Cost Of Living in Namibia 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Namibia

Whether you're living in Namibia or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

17,000 NAD

per month
$900

1,300 NAD   $69
$9,000   170,000 NAD

Single

12,000 NAD

per month
$620

3,900 NAD   $210
$4,200   79,000 NAD

Couple

20,000 NAD

per month
$1,000

6,600 NAD   $350
$5,500   110,000 NAD

Family

26,000 NAD

per month
$1,400

9,200 NAD   $480
$7,600   140,000 NAD

Student

7,900 NAD

per month
$420

3,200 NAD   $170
$750   14,000 NAD
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Namibia is 12,000 NAD. Expenses can range from 3,900 NAD at the minimum level to 79,000 NAD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Namibia is 20,000 NAD. Expenditure can range from 6,600 NAD to 110,000 NAD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Namibia is 26,000 NAD per month. Families spend anywhere from 9,200 NAD to 140,000 NAD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Namibia is 7,900 NAD. Students spend from 3,200 NAD to 14,000 NAD per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Namibia


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
2.1 NAD 2.3 NAD 2.7 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.11 $0.12 $0.14
Fast food combo meal
18 NAD 35 NAD 58 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.92 $1.8 $3.1
Restaurant meal for one
58 NAD 88 NAD 180 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.1 $4.6 $9.2
Fine dining meal for one
120 NAD 180 NAD 700 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $9.2 $37
Soda or Soft Drink
2.5 NAD 2.9 NAD 3.5 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.15 $0.18
Cappuccino or latte
15 NAD 23 NAD 35 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.77 $1.2 $1.8

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
12 NAD 14 NAD 18 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.62 $0.74 $0.92
Loaf of bread
2.1 NAD 2.4 NAD 2.8 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.11 $0.13 $0.15
12 eggs
8.8 NAD 12 NAD 18 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.46 $0.62 $0.92
Fresh whole chicken
20 NAD 26 NAD 36 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.4 $1.9
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
23 NAD 35 NAD 70 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.8 $3.7
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
9.4 NAD 13 NAD 18 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.50 $0.68 $0.96
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
3.5 NAD 4.7 NAD 8.8 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.18 $0.25 $0.46
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
6.3 NAD 8.2 NAD 13 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.33 $0.43 $0.71

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
15 NAD 18 NAD 35 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.77 $0.92 $1.8
Average car full tank
88 NAD 120 NAD 230 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6.2 $12
Average car 1-day rental
88 NAD 120 NAD 180 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6.2 $9.2
Average car price
44,000 NAD 88,000 NAD 120,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,300 $4,600 $6,200
Bus ticket one way
2.9 NAD 4.4 NAD 8.8 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.15 $0.23 $0.46
Car Service
120 NAD 180 NAD 350 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $9.2 $18

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
240 NAD 710 NAD 4,700 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $37 $250
Utility Bill - Couple
330 NAD 990 NAD 5,300 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $52 $280
Utility Bill - Family
280 NAD 790 NAD 4,300 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $42 $230
Internet and cable
88 NAD 180 NAD 230 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $9.2 $12
Mobile phone charges
70 NAD 120 NAD 350 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.7 $6.2 $18

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
44 NAD 58 NAD 88 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.1 $4.6
One month gym membership
140 NAD 180 NAD 350 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.4 $9.2 $18

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
100 NAD 150 NAD 220 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $7.7 $12
Woman dress
97 NAD 130 NAD 440 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $7.1 $23
Woman shoes
92 NAD 130 NAD 290 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $6.6 $15
Men's shoes
80 NAD 97 NAD 190 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.2 $5.1 $10
Men suit
88 NAD 110 NAD 580 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $5.8 $31
Regular t-shirt
44 NAD 58 NAD 180 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.1 $9.2

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
1,500 NAD 2,200 NAD 5,800 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$77 $120 $310
1-bedroom apartment
2,200 NAD 3,500 NAD 8,800 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $180 $460
2-bedroom apartment
2,900 NAD 4,400 NAD 12,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $230 $620

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
290,000 NAD 440,000 NAD 880,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15,000 $23,000 $46,000
1-bedroom apartment
350,000 NAD 580,000 NAD 2.2M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18,000 $31,000 $120,000
2-bedroom apartment
580,000 NAD 1.8M NAD 3.5M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31,000 $92,000 $180,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
1,800 NAD 2,200 NAD 2,900 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$92 $120 $150
Double Bed
1,200 NAD 1,800 NAD 2,200 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$62 $92 $120
Single Bed
1,000 NAD 1,300 NAD 1,800 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$54 $71 $92
Living Room
1,900 NAD 2,500 NAD 8,800 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $130 $460
Dining Table
880 NAD 1,200 NAD 2,200 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$46 $62 $120
Sofa or Couch
1,200 NAD 1,600 NAD 3,500 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$62 $84 $180

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
1,200 NAD 1,800 NAD 3,500 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$62 $92 $180
Fridge or Freezer
1,000 NAD 1,600 NAD 2,200 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$54 $84 $120
Washing Machine
1,300 NAD 1,900 NAD 3,500 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$71 $100 $180
Stove or Cooker
1,300 NAD 1,600 NAD 2,200 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66 $84 $120
Mobile Phone
1,500 NAD 1,800 NAD 2,500 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$77 $92 $130
Laptop or Computer
1,600 NAD 1,900 NAD 3,500 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$84 $100 $180

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Namibia

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

84%

77% to 94%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%17%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%17%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Namibia is 84% This means that on average, people spend around 84% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 17% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
76%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
85%

Couple
80%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
89%

Family
88%
Spending-Income-Ratio
81%
99%

How do people spend their money in Namibia?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure26%

26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)

LOW$21   390 NAD
AVERAGE$270   5,100 NAD
HIGH$2,700   51,000 NAD
Per Month

People living in Namibia typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 5,100 NAD with expenditure ranging from 390 NAD to 51,000 NAD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$3.5   66 NAD
AVERAGE$45   850 NAD
HIGH$450   8,500 NAD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Namibia ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 850 NAD with 66 NAD and 8,500 NAD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$6.9   130 NAD
AVERAGE$90   1,700 NAD
HIGH$900   17,000 NAD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 130 NAD to 17,000 NAD on commuting with 1,700 NAD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$17   330 NAD
AVERAGE$230   4,300 NAD
HIGH$2,300   43,000 NAD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Namibia is 4,300 NAD. The cost of groceries can range between 330 NAD to 43,000 NAD. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$4.8   92 NAD
AVERAGE$63   1,200 NAD
HIGH$630   12,000 NAD
Per Month

People in Namibia allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 92 NAD to 12,000 NAD with 1,200 NAD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$2.8   53 NAD
AVERAGE$36   680 NAD
HIGH$360   6,800 NAD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 53 NAD to 6,800 NAD with 680 NAD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$4.2   79 NAD
AVERAGE$54   1,000 NAD
HIGH$540   10,000 NAD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 1,000 NAD per month with 79 NAD being the minimum spent amount and 10,000 NAD being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$9   170 NAD
AVERAGE$120   2,200 NAD
HIGH$1,200   22,000 NAD
Per Month

How much money can you save in Namibia every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Namibia manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
62%
Not Saving
38%

Almost 62% of the surveyed people in Namibia said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 38% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Namibia

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles62%38%
Couples57%43%
Families52%48%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

11% 19% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

440 NAD
$23
5,700 NAD
$300
57,000 NAD
$3,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 11% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 19% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 5,700 NAD on average with savings ranging from 440 NAD to 57,000 NAD.

62% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 57% of couples said the same. 52% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Namibia?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 23% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,300 NAD
$69
3,900 NAD
$210
26,000 NAD
$1,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 23% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 3,900 NAD with 1,300 NAD and 26,000 NAD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,200 NAD
$110
6,500 NAD
$340
35,000 NAD
$1,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 32% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 6,500 NAD with 2,200 NAD and 35,000 NAD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 18% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

3,100 NAD
$160
8,700 NAD
$460
48,000 NAD
$2,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Namibia can save anywhere between 11% to 29% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 8,700 NAD with 3,100 NAD and 48,000 NAD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Namibia

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Namibia?


Yes
60%
No
40%

Around 60% of surveyed residents think that living in Namibia is affordable with proper budgeting while 40% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Namibia

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options59%

Few low-cost options41%


Based on the survey, 59% of the people living in Namibia have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 41% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Namibia whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes60%

No40%


Based on the survey, 40% of the people living in Namibia said that they don't have an emergency fund while 60% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Namibia

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy55%


We asked residents of Namibia whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 45% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 55% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Namibia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 36% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 64% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance36%

Easily manages finances64%

Financial goals of people in Namibia

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Namibia, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction35%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle10%
Healthcare Expenses10%
Financial Independence7%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 35% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Namibia

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Namibia. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans17%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later18%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Namibia

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings17%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Namibia

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Namibia and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Namibia is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Namibia:
AgeAmount
2546,000 NAD
3091,000 NAD
35160,000 NAD
40230,000 NAD
45340,000 NAD
50480,000 NAD
55570,000 NAD
60710,000 NAD
65840,000 NAD

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Namibia about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job11%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Namibia

2,900 NAD
$150
8,700 NAD
$460
58,000 NAD
$3,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Namibia


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
25%
Debt Free
75%

According to the survey, 25% of the people in Namibia have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 75% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Namibia

Debt to income ratio

29%

21% to 39%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 29% of the people's monthly income in Namibia goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%13%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%14%
10% - 20%17%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Namibia pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 13% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Namibia

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage12%
Auto Loan20%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card26%
Personal Loan38%

12% of debtors in Namibia confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 20% of people and personal loans rose at 38%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Namibia.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Namibia

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Namibia how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never54%
Once a year22%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Namibia

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Namibia

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
1,500 NAD 2,200 NAD 5,800 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$77 $120 $310
1-bedroom apartment
2,200 NAD 3,500 NAD 8,800 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $180 $460
2-bedroom apartment
2,900 NAD 4,400 NAD 12,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $230 $620
3-bedroom apartment
3,500 NAD 5,800 NAD 16,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $310 $840
Furnished apartment
7,000 NAD 18,000 NAD 35,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $920 $1,800
Townhouse
5,800 NAD 8,800 NAD 25,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $460 $1,300
House
7,000 NAD 18,000 NAD 35,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $920 $1,800
Villa
8,800 NAD 22,000 NAD 35,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$460 $1,200 $1,800

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Namibia ranges between 1,500 NAD and 5,800 NAD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 2,200 NAD to 8,800 NAD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 2,900 NAD and 12,000 NAD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 3,500 NAD to 16,000 NAD. The average rent of a townhouse in Namibia is around 8,800 NAD while house rental costs can be as high as 18,000 NAD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 8,800 NAD to 35,000 NAD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Namibia

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
290,000 NAD 440,000 NAD 880,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15,000 $23,000 $46,000
1-bedroom apartment
350,000 NAD 580,000 NAD 2.2M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18,000 $31,000 $120,000
2-bedroom apartment
580,000 NAD 1.8M NAD 3.5M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31,000 $92,000 $180,000
3-bedroom apartment
1.9M NAD 2.9M NAD 8.8M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100,000 $150,000 $460,000
Townhouse
2.5M NAD 5.8M NAD 22M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $310,000 $1.2M
House
2.9M NAD 18M NAD 25M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $920,000 $1.3M
Villa
3.5M NAD 19M NAD 29M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180,000 $1M $1.5M

The average price of a studio apartment in Namibia can range from 290,000 NAD to 880,000 NAD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 350,000 NAD to 2.2M NAD. A villa can cost you 19M NAD on average with prices ranging from 3.5M NAD to 29M NAD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Namibia will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


38 x108 monthly income 205
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Namibia can be x108 to x205 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x108 multiples of the average monthly salary in Namibia.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


21% 31% of income 41%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Namibia is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 41% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
29%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.1%
AVERAGE
3.1%
TO
4.1%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


26 NAD 340 NAD 3,400 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Namibia

Housing32%

32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)

LOW$75   1,400 NAD
AVERAGE$220   4,300 NAD
HIGH$1,500   28,000 NAD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$12   240 NAD
AVERAGE$37   710 NAD
HIGH$250   4,700 NAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$17   320 NAD
AVERAGE$50   950 NAD
HIGH$330   6,300 NAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$33   630 NAD
AVERAGE$100   1,900 NAD
HIGH$670   13,000 NAD
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$19   350 NAD
AVERAGE$56   1,100 NAD
HIGH$370   7,100 NAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)

LOW$10   200 NAD
AVERAGE$31   590 NAD
HIGH$210   3,900 NAD
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$4.2   79 NAD
AVERAGE$12   240 NAD
HIGH$83   1,600 NAD
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$37   710 NAD
AVERAGE$110   2,100 NAD
HIGH$750   14,000 NAD
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Namibia

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)

LOW$110   2,200 NAD
AVERAGE$340   6,500 NAD
HIGH$1,800   35,000 NAD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$17   330 NAD
AVERAGE$52   990 NAD
HIGH$280   5,300 NAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$42   790 NAD
AVERAGE$120   2,400 NAD
HIGH$670   13,000 NAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$48   920 NAD
AVERAGE$150   2,800 NAD
HIGH$780   15,000 NAD
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$38   720 NAD
AVERAGE$110   2,200 NAD
HIGH$610   12,000 NAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$21   390 NAD
AVERAGE$62   1,200 NAD
HIGH$330   6,300 NAD
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$6.9   130 NAD
AVERAGE$21   390 NAD
HIGH$110   2,100 NAD
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$59   1,100 NAD
AVERAGE$180   3,400 NAD
HIGH$940   18,000 NAD
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Namibia

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (23% to 38%)

LOW$160   2,900 NAD
AVERAGE$440   8,400 NAD
HIGH$2,400   46,000 NAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$39   740 NAD
AVERAGE$110   2,100 NAD
HIGH$610   12,000 NAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$87   1,700 NAD
AVERAGE$250   4,700 NAD
HIGH$1,400   26,000 NAD
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$39   740 NAD
AVERAGE$110   2,100 NAD
HIGH$610   12,000 NAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$24   460 NAD
AVERAGE$69   1,300 NAD
HIGH$380   7,200 NAD
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$68   1,300 NAD
AVERAGE$190   3,700 NAD
HIGH$1,100   20,000 NAD
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$58   1,100 NAD
AVERAGE$170   3,200 NAD
HIGH$910   17,000 NAD
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Namibia

Housing20%

20% of total expenses on average (15% to 26%)

LOW$40   760 NAD
AVERAGE$100   1,900 NAD
HIGH$180   3,400 NAD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$6.6   130 NAD
AVERAGE$17   320 NAD
HIGH$30   570 NAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$12   220 NAD
AVERAGE$29   550 NAD
HIGH$52   990 NAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$33   630 NAD
AVERAGE$83   1,600 NAD
HIGH$150   2,800 NAD
Per Month

Healthcare8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$10   190 NAD
AVERAGE$25   470 NAD
HIGH$45   850 NAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$8.3   160 NAD
AVERAGE$21   390 NAD
HIGH$37   710 NAD
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$32   600 NAD
AVERAGE$79   1,500 NAD
HIGH$140   2,700 NAD
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$25   470 NAD
AVERAGE$62   1,200 NAD
HIGH$110   2,100 NAD
Per Month
©copound