Cost of Living in Sanaa
How much does it cost to visit Sanaa? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Valeriia Bugaiova / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
YER 15000
per day
Weekly: YER 105000
Monthly: YER 450000
Examples
- 🏨Al-Quds Hotel (basic room)YER 5000
- 🍽️Local street food near Bab al-Yaman marketYER 3000
- 🚌Taxi for short distances around the Old CityYER 2000
- 🎟️Explore the Old City of Sanaa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)YER 0
- 🎟️Visit the National Museum of YemenYER 5000
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
YER 40000
per day
Weekly: YER 280000
Monthly: YER 1200000
Examples
- 🏨Taj Sheba Hotel (standard room)YER 15000
- 🍽️Lunch at Al-Hafiz Restaurant (traditional Yemeni cuisine)YER 7000
- 🍽️Dinner at a local restaurant in Hadda StreetYER 8000
- 🚌Hired car with driver for the dayYER 10000
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
YER 100000
per day
Weekly: YER 700000
Monthly: YER 3000000
Examples
- 🏨Movenpick Hotel Sana'a (deluxe room)YER 40000
- 🍽️Fine dining experience at The Royal RestaurantYER 25000
- 🚌Private car with chauffeur for the dayYER 20000
- 🎟️Private guided tour of the Old City and its historical sitesYER 10000
- 🎟️Visit the Presidential Palace grounds (external viewing)YER 5000
Cost by Category
accommodation
15000-50000 YER
food
5000-15000 YER
Transport
2000-5000 YER
activities
3000-10000 YER
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old City | Mid-range | at center | culture, foodies |
| Hadda Street Area | Luxury | slightly above center | families, first-timers |
| New City (General) | Budget | below center | digital nomads, budget |
Money-Saving Tips for Sanaa
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Sanaa Costs
How much does it cost to visit Sanaa?
Budget travellers can visit Sanaa for around YER 15000/day (YER 105000/week). Mid-range travellers should budget YER 40000/day, while luxury travel costs around YER 100000/day.
Is Sanaa expensive?
Sanaa is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least YER 15000/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Sanaa?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Sanaa, budget YER 40000/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Sanaa?
Budget travellers in Sanaa can get by on YER 15000/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.