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AverageCostOfLiving
Average cost of living in Kenya — 16 cities compared on rent, groceries, transport, and salaries in USD.
Sub-Saharan Africa Updated

Average Cost of Living in Kenya

The average cost of living in Kenya ranges from $198 per month in Kisii-Kenya to $474 per month in Nairobi-Kenya, with a median monthly basket of $302 for a single person. We track 9 cities in Kenya.

Prices in USD, refreshed regularly. Click any city for the full price breakdown.

On this page 3 sections
Section Description
Kenya at a glance Headline numbers across 16 cities.
Cities in Kenya Sort by cheapest, most expensive, A–Z, or cost index.
Frequently asked about Kenya Common questions about prices, salaries, and relocating.
Cities tracked
9
Median monthly · single
$302
Average cost index
7
NYC = 100
Most / least expensive
Nairobi-Kenya / Kisii-Kenya

Browse cities

9 cities shown

About cost of living in Kenya

How expensive is Kenya?
Kenya has 16 cities tracked in our dataset. Costs vary considerably across the country: Kisii-Kenya is among the most affordable, while Nairobi-Kenya ranks among the most expensive.
How much money do I need to live in Kenya?
Budget anywhere from $198 per month in Kisii-Kenya (the cheapest tracked city) to $474 per month in Nairobi-Kenya (the most expensive). Pick the city that matches your work and lifestyle, then add 15–25% on top of the basket for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.
What is the cheapest city in Kenya?
Kisii-Kenya typically offers the lowest cost of living in Kenya, especially on rent and groceries. Salaries are usually lower too — compare both before relocating.
Which city in Kenya has the best quality of life for expats?
The best fit depends on your work and lifestyle. Capital cities offer the most amenities, English-speaking services, and international communities, while regional cities trade those for affordability and a slower pace.
Is the cost-of-living data for Kenya up to date?
Prices are normalized to USD and refreshed periodically. Currency fluctuations can shift dollar-denominated costs even when local prices are stable, so use the figures as a relative comparison rather than a precise quote.