Cost Of Living in Windhoek 2024

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

Whether you're living in Windhoek 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

19,000 NAD

per month
$1,000

1,500 NAD   $77
$10,000   190,000 NAD

Single

13,000 NAD

per month
$690

4,400 NAD   $230
$4,600   87,000 NAD

Couple

22,000 NAD

per month
$1,100

7,300 NAD   $380
$6,100   120,000 NAD

Family

29,000 NAD

per month
$1,500

10,000 NAD   $540
$8,400   160,000 NAD

Student

8,700 NAD

per month
$460

3,500 NAD   $180
$830   16,000 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 Windhoek is 13,000 NAD. Expenses can range from 4,400 NAD at the minimum level to 87,000 NAD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Windhoek is 22,000 NAD. Expenditure can range from 7,300 NAD to 120,000 NAD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Windhoek is 29,000 NAD per month. Families spend anywhere from 10,000 NAD to 160,000 NAD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Windhoek is 8,700 NAD. Students spend from 3,500 NAD to 16,000 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 Windhoek


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 59 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.93 $1.9 $3.1
Restaurant meal for one
62 NAD 92 NAD 180 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $4.9 $9.7
Fine dining meal for one
120 NAD 180 NAD 740 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $9.7 $39
Soda or Soft Drink
2.5 NAD 2.9 NAD 3.5 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.15 $0.19
Cappuccino or latte
15 NAD 23 NAD 35 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.77 $1.2 $1.9

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
12 NAD 14 NAD 18 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.62 $0.74 $0.93
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 $0.93
Fresh whole chicken
20 NAD 26 NAD 37 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.4 $1.9
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
23 NAD 35 NAD 70 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.9 $3.7
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
9.5 NAD 13 NAD 18 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.50 $0.68 $0.97
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
3.5 NAD 4.7 NAD 8.8 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.19 $0.25 $0.46
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
6.3 NAD 8.2 NAD 14 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.33 $0.43 $0.71

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
15 NAD 18 NAD 37 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.81 $0.97 $1.9
Average car full tank
88 NAD 120 NAD 230 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6.2 $12
Average car 1-day rental
97 NAD 130 NAD 190 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $6.8 $10
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
3.2 NAD 4.8 NAD 9.7 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.17 $0.25 $0.51
Car Service
130 NAD 190 NAD 390 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.8 $10 $20

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
260 NAD 780 NAD 5,200 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $41 $280
Utility Bill - Couple
360 NAD 1,100 NAD 5,800 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $57 $310
Utility Bill - Family
310 NAD 870 NAD 4,800 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $46 $250
Internet and cable
88 NAD 180 NAD 230 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $9.3 $12
Mobile phone charges
70 NAD 120 NAD 350 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.7 $6.2 $19

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
44 NAD 59 NAD 88 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.1 $4.6
One month gym membership
150 NAD 190 NAD 390 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.2 $10 $20

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
110 NAD 160 NAD 240 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6 $8.5 $13
Woman dress
110 NAD 150 NAD 480 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $7.8 $25
Woman shoes
100 NAD 140 NAD 320 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $7.3 $17
Men's shoes
88 NAD 110 NAD 210 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $5.7 $11
Men suit
97 NAD 120 NAD 640 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $6.4 $34
Regular t-shirt
48 NAD 64 NAD 190 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.4 $10

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
1,600 NAD 2,400 NAD 6,400 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$85 $130 $340
1-bedroom apartment
2,400 NAD 3,900 NAD 9,700 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $200 $510
2-bedroom apartment
3,200 NAD 4,800 NAD 13,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $250 $680

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
320,000 NAD 480,000 NAD 970,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17,000 $25,000 $51,000
1-bedroom apartment
390,000 NAD 640,000 NAD 2.4M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20,000 $34,000 $130,000
2-bedroom apartment
640,000 NAD 1.9M NAD 3.9M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34,000 $100,000 $200,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
1,800 NAD 2,200 NAD 2,900 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$93 $120 $150
Double Bed
1,200 NAD 1,800 NAD 2,200 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$62 $93 $120
Single Bed
1,000 NAD 1,400 NAD 1,800 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$55 $71 $93
Living Room
2,000 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 $190

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
1,200 NAD 1,800 NAD 3,500 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$62 $93 $190
Fridge or Freezer
1,000 NAD 1,600 NAD 2,200 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$55 $84 $120
Washing Machine
1,400 NAD 2,000 NAD 3,500 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$71 $100 $190
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 $93 $130
Laptop or Computer
1,600 NAD 2,000 NAD 3,500 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$84 $100 $190

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Windhoek

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

93%

85% to 100%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%9%
60% - 70%16%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%19%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Windhoek is 93% This means that on average, people spend around 93% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 16% 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
84%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
94%

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

Family
98%
Spending-Income-Ratio
89%
110%

How do people spend their money in Windhoek?

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 Expenditure24%

24% of total expenses on average (13% to 32%)

LOW$23   440 NAD
AVERAGE$300   5,700 NAD
HIGH$3,000   57,000 NAD
Per Month

People living in Windhoek typically spend from 13% to 32% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 24% being the average. The average spend on housing is 5,700 NAD with expenditure ranging from 440 NAD to 57,000 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$3.8   73 NAD
AVERAGE$50   940 NAD
HIGH$500   9,400 NAD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Windhoek ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 940 NAD with 73 NAD and 9,400 NAD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$7.7   150 NAD
AVERAGE$100   1,900 NAD
HIGH$1,000   19,000 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 150 NAD to 19,000 NAD on commuting with 1,900 NAD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$19   360 NAD
AVERAGE$250   4,700 NAD
HIGH$2,500   47,000 NAD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Windhoek is 4,700 NAD. The cost of groceries can range between 360 NAD to 47,000 NAD. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$5.4   100 NAD
AVERAGE$70   1,300 NAD
HIGH$700   13,000 NAD
Per Month

People in Windhoek allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 100 NAD to 13,000 NAD with 1,300 NAD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)

LOW$3.1   58 NAD
AVERAGE$40   760 NAD
HIGH$400   7,600 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 58 NAD to 7,600 NAD with 760 NAD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$4.6   87 NAD
AVERAGE$60   1,100 NAD
HIGH$600   11,000 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 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 1,100 NAD per month with 87 NAD being the minimum spent amount and 11,000 NAD being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$10   190 NAD
AVERAGE$130   2,500 NAD
HIGH$1,300   25,000 NAD
Per Month

How much money can you save in Windhoek 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 Windhoek manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
69%
Not Saving
32%

Almost 69% of the surveyed people in Windhoek said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 32% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Windhoek

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles69%31%
Couples63%37%
Families58%42%

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

12% 21% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

480 NAD
$25
6,300 NAD
$330
63,000 NAD
$3,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 12% to 34% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 21% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 6,300 NAD on average with savings ranging from 480 NAD to 63,000 NAD.

69% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 63% of couples said the same. 58% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Windhoek?

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

16% 25% of income 37%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,400 NAD
$76
4,300 NAD
$230
29,000 NAD
$1,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 16% to 37% of their monthly income to savings, with 25% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 4,300 NAD with 1,400 NAD and 29,000 NAD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 23% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,400 NAD
$130
7,200 NAD
$380
39,000 NAD
$2,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 13% to 35% of their monthly income, with 23% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 7,200 NAD with 2,400 NAD and 39,000 NAD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 20% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

3,400 NAD
$180
9,600 NAD
$510
53,000 NAD
$2,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%4%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Windhoek can save anywhere between 12% to 32% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 9,600 NAD with 3,400 NAD and 53,000 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 Windhoek

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Windhoek?


Yes
66%
No
34%

Around 66% of surveyed residents think that living in Windhoek is affordable with proper budgeting while 34% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Windhoek

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 options65%

Few low-cost options35%


Based on the survey, 65% of the people living in Windhoek have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 35% 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 Windhoek whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes66%

No34%


Based on the survey, 34% of the people living in Windhoek said that they don't have an emergency fund while 66% 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 Windhoek

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Windhoek, 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 Fund8%
Debt Reduction40%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle7%
Healthcare Expenses13%
Financial Independence6%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 40% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 7% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 13% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Windhoek

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

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


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans14%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later20%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 14% 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. 11% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% 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. 20% 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. 13% 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, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Windhoek

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings20%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks5%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Windhoek

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Windhoek 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 Windhoek:
AgeAmount
2550,000 NAD
30100,000 NAD
35180,000 NAD
40250,000 NAD
45380,000 NAD
50530,000 NAD
55630,000 NAD
60780,000 NAD
65930,000 NAD

Retirement Income Distribution

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

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job14%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Windhoek

3,200 NAD
$170
9,600 NAD
$510
64,000 NAD
$3,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Windhoek


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
28%
Debt Free
72%

According to the survey, 28% of the people in Windhoek have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 72% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Windhoek

Debt to income ratio

32%

23% to 43%

( 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 32% of the people's monthly income in Windhoek goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%17%
40% - 50%14%
30% - 40%16%
20% - 30%11%
10% - 20%13%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Windhoek pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 17% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 11% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Windhoek

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage9%
Auto Loan17%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card29%
Personal Loan42%

9% of debtors in Windhoek confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 29% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 17% of people and personal loans rose at 42%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Windhoek.


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 Windhoek

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Windhoek 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
Never51%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Windhoek

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


Rent Cost in Windhoek

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
1,600 NAD 2,400 NAD 6,400 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$85 $130 $340
1-bedroom apartment
2,400 NAD 3,900 NAD 9,700 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $200 $510
2-bedroom apartment
3,200 NAD 4,800 NAD 13,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $250 $680
3-bedroom apartment
3,900 NAD 6,400 NAD 18,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $340 $930
Furnished apartment
7,700 NAD 19,000 NAD 39,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $1,000 $2,000
Townhouse
6,400 NAD 9,700 NAD 28,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $510 $1,500
House
7,700 NAD 19,000 NAD 39,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $1,000 $2,000
Villa
9,700 NAD 24,000 NAD 39,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$510 $1,300 $2,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Windhoek ranges between 1,600 NAD and 6,400 NAD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 2,400 NAD to 9,700 NAD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 3,200 NAD and 13,000 NAD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 3,900 NAD to 18,000 NAD. The average rent of a townhouse in Windhoek is around 9,700 NAD while house rental costs can be as high as 19,000 NAD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 9,700 NAD to 39,000 NAD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Windhoek

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
320,000 NAD 480,000 NAD 970,000 NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17,000 $25,000 $51,000
1-bedroom apartment
390,000 NAD 640,000 NAD 2.4M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20,000 $34,000 $130,000
2-bedroom apartment
640,000 NAD 1.9M NAD 3.9M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34,000 $100,000 $200,000
3-bedroom apartment
2.1M NAD 3.2M NAD 9.7M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $170,000 $510,000
Townhouse
2.8M NAD 6.4M NAD 24M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $340,000 $1.3M
House
3.2M NAD 19M NAD 28M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170,000 $1M $1.5M
Villa
3.9M NAD 21M NAD 32M NAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200,000 $1.1M $1.7M

The average price of a studio apartment in Windhoek can range from 320,000 NAD to 970,000 NAD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 390,000 NAD to 2.4M NAD. A villa can cost you 21M NAD on average with prices ranging from 3.9M NAD to 32M NAD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Windhoek 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


42 x119 monthly income 227
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Windhoek can be x119 to x227 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x119 multiples of the average monthly salary in Windhoek.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


23% 34% of income 45%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Windhoek is around 34%. This means that people pay 34% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 45% 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
32%

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.


29 NAD 380 NAD 3,800 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 Windhoek

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)

LOW$83   1,600 NAD
AVERAGE$250   4,700 NAD
HIGH$1,700   31,000 NAD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

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

LOW$14   260 NAD
AVERAGE$41   780 NAD
HIGH$280   5,200 NAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$18   350 NAD
AVERAGE$55   1,000 NAD
HIGH$370   7,000 NAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$37   700 NAD
AVERAGE$110   2,100 NAD
HIGH$730   14,000 NAD
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$21   390 NAD
AVERAGE$62   1,200 NAD
HIGH$410   7,800 NAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$11   220 NAD
AVERAGE$34   650 NAD
HIGH$230   4,400 NAD
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$4.6   87 NAD
AVERAGE$14   260 NAD
HIGH$92   1,700 NAD
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$41   780 NAD
AVERAGE$120   2,400 NAD
HIGH$830   16,000 NAD
Per Month


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

Housing27%

27% of total expenses on average (20% to 37%)

LOW$130   2,400 NAD
AVERAGE$380   7,200 NAD
HIGH$2,000   38,000 NAD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

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

LOW$19   360 NAD
AVERAGE$57   1,100 NAD
HIGH$310   5,800 NAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$46   870 NAD
AVERAGE$140   2,600 NAD
HIGH$730   14,000 NAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$54   1,000 NAD
AVERAGE$160   3,100 NAD
HIGH$860   16,000 NAD
Per Month

Healthcare14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$42   800 NAD
AVERAGE$130   2,400 NAD
HIGH$670   13,000 NAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$23   440 NAD
AVERAGE$69   1,300 NAD
HIGH$370   7,000 NAD
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$7.7   150 NAD
AVERAGE$23   440 NAD
HIGH$120   2,300 NAD
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$65   1,200 NAD
AVERAGE$200   3,700 NAD
HIGH$1,000   20,000 NAD
Per Month


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

Housing26%

26% of total expenses on average (21% to 36%)

LOW$170   3,300 NAD
AVERAGE$490   9,300 NAD
HIGH$2,700   51,000 NAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$43   810 NAD
AVERAGE$120   2,300 NAD
HIGH$670   13,000 NAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$96   1,800 NAD
AVERAGE$280   5,200 NAD
HIGH$1,500   29,000 NAD
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$43   810 NAD
AVERAGE$120   2,300 NAD
HIGH$670   13,000 NAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$27   510 NAD
AVERAGE$77   1,500 NAD
HIGH$420   8,000 NAD
Per Month

Education13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$75   1,400 NAD
AVERAGE$210   4,100 NAD
HIGH$1,200   22,000 NAD
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$64   1,200 NAD
AVERAGE$180   3,500 NAD
HIGH$1,000   19,000 NAD
Per Month


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

Housing18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$44   840 NAD
AVERAGE$110   2,100 NAD
HIGH$200   3,800 NAD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

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

LOW$7.3   140 NAD
AVERAGE$18   350 NAD
HIGH$33   630 NAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

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

LOW$13   240 NAD
AVERAGE$32   610 NAD
HIGH$58   1,100 NAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$37   700 NAD
AVERAGE$92   1,700 NAD
HIGH$170   3,100 NAD
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$11   210 NAD
AVERAGE$28   520 NAD
HIGH$50   940 NAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

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

LOW$9.2   170 NAD
AVERAGE$23   440 NAD
HIGH$41   780 NAD
Per Month

Education18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$35   660 NAD
AVERAGE$87   1,700 NAD
HIGH$160   3,000 NAD
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$28   520 NAD
AVERAGE$69   1,300 NAD
HIGH$120   2,400 NAD
Per Month
©copound