Skyline of Windhoek
Cost of Living: 100 400,000

Windhoek, Namibia

Windhoek is a major city in Namibia with a population of 400,000.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Namibia Avg (100)

Housing Index 115

Above Average

Median Income N$ 240,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Windhoek vs Namibia Average

Cost of Living
Windhoek: 100
Namibia Avg: 100
Housing Index
Windhoek: 115
Namibia Avg: 100

Taxes

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

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: N$ 240,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 400,000

Climate

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

Housing

  • Median Home: N$3,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: N$8000/mo

Cost of Living

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

CategoryWindhoekNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing115100+15.0%

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

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceN$3,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)N$8000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)N$10,000/mo
Price per Sq FtN$2,000

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 Windhoek:

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

Windhoek scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
100
Rent
N$8000
Sunny Days
280
Tax
None
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
86°F / 42°F
Safety
3.0 homicides/100k
Population
400,000
Internet Speed
20 Mbps

Climate

Windhoek 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

Windhoek 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.

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 Windhoek, Namibia?

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

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

The median home price in Windhoek is N$3,000,000. The housing index is 115.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Windhoek is approximately N$8000/mo.

Does Windhoek, Khomas have income tax?

Windhoek is in Khomas, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Windhoek?

Windhoek 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: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.