Living in Windhoek, Namibia
Windhoek is one of the Namibia destinations covered by GoWira's fiscal and lifestyle database, refreshed quarterly. A one-bedroom apartment in the Windhoek city center rents for around NAD 16,000/month, while the same layout in the suburbs averages NAD 11,000/month — a typical center-vs-suburbs gap for a city this size. Everyday expenses run about NAD 3,100 for groceries (single person) and NAD 600 for a monthly public transport pass. On our cost-of-living index (100 = highest benchmark city), Windhoek scores 38, which makes it one of the more affordable destinations.
If you're planning a move, a realistic first-year budget in Windhoek starts at roughly NAD 19,700/month for a single person in a central studio, before taxes, insurance or discretionary spending. Dining tends to cost NAD 250 for a mid-range meal and NAD 20 for a coffee at a local café, with a beer at a bar around NAD 39. Owning a car adds approximately NAD 4,200/month between fuel, parking and insurance — many residents in Windhoek skip this in favour of public transport or the NAD 600/month pass mentioned above.
Healthcare, schools and essentials
Namibia offers a public healthcare system that residents access through social security contributions. Private health insurance for a single expat in Windhoek costs around NAD 670/month, with a family plan at NAD 2,000. An out-of-pocket private GP visit runs about NAD 560, while specialists charge around NAD 1,000. Families should budget NAD 13,000/month for international schooling, or NAD 7,300/month for a local private school.
Who does Windhoek suit best?
Windhoek works especially well for senior professionals and families who can absorb top-tier European rent in exchange for infrastructure.
All figures are medians (p50), reviewed quarterly. Hit the calculator below for a number tailored to your salary and residency situation.