Cost Of Living in Yemen 2024

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

Whether you're living in Yemen 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

3,500 YER

per month
$14

270 YER   $1.1
$140   35,000 YER

Single

2,400 YER

per month
$9.6

800 YER   $3.2
$64   16,000 YER

Couple

4,000 YER

per month
$16

1,300 YER   $5.4
$86   21,000 YER

Family

5,400 YER

per month
$21

1,900 YER   $7.5
$120   29,000 YER

Student

1,500 YER

per month
$6.2

620 YER   $2.5
$11   2,800 YER
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Yemen is 2,400 YER. Expenses can range from 800 YER at the minimum level to 16,000 YER at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Yemen is 4,000 YER. Expenditure can range from 1,300 YER to 21,000 YER per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Yemen is 5,400 YER per month. Families spend anywhere from 1,900 YER to 29,000 YER.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Yemen is 1,500 YER. Students spend from 620 YER to 2,800 YER 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 Yemen


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.40 YER 0.46 YER 0.53 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.01 $0.01
Fast food combo meal
3.4 YER 6.8 YER 11 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.03 $0.05
Restaurant meal for one
11 YER 17 YER 34 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.05 $0.07 $0.14
Fine dining meal for one
23 YER 34 YER 140 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.09 $0.14 $0.55
Soda or Soft Drink
0.49 YER 0.57 YER 0.68 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.01 $0.01
Cappuccino or latte
2.9 YER 4.6 YER 6.8 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.02 $0.03

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
2.3 YER 2.7 YER 3.4 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.01 $0.01
Loaf of bread
0.41 YER 0.47 YER 0.54 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.01 $0.01
12 eggs
1.7 YER 2.3 YER 3.4 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.01 $0.01
Fresh whole chicken
3.9 YER 5 YER 7.1 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.02 $0.02 $0.03
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
4.6 YER 6.8 YER 14 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.02 $0.03 $0.05
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
1.8 YER 2.5 YER 3.6 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.01 $0.01
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
0.68 YER 0.91 YER 1.7 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.01 $0.01
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
1.2 YER 1.6 YER 2.6 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.01 $0.01

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
2.9 YER 3.4 YER 6.8 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.01 $0.03
Average car full tank
17 YER 23 YER 46 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.07 $0.09 $0.18
Average car 1-day rental
17 YER 23 YER 34 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.07 $0.09 $0.14
Average car price
8,600 YER 17,000 YER 23,000 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34 $68 $91
Bus ticket one way
0.57 YER 0.86 YER 1.7 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.01 $0.01
Car Service
23 YER 34 YER 68 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.09 $0.14 $0.27

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
48 YER 140 YER 970 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.19 $0.58 $3.9
Utility Bill - Couple
67 YER 200 YER 1,100 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.27 $0.80 $4.3
Utility Bill - Family
56 YER 160 YER 880 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.22 $0.64 $3.5
Internet and cable
17 YER 34 YER 46 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.07 $0.14 $0.18
Mobile phone charges
14 YER 23 YER 68 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.05 $0.09 $0.27

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
8.6 YER 11 YER 17 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.03 $0.05 $0.07
One month gym membership
27 YER 34 YER 68 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.11 $0.14 $0.27

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
20 YER 29 YER 43 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.11 $0.17
Woman dress
19 YER 26 YER 86 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.11 $0.34
Woman shoes
18 YER 24 YER 57 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.07 $0.10 $0.23
Men's shoes
16 YER 19 YER 38 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.06 $0.08 $0.15
Men suit
17 YER 21 YER 110 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.07 $0.09 $0.46
Regular t-shirt
8.6 YER 11 YER 34 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.03 $0.05 $0.14

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
290 YER 430 YER 1,100 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.7 $4.6
1-bedroom apartment
430 YER 680 YER 1,700 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.7 $6.8
2-bedroom apartment
570 YER 860 YER 2,300 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.4 $9.1

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
57,000 YER 86,000 YER 170,000 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $340 $680
1-bedroom apartment
68,000 YER 110,000 YER 430,000 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $460 $1,700
2-bedroom apartment
110,000 YER 340,000 YER 680,000 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$460 $1,400 $2,700

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
340 YER 430 YER 570 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.7 $2.3
Double Bed
230 YER 340 YER 430 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.91 $1.4 $1.7
Single Bed
200 YER 260 YER 340 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.80 $1.1 $1.4
Living Room
380 YER 490 YER 1,700 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2 $6.8
Dining Table
170 YER 230 YER 430 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.68 $0.91 $1.7
Sofa or Couch
230 YER 310 YER 680 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.91 $1.2 $2.7

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
230 YER 340 YER 680 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.91 $1.4 $2.7
Fridge or Freezer
200 YER 310 YER 430 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.80 $1.2 $1.7
Washing Machine
260 YER 380 YER 680 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.7
Stove or Cooker
240 YER 310 YER 430 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.98 $1.2 $1.7
Mobile Phone
290 YER 340 YER 490 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.4 $2
Laptop or Computer
310 YER 380 YER 680 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $2.7

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Yemen

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

87%

81% to 96%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%4%
50% - 60%9%
60% - 70%15%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%20%
90% - 100%11%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Yemen is 87% This means that on average, people spend around 87% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 15% 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
78%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
86%

Couple
83%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
91%

Family
91%
Spending-Income-Ratio
85%
100%

How do people spend their money in Yemen?

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 Expenditure23%

23% of total expenses on average (12% to 31%)

LOW$0.32   80 YER
AVERAGE$4.2   1,000 YER
HIGH$42   10,000 YER
Per Month

People living in Yemen typically spend from 12% to 31% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 23% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,000 YER with expenditure ranging from 80 YER to 10,000 YER. 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, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$0.05   13 YER
AVERAGE$0.70   170 YER
HIGH$7   1,700 YER
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Yemen ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 170 YER with 13 YER and 1,700 YER being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

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

LOW$0.11   27 YER
AVERAGE$1.4   350 YER
HIGH$14   3,500 YER
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 27 YER to 3,500 YER on commuting with 350 YER 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$0.27   67 YER
AVERAGE$3.5   870 YER
HIGH$35   8,700 YER
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Yemen is 870 YER. The cost of groceries can range between 67 YER to 8,700 YER. 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$0.07   19 YER
AVERAGE$0.97   240 YER
HIGH$9.7   2,400 YER
Per Month

People in Yemen 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 19 YER to 2,400 YER with 240 YER being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$0.04   11 YER
AVERAGE$0.56   140 YER
HIGH$5.6   1,400 YER
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 11 YER to 1,400 YER with 140 YER being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

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

LOW$0.06   16 YER
AVERAGE$0.84   210 YER
HIGH$8.4   2,100 YER
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 210 YER per month with 16 YER being the minimum spent amount and 2,100 YER being the maximum.

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$0.14   35 YER
AVERAGE$1.8   450 YER
HIGH$18   4,500 YER
Per Month

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


Saving Money
46%
Not Saving
54%

Almost 46% of the surveyed people in Yemen said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 54% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Yemen

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles54%46%
Couples49%51%
Families44%56%

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

9% 16% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

74 YER
$0.30
960 YER
$3.8
9,600 YER
$38
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 9% to 29% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 16% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 960 YER on average with savings ranging from 74 YER to 9,600 YER.

54% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 49% of couples said the same. 44% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Yemen?

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

12% 20% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

220 YER
$0.89
670 YER
$2.7
4,400 YER
$18
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 12% to 31% of their monthly income to savings, with 20% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 670 YER with 220 YER and 4,400 YER being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 18% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

370 YER
$1.5
1,100 YER
$4.4
5,900 YER
$24
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 10% to 30% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 1,100 YER with 370 YER and 5,900 YER being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

9% 16% of income 27%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

520 YER
$2.1
1,500 YER
$5.9
8,100 YER
$33
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 Yemen can save anywhere between 9% to 27% of their monthly income, with 16% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 1,500 YER with 520 YER and 8,100 YER 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 Yemen

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Yemen?


Yes
39%
No
61%

Around 39% of surveyed residents think that living in Yemen is affordable with proper budgeting while 61% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Yemen

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 options51%

Few low-cost options49%


Based on the survey, 51% of the people living in Yemen have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 49% 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 Yemen whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes35%

No65%


Based on the survey, 65% of the people living in Yemen said that they don't have an emergency fund while 35% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Yemen

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 Leteracy34%


We asked residents of Yemen whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 66% 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 34% 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 Yemen have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 68% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 32% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance68%

Easily manages finances32%

Financial goals of people in Yemen

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Yemen, 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 Reduction43%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing6%
Travel or Lifestyle6%
Healthcare Expenses14%
Financial Independence5%

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 43% 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. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 6% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 14% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Yemen

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

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


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans13%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending12%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later21%
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. 13% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% 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. 12% 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. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 21% 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 Yemen

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold13%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings21%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Yemen

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

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Yemen 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 Yemen:
AgeAmount
258,900 YER
3018,000 YER
3531,000 YER
4044,000 YER
4567,000 YER
5093,000 YER
55110,000 YER
60140,000 YER
65160,000 YER

Retirement Income Distribution

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

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job15%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Yemen

600 YER
$2.4
1,800 YER
$7.2
12,000 YER
$48
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Yemen


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
36%
Debt Free
64%

According to the survey, 36% of the people in Yemen have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 64% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Yemen

Debt to income ratio

32%

24% to 41%

( 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 Yemen goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%18%
40% - 50%15%
30% - 40%17%
20% - 30%10%
10% - 20%12%
0% - 10%25%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Yemen pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 18% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 15% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 17% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 10% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Yemen

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage8%
Auto Loan15%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card30%
Personal Loan43%

8% of debtors in Yemen confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 30% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 15% of people and personal loans rose at 43%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Yemen.


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 Yemen

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Yemen 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
Never50%
Once a year24%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Yemen

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


Rent Cost in Yemen

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
290 YER 430 YER 1,100 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.7 $4.6
1-bedroom apartment
430 YER 680 YER 1,700 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.7 $6.8
2-bedroom apartment
570 YER 860 YER 2,300 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.4 $9.1
3-bedroom apartment
680 YER 1,100 YER 3,100 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $4.6 $12
Furnished apartment
1,400 YER 3,400 YER 6,800 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.5 $14 $27
Townhouse
1,100 YER 1,700 YER 4,900 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6.8 $20
House
1,400 YER 3,400 YER 6,800 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.5 $14 $27
Villa
1,700 YER 4,300 YER 6,800 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.8 $17 $27

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Yemen ranges between 290 YER and 1,100 YER, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 430 YER to 1,700 YER. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 570 YER and 2,300 YER per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 680 YER to 3,100 YER. The average rent of a townhouse in Yemen is around 1,700 YER while house rental costs can be as high as 3,400 YER per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,700 YER to 6,800 YER per month.



Apartment and house prices in Yemen

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
57,000 YER 86,000 YER 170,000 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $340 $680
1-bedroom apartment
68,000 YER 110,000 YER 430,000 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $460 $1,700
2-bedroom apartment
110,000 YER 340,000 YER 680,000 YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$460 $1,400 $2,700
3-bedroom apartment
380,000 YER 570,000 YER 1.7M YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,500 $2,300 $6,800
Townhouse
490,000 YER 1.1M YER 4.3M YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $4,600 $17,000
House
570,000 YER 3.4M YER 4.9M YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,300 $14,000 $20,000
Villa
680,000 YER 3.8M YER 5.7M YER
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,700 $15,000 $23,000

The average price of a studio apartment in Yemen can range from 57,000 YER to 170,000 YER depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 68,000 YER to 430,000 YER. A villa can cost you 3.8M YER on average with prices ranging from 680,000 YER to 5.7M YER.


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


30 x83 monthly income 190
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Yemen can be x83 to x190 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x83 multiples of the average monthly salary in Yemen.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


18% 28% of income 38%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Yemen is around 28%. This means that people pay 28% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 18% to 38% 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
26%

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
1.8%
AVERAGE
2.8%
TO
3.8%

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.


5.4 YER 70 YER 700 YER
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 Yemen

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (17% to 41%)

LOW$1.2   290 YER
AVERAGE$3.5   870 YER
HIGH$23   5,800 YER
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$0.19   48 YER
AVERAGE$0.58   140 YER
HIGH$3.9   970 YER
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

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

LOW$0.26   64 YER
AVERAGE$0.77   190 YER
HIGH$5.1   1,300 YER
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

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

LOW$0.51   130 YER
AVERAGE$1.5   390 YER
HIGH$10   2,600 YER
Per Month

Healthcare12%

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

LOW$0.29   72 YER
AVERAGE$0.87   220 YER
HIGH$5.8   1,400 YER
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

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

LOW$0.16   40 YER
AVERAGE$0.48   120 YER
HIGH$3.2   800 YER
Per Month

Education1%

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

LOW$0.06   16 YER
AVERAGE$0.19   48 YER
HIGH$1.3   320 YER
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$0.58   140 YER
AVERAGE$1.7   430 YER
HIGH$12   2,900 YER
Per Month


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

Housing26%

26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)

LOW$1.8   440 YER
AVERAGE$5.3   1,300 YER
HIGH$28   7,100 YER
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$0.27   67 YER
AVERAGE$0.80   200 YER
HIGH$4.3   1,100 YER
Per Month

Transport, Fuel9%

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

LOW$0.64   160 YER
AVERAGE$1.9   480 YER
HIGH$10   2,600 YER
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

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

LOW$0.75   190 YER
AVERAGE$2.2   560 YER
HIGH$12   3,000 YER
Per Month

Healthcare14%

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

LOW$0.59   150 YER
AVERAGE$1.8   440 YER
HIGH$9.4   2,400 YER
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$0.32   80 YER
AVERAGE$0.96   240 YER
HIGH$5.1   1,300 YER
Per Month

Education1%

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

LOW$0.11   27 YER
AVERAGE$0.32   80 YER
HIGH$1.7   430 YER
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$0.91   230 YER
AVERAGE$2.7   680 YER
HIGH$15   3,600 YER
Per Month


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

Housing25%

25% of total expenses on average (20% to 35%)

LOW$2.4   600 YER
AVERAGE$6.9   1,700 YER
HIGH$38   9,400 YER
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

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

LOW$0.60   150 YER
AVERAGE$1.7   430 YER
HIGH$9.4   2,400 YER
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

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

LOW$1.3   340 YER
AVERAGE$3.9   970 YER
HIGH$21   5,300 YER
Per Month

Healthcare11%

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

LOW$0.60   150 YER
AVERAGE$1.7   430 YER
HIGH$9.4   2,400 YER
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$0.37   94 YER
AVERAGE$1.1   270 YER
HIGH$5.9   1,500 YER
Per Month

Education13%

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

LOW$1   260 YER
AVERAGE$3   750 YER
HIGH$16   4,100 YER
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$0.90   230 YER
AVERAGE$2.6   640 YER
HIGH$14   3,500 YER
Per Month


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

Housing17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$0.59   150 YER
AVERAGE$1.5   370 YER
HIGH$2.7   670 YER
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

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

LOW$0.10   25 YER
AVERAGE$0.25   62 YER
HIGH$0.44   110 YER
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

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

LOW$0.17   43 YER
AVERAGE$0.43   110 YER
HIGH$0.78   190 YER
Per Month

Food and Groceries23%

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

LOW$0.49   120 YER
AVERAGE$1.2   310 YER
HIGH$2.2   550 YER
Per Month

Healthcare9%

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

LOW$0.15   37 YER
AVERAGE$0.37   92 YER
HIGH$0.66   170 YER
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

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

LOW$0.12   31 YER
AVERAGE$0.31   77 YER
HIGH$0.55   140 YER
Per Month

Education18%

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

LOW$0.47   120 YER
AVERAGE$1.2   290 YER
HIGH$2.1   530 YER
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

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

LOW$0.37   92 YER
AVERAGE$0.92   230 YER
HIGH$1.7   420 YER
Per Month
Sanaa   Taizz   Aden  
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