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Walvis Bay, Namibia

Follows Namibia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,270
Retiree Score
64.0
Safety Index
75.4
Healthcare
2 facilities

With a population of just over 102,700, Walvis Bay is a bustling coastal city in Namibia. However, the reality is that this town comes with its fair share of challenges - the tax burden is heavy, and the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. Situated in a harsh desert climate, the city receives a mere 13.2mm of rainfall per year, making it one of the driest in the world. Despite these drawbacks, Walvis Bay's strategic harbor and thriving fishing industry make it an important economic hub, attracting those seeking employment opportunities in the port and seafood sectors.

Can I afford Walvis Bay?

$

Walvis Bay

You could save

1,730/mo

Savings Rate58%

Monthly Costs

Rent $550
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$720

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
58/100
Retiree Score
(i)
64/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
68/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Namibia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
75
Safety
2
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$9
Meal (Mid-range) $2
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) *$93
Mobile Plan (mo) *$15
Gym (mo) *$41
Cinema Ticket *$8

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $330
1BR Outside (mo) *$226
3BR Center (mo) $630
3BR Outside (mo) *$530

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Walvis Bay Central, Meersig, Narraville
Best For
fishing and port industry workers, nature enthusiasts, Namibia expats seeking coast

Expat Life Notes

Walvis Bay is Namibia's main port and fishing city on the Atlantic coast, an enclave with a unique industrial and natural character including a flamingo lagoon. It has a modest expat community tied to fishing and port operations.

Pros

  • ✓ Namibia's premier port and industrial hub
  • ✓ Stunning lagoon with flamingos
  • ✓ English widely spoken
  • ✓ Safe by regional standards

Cons

  • ✗ Industrial town character
  • ✗ Remote
  • ✗ Limited cultural amenities
  • ✗ Desert climate

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
18 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Also Consider

Henties Bay, NamibiaWindhoek, NamibiaAttractiveness Score: 75.2Balombo, AngolaLiving in Balombo, Angola offers a quiet, rural lifestyle centered on agriculture. Best for those seeking simplicity, but lacks modern amenities.Bocoio, AngolaLiving in Bocoio, Angola offers low costs but minimal infrastructure. Best for Portuguese-speaking expats on local contracts or development work.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Walvis Bay

Click any question to expand the answer.

Walvis Bay has a population of approximately 102,704 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,375 per month in Walvis Bay, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $550/month.

The nearest airport to Walvis Bay is WVB, approximately 14km away.

Walvis Bay is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 75.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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