging $3.55.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $2 to $10 per kg, while oranges range from $1.76 to $6 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $0.8 and $2 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.2 to $1.6 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.4 and $1.8.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.48 and $3.7 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $4, with a cost of $2 to $4 per km and $4 to $10 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $120.05 to $280.11, averaging $180.07.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $80.03 to $200.08, averaging $110.04.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $350.04 to $840.34, averaging $444.14.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $180.02 to $480.19, averaging $255.09.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $700.07 to $7202.88, averaging $3274.57.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $350.04 to $1560.62, averaging $1037.05.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $37.4 and $163.27, averaging $90.89.
  • InternetInternet services range from $20.01 to $200.02, with an average cost of $43.76.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 22 user contributions, as of the most recent update in September, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$6.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$18.01
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$9.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.75
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.50
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.14
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.48
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.80
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.89
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.25
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.55
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.75
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.85
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$4.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.60
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.00
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$4.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.80
Apples (1kg)
$4.45
Oranges (1kg)
$3.30
Potato (1kg)
$1.71
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.60
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.31
Tomato (1kg)
$1.79
Banana (1kg)
$1.53
Onion (1kg)
$1.65
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$20.29
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.40
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.43
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$4.00
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$7.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$38,345.19
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$180.07
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$110.04
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$444.14
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$255.09
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$90.89
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$43.76
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$13.64
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$82.53
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.34
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$5.60
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$42.68
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$116.05
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$44.68
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$37.34
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$3,274.57
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$1,037.05
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$280.10
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$88.91
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$4,601.45