🇾🇪 Cost of Living in Yemen - Prices & Budget Guide
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameRepublic of Yemen
CapitalSana'a
Population32.7 million
Area527,968 km² (203,850 sq mi)
LanguagesArabic
CurrencyYemeni rial (ï·¼)
TimezoneUTC+03:00
RegionAsia / Western Asia
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Economic Indicators
Health Spend per Capita$48 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend69.1% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data
Living in or visiting Yemen can be relatively affordable, with daily expenses ranging from $20-50 USD per day for a backpacker, considering the country's current economic situation and limited tourist infrastructure.
Quick Facts
Cost LevelAffordable
Daily Budget (Backpacker)$20-50 USD
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)$50-100 USD
Daily Budget (Comfort)$100-200 USD
CurrencyYER
Tipping Customnot expected
How Expensive Is Yemen?
Yemen is generally considered to be an affordable country, with a cost of living that is lower than many of its Middle Eastern neighbors. The country's economy has been significantly impacted by the ongoing conflict, which has led to a decline in the value of the local currency, the Yemeni rial (YER). As a result, prices for many goods and services have increased, but overall, Yemen remains a relatively inexpensive destination for travelers. Compared to its neighbors, such as Saudi Arabia and Oman, Yemen is significantly cheaper, with lower prices for accommodation, food, and transportation.
The cost of living in Yemen can vary greatly depending on the location, with cities such as Sanaa and Aden tend to be more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. Additionally, the current economic situation and limited availability of certain goods and services can impact prices and availability. Overall, Yemen offers a unique and affordable cultural experience for travelers, with a rich history and stunning natural beauty.
Accommodation Prices
Type
Price Range (USD/night)
Notes
Hostel/Budget
$10-20
Basic rooms with shared facilities
Mid-Range Hotel
$30-50
Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and basic amenities
Luxury/Resort
$80-150
High-end hotels with modern amenities and services
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$100-300
City center: $200-500, outside city center: $100-200
Food & Dining Prices
Meal Type
Price Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery
$2-5
Casual Restaurant
$5-10
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)
$15-30
Fine Dining
$30-50
Beer (local)
$5-10
Coffee
$1-3
Water (1.5L bottle)
$1-2
Transport Costs
Transport
Cost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride
$0.50-1
Taxi (per km)
$1-2
Domestic flight
$50-100
Fuel (per liter)
$0.50-1
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget ($)
Mid-Range ($)
Comfortable ($)
Rent
100-200
200-400
400-600
Food
150-300
300-500
500-800
Transport
50-100
100-200
200-300
Utilities
50-100
100-200
200-300
Entertainment
50-100
100-200
200-300
Total
500-900
900-1,500
1,500-2,500
Money-Saving Tips
Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodation options, such as hostels or guesthouses, to save on accommodation costs.
Eat at local restaurants and street food stalls, which offer affordable and delicious meals.
Use public transportation, such as buses and taxis, to get around, rather than renting a car or taking expensive tourist taxis.
Avoid traveling during peak season, when prices for accommodation and transportation tend to be higher.
Learn some basic Arabic phrases, such as "hello" and "thank you", to show respect for the local culture and people.
Be prepared to haggle when shopping at markets or from street vendors, as this is a common practice in Yemen.