Cost of Living in Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya · Africa
$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
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| 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 (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Nairobi, Kenya is approximately $900 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Nairobi has a cost index of 30, making it around 70% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Nairobi costs around $230/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $400/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $950/month. The rent index is 28 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Nairobi scores 52/100 on the quality of life index and 35/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 52/100. The climate index is 74/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Nairobi is approximately $600/month. With a purchasing power index of 40/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is KES, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Nairobi
The average monthly salary in Nairobi is approximately $600. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $900, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 40/100.
Healthcare Costs in Nairobi
Healthcare quality in Nairobi is rated 52/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Nairobi
Nairobi has a quality of life score of 52/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Nairobi
Students living in Nairobi should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Nairobi
Expats moving to Nairobi often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Nairobi, Kenya is approximately $900 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 30 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Nairobi
Living in Nairobi offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 30 and a quality of life score of 52/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $600 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Nairobi provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Kenya and around the world.
Key Facts About Nairobi
- Average Monthly Cost: $900
- Cost Index: 30
- Rent Index: 28
- Average Salary: $600
- Quality of Life: 52/100
- Safety Score: 35/100
- Country: Kenya
- Currency: KES
Is Nairobi Expensive?
Nairobi has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Nairobi compare to other cities?
Nairobi is located in Africa with a population of approximately 4.4M. At a cost index of 30 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Nairobi stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Nairobi?
The average cost of living in Nairobi, Kenya is approximately $900 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 30 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Nairobi?
Rent in Nairobi varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 28 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Nairobi alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Nairobi expensive to live in?
Nairobi has a cost index of 30 compared to New York City (100). At 30, Nairobi is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $900.
What is the quality of life in Nairobi?
Nairobi has a quality of life index of 52/100 and a safety index of 35/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Nairobi compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Nairobi with any city worldwide. Nairobi's cost index is 30 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Nairobi?
Many residents live comfortably in Nairobi with a monthly budget of around $900 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Nairobi good for expats?
Nairobi is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Nairobi?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $900 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Nairobi.
Is Nairobi cheaper than New York?
Yes, Nairobi has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Nairobi?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Nairobi.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Nairobi
Cheapest Ways to Live in Nairobi
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Nairobi typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $230/month compared to $400/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Nairobi, Kenya.
Is Nairobi Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 40/100 and a quality of life score of 52/100, Nairobi is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 30 relative to New York City, Nairobi remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Kenya has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Nairobi Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Nairobi", "Nairobi monthly expenses 2026", and "is Nairobi affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $900, a safety score of 35/100, and healthcare rated 52/100, Nairobi offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Kenya.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026