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Windhoek, Namibia
Capital City

Follows Namibia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,450
Retiree Score
95.0
Safety Index
58.2
Healthcare
53 facilities

With a population of 486,169 as of 2023, Windhoek is the economic and cultural heart of Namibia, but it's not for the faint of heart. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the city's scorching semi-arid climate means you'll be sweating through most of the year. However, Windhoek's status as the country's administrative and commercial center means it offers unparalleled job opportunities and access to Namibia's top universities and cultural institutions. If you can handle the heat and red tape, Windhoek may be the right choice for ambitious professionals seeking to make their mark in southern Africa.

Can I afford Windhoek?

$

Windhoek

You could save

1,550/mo

Savings Rate52%

Monthly Costs

Rent $700
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$750

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
52/100
Retiree Score
(i)
95/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Namibia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
58
Safety
53
Healthcare
100
Walkability
65
Nomad

Grocery Basket

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

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$12
Meal (Mid-range) $90
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $124
Mobile Plan (mo) $27
Gym (mo) *$35
Cinema Ticket $5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $560
1BR Outside (mo) *$302
3BR Center (mo) $1,120
3BR Outside (mo) *$707

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Klein Windhoek, Ludwigsdorf, Eros
Best For
families, retirees

Expat Life Notes

A clean, well-organized capital with a strong German influence. It offers a high quality of life for Africa, though the social scene is relatively quiet.

Pros

  • ✓ High safety for the region
  • ✓ Excellent climate
  • ✓ Widely spoken English and German

Cons

  • ✗ Quiet nightlife
  • ✗ Geographic isolation
  • ✗ Small job market

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
245 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Henties Bay, NamibiaWalvis Bay, NamibiaAttractiveness Score: 63.2Rio Bonito, BrazilLiving in Rio Bonito, Brazil means affordable rural living with extreme weather risks. The 2025 F4 tornado shows why storm preparedness is non-negotiable here.Buenos Aires, ArgentinaLiving in Buenos Aires offers European flair at Latin American prices, but prepare for inflation swings and bureaucracy. Argentina's capital suits adaptable exp

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Windhoek

Click any question to expand the answer.

Windhoek has a population of approximately 486,169 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,750 per month in Windhoek, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $700/month.

The nearest airport to Windhoek is WDH, approximately 41km away.

Windhoek is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 58.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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