Skyline of Sanaa
Cost of Living: 100 2,500,000

Sanaa, Yemen

Sanaa is a major city in Yemen with a population of 2,500,000.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Sanaa is a city in Sanaa with a population of 2,500,000. Sanaa is a major city in Yemen with a population of 2,500,000. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 280 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 19.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Yemen Avg (100)

Housing Index 110

Above Average

Median Income ﷼ 600,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Sanaa vs Yemen Average

Cost of Living
Sanaa: 100
Yemen Avg: 100
Housing Index
Sanaa: 110
Yemen Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 0.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: ﷼ 600,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 2,500,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 280/year
  • Summer High: 82°F
  • Winter Low: 42°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a

Housing

  • Median Home: ﷼20,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: ﷼50000/mo

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Cost of Living

Sanaa's cost of living index is 100 (Yemen average = 100).

CategorySanaaNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing110100+10.0%

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

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price﷼20,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)﷼50000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)﷼62,500/mo
Price per Sq Ft﷼13,333

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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%
$90,000 down
%
%
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Sanaa:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity﷼5000
Heating & Cooling﷼31Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water﷼2000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)﷼10000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities﷼17031Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

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

Remote Work Score

Sanaa scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 100
Rent
— ﷼50000
Sunny Days
— 280
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 5.0%
Climate
— 82°F / 42°F
Safety
— 6.8 homicides/100k
Population
— 2,500,000
Internet Speed
— 5 Mbps

Climate

Sanaa has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January62°F42°F2.5"
April67°F57°F2.8"
July82°F57°F1.5"
October62°F60°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6a

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

Natural Hazards

Sanaa faces the following natural hazards:

Drought Extreme Risk

Arid country with extreme drought conditions.

Heat Wave Extreme Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Earthquake High Risk

Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.

Cyclone High Risk

Significant cyclone risk.

Sandstorm High Risk

Frequent sandstorms.

Flood Moderate Risk

Flash floods.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 0%
  • Property Tax: ~0.1% 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 – 1:00 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Dec), Spring (Jan-Jun)
Summer Break June to September (13 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Eid break (1-2 weeks)

Saturday to Thursday school week in some areas.

Demographics

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

Ethnicity

Arab
95.0%
Other
5.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
15.0%
High school graduate
25.0%
Less than high school
50.0%
Some college
10.0%

Religion

Muslim
99.0%
Other
1.0%

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: Central Statistical Organization (2004)

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 Sanaa, Yemen?

The cost of living index in Sanaa is 100, which is Lower the Yemen national average of 100.

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

The median home price in Sanaa is ﷼20,000,000. The housing index is 110.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Sanaa is approximately ﷼50000/mo.

Does Sanaa, Sanaa have income tax?

Sanaa is in Sanaa, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Sanaa?

Sanaa enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°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.