Yemen
Data updated Jun 19, 2026

Overall Score
5.6
Challenging
Avg. Rent (1BR)
$239.62
-86% vs US Avg
Safety Index
14.8
COL Index
48.4
Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution
Please check the latest official travel advisories for Yemen before planning your trip.
Yemen is not a relocation destination. There is no income level, lifestyle preference, or risk tolerance that makes this a reasonable choice for an American looking to retire, pursue FIRE, or work remotely. The U.S. State Department has it at Level 4 - Do Not Travel - which is the same category as active war zones, because Yemen is an active war zone. The civil conflict that began in 2015 has left large portions of the country without functioning government, reliable infrastructure, or basic security. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa has been closed since 2015, which means if something goes wrong, you are on your own. No consular assistance, no emergency extraction, no safety net.
The cost numbers in the data are real in a narrow technical sense and completely misleading in context. A single person's monthly costs outside of rent run around $943, and a one-bedroom in a city center averages about $240 per month. On paper that sounds like $1,200 a month all-in. What those numbers cannot capture is that the Yemeni rial has experienced severe instability, that import supply chains are disrupted by blockades and conflict, and that prices for goods in areas controlled by different factions vary wildly and unpredictably. The Houthi-controlled north and the internationally recognized government's south operate under different economic conditions. Food security is a genuine humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Yemenis. Budgeting as a foreigner in this environment is not a planning exercise, it is speculation.
The practical friction here is not inconvenient - it is dangerous. Airstrikes, ground fighting, landmines, kidnapping of foreigners, and the near-total collapse of medical infrastructure define daily life in much of the country. The healthcare index sits at 18.5 out of 100, one of the lowest scores globally, reflecting a system that has been systematically destroyed by years of bombardment and funding collapse. As of the mid-2020s, the UN estimated that over half of Yemen's health facilities were non-functional. Fixed broadband clocks in around 34 Mbps in the data, but that figure is meaningless when power outages are frequent and connectivity depends entirely on which area you are in and who controls it. English proficiency is low, and Arabic dialect competency will not compensate for the security environment.
On the U.S. tax side, Americans remain subject to the standard worldwide income tax obligation regardless of where they live. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion applies in Yemen the same as anywhere else - if you genuinely establish bona fide residence or meet the physical presence test, you can exclude up to the annual threshold (roughly $126,500 for 2024) from U.S. income tax. Yemen has no income tax treaty with the United States, so there is no treaty-based relief or tie-breaker provision to consider. The Foreign Tax Credit is theoretically available to offset any Yemeni taxes paid, but Yemen's tax administration has largely ceased to function in contested areas, making this a moot point. The tax mechanics are the least of your problems. Do not go.
Recommended Destinations in Yemen
Best for Retirees
Best for Geoarbitrage
Best for Remote Workers
- Capital
- Sana'a
- Official Language
- Arabic
- Time Zone
- UTC+03:00
- Region
- Middle East
- Population
- 29,825,968
- Healthcare Index
- 18.5
- Internet Speed
- 34.2 Mbps
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Explore data visually
🏙️ Top Cities in Yemen
Explore cost of living, walkability scores, and expat ratings for individual cities in Yemen.
CoL Index: 25
Est. Total: ~$520/mo
CoL Index: 23
Est. Total: ~$607/mo
CoL Index: 26
Est. Total: ~$520/mo
CoL Index: 29
Est. Total: ~$634/mo
CoL Index: 31
Est. Total: ~$750/mo
CoL Index: 48
Est. Total: ~$1,182/mo
How far does $1,082.75 go in Yemen?
With a monthly budget of $1,500, you can live comfortably in Yemen. After accounting for an average rent of $239.62, you have approximately $1,260.38 remaining for daily expenses.
Calculate your FIRE timeline with these costs →💰 Cost of Living in Yemen
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means it's cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means rent is cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means groceries are cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means eating out is cheaper.
Cost Comparison Notes:
Summary of cost of living in Yemen: The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $3,488.1 (832,438.0﷼), excluding rent. The estimated monthly costs for a single person are $942.6 (224,961.0﷼), excluding rent. Cost of living in Yemen is, on average, 69.3% higher than in Brazil. Rent in Yemen is, on average, 29.1% lower than in Brazil.
🛒 Grocery & Family Costs
Family Costs
⚕️ Healthcare System
Our Top Pick for Nomads: SafetyWing
Flexible, subscription-based health cover for remote workers in Yemen.
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An estimation of the overall quality of the health care system. Higher is better.
Quality & Affordability:
Yemen's healthcare system has been severely impacted by ongoing conflict, resulting in damaged infrastructure and shortages of medical supplies. Access to quality care is extremely limited.
Insurance Insights:
Health insurance is virtually nonexistent; most healthcare expenses are paid out-of-pocket.
🛂 Visa & Residency Pathways
🛂 Visa Services
Ready to apply for a Yemen visa?
Get help with your application — tourist, long-stay, and residency visas processed online.
General Overview
Process & Requirements:
Due to the ongoing civil war, political fragmentation, and severe humanitarian crisis, Yemen does not have a functioning, safe, or predictable immigration system. The 'difficult' score reflects the reality that the country is an active conflict zone and is not a viable destination for expats or travelers. Government institutions are fractured, and control of the country is divided. There is no reliable process for obtaining a long-term visa or residence permit. Any attempt to enter or reside in the country carries extreme personal risk.
Prior to the conflict, residency was tied to work or business, but this framework is no longer relevant. Consular services are largely suspended, and official information is outdated and unreliable. The security situation is the overriding factor governing any presence in the country.
Residency & Citizenship Notes:
There is no viable pathway to permanent residency or citizenship for a foreign national under the current circumstances. The state institutions required to manage such processes are not functioning effectively across the country. The pre-war citizenship law required 10 years of residence and renunciation of other citizenships, but this is a moot point. Long-term settlement in Yemen is not a feasible or safe option.
🛂 Visa Matcher
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Detailed Visa Options
🛡️ Safety & Stability
An estimation of overall safety level. Higher is better.
An estimation of the overall level of crime. Lower is better.
Reflects perceptions of political stability. Higher is better.
🏦 Taxation & Finance
Recommended Partner
Fidelity →Recommended Partner
IBKR →Recommended Partner
bordr →Recommended Partner
My Expat Taxes →Recommended Partner
Greenback Expat Tax →Recommended Partner
Taxes For Expats →Recommended Partner
Send money to Yemen with Wise Money Transfer →Recommended Partner
Fidelity →Recommended Partner
SoFi →🏦 Tax Snapshot
Tax Treaties Notes:
No US-Yemen relations. Ongoing conflict makes taxation irrelevant for foreigners.
Retiree Tax Benefits:
Extremely high risk; retirement not feasible.
Cost Savings vs. U.S.:
Data unavailable. Active war zone.
☀️ Climate & Environment
Our proprietary index for drinking water quality and sanitation. Higher is better.
Seasonal Variations:
Yemen has a diverse climate, ranging from arid coastal plains to wetter highland areas. Coastal regions like Tihama experience extreme heat and very low annual precipitation. Highland areas, such as Asir, receive 400-800 mm of rainfall annually. The climate is characterized by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall variability, particularly in winter, which affects agriculture and water resources.
😊 Quality of Life
Cultural Amenities:
Museums & Cultural Institutions
Yemen has an ancient cultural history, with distinctive traditions influenced by its unique geographic location.
The National Museum in Sanaa houses important treasures from the pre-Islamic period.
Performing Arts
Yemen's culture includes traditional music and dance, often performed during cultural celebrations and gatherings.
The General Organization of Antiquities and Museums administers major cultural institutions, including folk museums in Aden.
Cultural Festivals
Yemen celebrates various cultural festivals, reflecting its rich heritage and traditions.
The country hosts events showcasing traditional music, dance, and crafts.
Culinary Culture
Yemeni cuisine includes dishes like mandi (rice and meat), salta (stew), and mutabbak (stuffed bread).
The country's food reflects its ancient culinary traditions and regional influences.
🌐 Infrastructure & Connectivity
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Traveling Mailbox →Recommended Partner
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Yesim →Recommended Partner
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Radical Storage →Recommended Partner
GetRentacar.com →Recommended Partner
Drimsim →Our proprietary ranking of public transit accessibility and reliability.
Internet Reliability:
Yemen faces significant internet infrastructure challenges due to ongoing conflict and economic instability.
Speed & Quality: Fixed broadband averages only 5-10 Mbps with frequent service disruptions and limited infrastructure.
Availability: Severely limited coverage, concentrated in major cities with frequent outages and service interruptions.
Cost: Variable and often expensive relative to income levels, when services are available.
Reliability for Remote Work: Not suitable for reliable remote work due to frequent outages, slow speeds, and infrastructure damage from conflict.
Transportation Network:
Yemen's transportation infrastructure has been severely damaged by ongoing conflict, with limited operational services.
Roads: Road network exists but many routes are unsafe or impassable due to conflict.
Rail: No functioning rail system in the country.
Domestic Travel: Very limited air travel due to conflict; most airports are closed or have restricted operations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yemen
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