Updated:
If you've ever considered moving to Yemen, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Yemen?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Yemen and whether the reported $1635 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $363.74.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
5.99 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
17.97 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
8.89 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
-- |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
-- |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.89 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.3 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.63 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
2.2 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.18 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
3.8 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.79 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
6.39 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
10.05 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
22.79 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
5.57 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.63 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
4.02 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
2.44 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.91 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.8 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.67 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.87 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
-- |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
-- |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
-- |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
3.99 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.8 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
49.93 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.0 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
3.99 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
5.5 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
2.0 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
11983.23 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
32129.39 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
81.65 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.06 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
59.5 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
60.64 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
21.85 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
5.0 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
51.96 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
2124.6 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
54.52 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
74.91 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
68.54 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
91.6 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
219.76 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
125.61 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
508.1 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
348.38 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1225.79 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
766.68 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
363.74 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
12.0 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 5.99 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 17.97 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 2.2 USD, a loaf of bread 1.18 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 3.79 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.8 USD and a monthly pass around 49.93 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 81.65 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 60.64 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 21.85 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 51.96 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 2124.6 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 54.52 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 68.54 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 219.76 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 125.61 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1225.79 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 766.68 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 363.74 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 12.0% annually.
Yemen
Yemen is currently a very dangerous destination for potential travelers. Governments in several countries have even issued warnings against traveling to this country, for reasons such as terrorism, kidnappings and other types of violent crime. Visiting Yemen can end in you getting seriously hurt or killed.
The road transportation system in Yemen is extremely limited, with only a small percentage of roads paved. Taxis and public transportation are available but they are often in poor condition and lack safety precautions. Do not travel around Yemen unaccompanied under any circumstance.
Crime levels are high in Yemen and this goes for both petty and violent crime. Expect petty crimes like pickpocketing, bag snatching, camera snatching, and other forms of theft. Avoid crowded places, if you must leave your accommodation.
Floods and cyclones are Yemen's worst enemies when it comes to natural disasters. In 2015, the country's fifth-largest city, Mukalla was hit by severe flooding while thousands of people were left homeless.
Violent confrontations like muggings, armed robberies, and kidnappings are regular in Yemen so it is recommended that you take extra care on the streets of this country, avoid dark streets and deserted areas. Bear in mind that risks increase after dark.
Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Yemen, and the biggest threat is coming to AQAP in a place where they have strong connections and in more isolated areas like Hadramawt and Shabwah. Remain vigilant at all times.
If you go to Yemen, scams are the least of your problems. However, there are scammers here too, and with them, the risk of you getting crossed over. Double-check your change, never pay anything upfront and negotiate everything in advance. Be very careful around ATMs and be wary of anyone trying to distract you.
Yemen is not a safe destination for women. Do not go alone anywhere, and keep in mind that it is best not to move around Yemen at all, except if you're in a car with windows rolled up.
Most countries do need a visa in order to enter Yemen and if you need one, you will have to acquire one from one of the Yemeni diplomatic missions. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Yemeni rial is the official currency in Yemen. ATMs exist in this country and you can use your credit cards but it is still recommended that you bring cash with you.
Yemen has subtropical dry, hot desert climate characterized by the lack of precipitation throughout the year, and by high temperatures during summer and a big difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures, particularly in the inland areas.
Sana'a International Airport is the busiest and the main international airport in Yemen. It is located in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Yemen, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.