Cost of Living in Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya · Africa
Cost of Living in Nairobi: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Nairobi, Kenya is approximately $900 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 30, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$900
Monthly Cost
avg/person
30
Cost Index
NYC = 100
28
Rent Index
NYC = 100
52
Quality of Life
Moderate
35
Safety Index
Below Average
4.4M
Population
KES
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $4 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $18 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.8 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.8 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.6 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.3 |
| Monthly Pass | $20 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $30000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $24000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $60 |
| Mobile Plan | $8 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $30 |
| Fitness Club/month | $25 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $400/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $230/mo |
| 3BR Center | $950/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $550/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $800/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $600 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 13% |
Cost of Living in Nairobi: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Nairobi, Kenya, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $900. The city's cost of living index is 30, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Nairobi
A typical monthly budget in Nairobi includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Nairobi
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $230 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $400. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $950 per month.
Average Salary in Nairobi
The average net salary in Nairobi is approximately $600 per month. Purchasing power is rated 40out of 100.
Is Nairobi Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 30,Nairobi is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Nairobi
Safety
Nairobi has a safety score of 35/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Nairobi is rated 52/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Nairobi is 74/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Nairobi has a purchasing power score of 40/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Nairobi
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Nairobi should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Nairobi fits their monthly budget.
Is Nairobi Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 30provides a useful benchmark when comparing Nairobi with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Nairobi
- Average Monthly Cost
- $900
- Cost Index
- 30
- Rent Index
- 28
- Average Net Salary
- $600
- Quality of Life
- 52/100
- Safety
- 35/100
- Healthcare
- 52/100
- Currency
- KES
Frequently Asked Questions About Nairobi
What is the cost of living in Nairobi?
The estimated cost of living in Nairobi, Kenya, is approximately $900 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Nairobi?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $230 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $400.
Is Nairobi expensive to live in?
Nairobi has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Nairobi?
The average net salary in Nairobi is approximately $600 per month.
Is Nairobi good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Nairobi is suitable for relocation.