Skyline of Otjiwarongo
Cost of Living: 68 50,000

Otjiwarongo, Namibia

Otjiwarongo is a major city in Namibia with a population of 50,000.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Otjiwarongo is a city in Otjozondjupa with a population of 50,000. Otjiwarongo is a major city in Namibia with a population of 50,000. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 280 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 22.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 68

Below Average vs Namibia Avg (100)

Housing Index 72

Affordable

Median Income N$ 84,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Otjiwarongo vs Namibia Average

Cost of Living
Otjiwarongo: 68
Namibia Avg: 100
Housing Index
Otjiwarongo: 72
Namibia Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 15.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: N$ 84,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 50,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 280/year
  • Summer High: 86°F
  • Winter Low: 42°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a

Housing

  • Median Home: N$1,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: N$2500/mo

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Cost of Living

Otjiwarongo's cost of living index is 68 (Namibia average = 100).

CategoryOtjiwarongoNational AverageDifference
Overall68100-32.0%
Housing72100-28.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceN$1,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)N$2500/mo
Median Rent (2BR)N$3,125/mo
Price per Sq FtN$666

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

N$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
N$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Otjiwarongo:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityN$400
Heating & CoolingN$27Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N$1Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterN$200Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)N$400Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesN$1028Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Otjiwarongo scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 68
Rent
— N$2500
Sunny Days
— 280
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 5.0%
Climate
— 86°F / 42°F
Safety
— 3.0 homicides/100k
Population
— 50,000
Internet Speed
— 20 Mbps

Climate

Otjiwarongo has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January62°F42°F2.5"
April71°F57°F2.8"
July86°F61°F1.5"
October66°F60°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6a

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Otjiwarongo faces the following natural hazards:

Drought Extreme Risk

Arid country with extreme drought conditions.

Sandstorm High Risk

Frequent dust storms.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Wildfire Moderate Risk

Savanna wildfires.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 15%
  • Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Academic Year January to December
Term System Trimester — Term 1 (Jan-Apr), Term 2 (May-Aug), Term 3 (Sep-Dec)
Summer Break December to January (5 weeks)
Winter Break August (3 weeks)
Spring Break April (3 weeks)

Follows South African-influenced system.

Demographics

The population of Otjiwarongo is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Herero
7.0%
Kavango
9.0%
Other
34.0%
Ovambo
50.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
20.0%
High school graduate
25.0%
Less than high school
45.0%
Some college
10.0%

Religion

Christian (Catholic)
10.0%
Christian (Protestant)
80.0%
Other
10.0%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: Namibia Statistics Agency (2011)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Otjiwarongo, Namibia?

The cost of living index in Otjiwarongo is 68, which is Lower the Namibia national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Otjiwarongo?

The median home price in Otjiwarongo is N$1,000,000. The housing index is 72.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Otjiwarongo is approximately N$2500/mo.

Does Otjiwarongo, Otjozondjupa have income tax?

Otjiwarongo is in Otjozondjupa, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Otjiwarongo?

Otjiwarongo enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°F, while winter lows can drop to around 42°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.