Compare countries · Namibia vs South Africa
Namibia vs South Africa
Namibia(Africa)·
South Africa(Africa)
Across 10 comparable indicators: Namibia leads on 3, South Africa on 5, 2 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Namibia
36.3
Better than 66% of countries
South Africa
37.1
Better than 63% of countries
Namibia: 2% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Namibia
14.2
Around the global middle
South Africa
13.0
Better than 57% of countries
South Africa: 8% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Namibia
1.90
Better than 61% of countries
South Africa
2.40
Worse than 79% of countries
Namibia: more peaceful (1.90 vs 2.40).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Namibia
36.2
Worse than 88% of countries
South Africa
25.5
Worse than 97% of countries
Namibia: higher perceived safety (36.2 vs 25.5).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Namibia
0.610
Worse than 74% of countries
South Africa
0.717
Worse than 57% of countries
South Africa: higher human development (0.717 vs 0.610).
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Namibia
$11,986
Worse than 66% of countries
South Africa
$15,906
Worse than 59% of countries
South Africa: 33% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Namibia
67.5 yrs
Worse than 78% of countries
South Africa
66.3 yrs
Worse than 84% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Namibia
16 Mbps
Worse than 95% of countries
South Africa
48 Mbps
Worse than 73% of countries
South Africa: 194% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Namibia
77/100
Better than 87% of countries
South Africa
78/100
Better than 88% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Namibia
4.78
Worse than 74% of countries
South Africa
5.01
Worse than 69% of countries
South Africa: happier on the Cantril ladder (5.01 vs 4.78).
Not comparable for this pair
- Healthcare index: Numbeo doesn't publish a healthcare index for one of these countries.
- English proficiency: EF doesn't score one of these countries — usually because English is a native language there.
- Climate pleasantness: Numbeo doesn't publish a climate index for one of these countries.
Deciding between Namibia and South Africa for real?
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Find your match →Full Namibia profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full South Africa profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.