Cost of Living in Sana'a, Yemen
Yemen · Asia
$460
Monthly Cost
avg/person
20
Cost Index
NYC=100
14
Rent Index
NYC=100
18
Quality of Life
Poor
8
Safety Index
Poor
2.96M
Population
YER
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $1.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $6 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $0 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $0 |
| Cappuccino | $1.2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.35 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.18 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.8 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.25 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.35 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.18 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.1 |
| Monthly Pass | $5 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $18000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $14000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $25 |
| Mobile Plan | $4 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $18 |
| Fitness Club/month | $10 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $150/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $85/mo |
| 3BR Center | $350/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $195/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $580/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $310/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $80 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 18% |
Cost of Living in Sana'a — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Sana'a, Yemen is approximately $460 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Sana'a has a cost index of 20, making it around 80% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Sana'a costs around $85/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $150/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $350/month. The rent index is 14 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Sana'a scores 18/100 on the quality of life index and 8/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 20/100. The climate index is 65/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Sana'a is approximately $80/month. With a purchasing power index of 12/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is YER, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Sana'a
The average monthly salary in Sana'a is approximately $80. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $460, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 12/100.
Healthcare Costs in Sana'a
Healthcare quality in Sana'a is rated 20/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Sana'a
Sana'a has a quality of life score of 18/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Sana'a
Students living in Sana'a should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Sana'a
Expats moving to Sana'a often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Sana'a, Yemen is approximately $460 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 20 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Sana'a
Living in Sana'a offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 20 and a quality of life score of 18/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $80 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Sana'a provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Yemen and around the world.
Key Facts About Sana'a
- Average Monthly Cost: $460
- Cost Index: 20
- Rent Index: 14
- Average Salary: $80
- Quality of Life: 18/100
- Safety Score: 8/100
- Country: Yemen
- Currency: YER
Is Sana'a Expensive?
Sana'a has a cost index of 20 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Sana'a compare to other cities?
Sana'a is located in Asia with a population of approximately 2.96M. At a cost index of 20 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Sana'a stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sana'a?
The average cost of living in Sana'a, Yemen is approximately $460 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 20 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Sana'a?
Rent in Sana'a varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 14 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Sana'a alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Sana'a expensive to live in?
Sana'a has a cost index of 20 compared to New York City (100). At 20, Sana'a is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $460.
What is the quality of life in Sana'a?
Sana'a has a quality of life index of 18/100 and a safety index of 8/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a poor quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Sana'a compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Sana'a with any city worldwide. Sana'a's cost index is 20 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Sana'a?
Many residents live comfortably in Sana'a with a monthly budget of around $460 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Sana'a good for expats?
Sana'a is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Sana'a?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $460 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Sana'a.
Is Sana'a cheaper than New York?
Yes, Sana'a has a cost index of 20 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Sana'a?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Sana'a.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Sana'a
Cheapest Ways to Live in Sana'a
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Sana'a typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $85/month compared to $150/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Sana'a, Yemen.
Is Sana'a Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 12/100 and a quality of life score of 18/100, Sana'a is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 20 relative to New York City, Sana'a remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Yemen has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Sana'a Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Sana'a", "Sana'a monthly expenses 2026", and "is Sana'a affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $460, a safety score of 8/100, and healthcare rated 20/100, Sana'a offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Yemen.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026