Sub-Saharan Africa Updated
Average Cost of Living in Mombasa-Kenya
The average cost of living in Mombasa-Kenya, Kenya is $351 per month for a single person, and $932 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $194 per month. The local average net salary is $320 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 8 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $351 / month
- Family of 4
- $932 / mo
- Student
- $222 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Mombasa-Kenya
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$320.07 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Mombasa-Kenya | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Mombasa-Kenya | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Mombasa-Kenya | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Mombasa-Kenya | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Mombasa-Kenya | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Mombasa-Kenya | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Mombasa-Kenya | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Mombasa-Kenya | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Mombasa-Kenya | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Mombasa-Kenya | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Mombasa-Kenya FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Mombasa-Kenya. |
Rent & Property Prices in Mombasa-Kenya
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $194 | $155 – $233 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $144 | $101 – $194 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $489 | $349 – $636 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $332 | $202 – $543 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $5,431 | — |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $3,880 | — |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $194$155 – $233
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $144$101 – $194
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $489$349 – $636
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $332$202 – $543
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $5,431
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $3,880
Grocery Prices in Mombasa-Kenya
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $0.88 | $0.50 – $1.14 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $0.52 | $0.50 – $0.58 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.47 | $1.09 – $1.94 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $1.82 | $1.55 – $1.86 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $9.89 | $6.21 – $14 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $5.63 | $3.10 – $9.31 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $5.24 | $3.49 – $6.21 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $1.84 | $1.55 – $2.72 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $0.89 | $0.70 – $2.33 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.81 | $0.78 – $2.63 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $0.68 | $0.39 – $0.77 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $0.69 | $0.39 – $0.78 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.10 | $0.78 – $1.40 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $0.65 | $0.54 – $0.78 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.51 | $0.39 – $0.78 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $7.76 | $3.10 – $10 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.92 | $1.54 – $2.17 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.72 | $1.94 – $3.10 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $3.38 | $2.33 – $4.66 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $0.88$0.50 – $1.14
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $0.52$0.50 – $0.58
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.47$1.09 – $1.94
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $1.82$1.55 – $1.86
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $9.89$6.21 – $14
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $5.63$3.10 – $9.31
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $5.24$3.49 – $6.21
- Apples (1 kg) $1.84$1.55 – $2.72
- Bananas (1 kg) $0.89$0.70 – $2.33
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.81$0.78 – $2.63
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $0.68$0.39 – $0.77
- Potatoes (1 kg) $0.69$0.39 – $0.78
- Onions (1 kg) $1.10$0.78 – $1.40
- Lettuce (1 Head) $0.65$0.54 – $0.78
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.51$0.39 – $0.78
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $7.76$3.10 – $10
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.92$1.54 – $2.17
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.72$1.94 – $3.10
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $3.38$2.33 – $4.66
Public Transport & Car Costs in Mombasa-Kenya
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.78 | $0.39 – $1.55 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $39 | $23 – $47 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $3.10 | $3.10 – $3.10 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.75 | $0.78 – $3.88 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $4.66 | $3.88 – $5.43 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.49 | $1.40 – $1.54 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $12,104 | $10,242 – $13,967 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $12,027 | $9,311 – $14,743 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.78$0.39 – $1.55
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $39$23 – $47
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $3.10$3.10 – $3.10
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.75$0.78 – $3.88
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $4.66$3.88 – $5.43
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.49$1.40 – $1.54
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $12,104$10,242 – $13,967
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $12,027$9,311 – $14,743
Utility & Internet Costs in Mombasa-Kenya
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $56 | $23 – $78 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $13 | $7.76 – $16 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $34 | $19 – $47 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $56$23 – $78
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $13$7.76 – $16
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $34$19 – $47
Childcare & Preschool in Mombasa-Kenya
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $87 | $58 – $116 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $5,431 | $3,104 – $7,759 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $87$58 – $116
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $5,431$3,104 – $7,759
Clothing Prices in Mombasa-Kenya
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $13 | $9.31 – $19 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $14 | $6.21 – $23 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $23 | $12 – $35 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $47 | $19 – $78 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $13$9.31 – $19
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $14$6.21 – $23
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $23$12 – $35
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $47$19 – $78
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Mombasa-Kenya
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $18 | $12 – $23 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $19 | $0.00 – $39 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $11 | $4.66 – $16 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $18$12 – $23
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $19$0.00 – $39
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $11$4.66 – $16
Restaurant Prices in Mombasa-Kenya
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $2.33 | $1.55 – $7.76 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $23 | $16 – $23 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $10 | $9.31 – $12 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $2.13 | $1.55 – $2.48 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.72 | $2.33 – $4.66 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.21 | $0.78 – $6.21 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $0.47 | $0.39 – $1.55 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.41 | $0.23 – $0.78 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $2.33$1.55 – $7.76
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $23$16 – $23
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $10$9.31 – $12
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $2.13$1.55 – $2.48
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.72$2.33 – $4.66
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.21$0.78 – $6.21
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $0.47$0.39 – $1.55
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.41$0.23 – $0.78
Salaries & Mortgages in Mombasa-Kenya
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $320 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 13.00% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $320
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 13.00%
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Mombasa-Kenya?
- An estimated $351 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Mombasa-Kenya. A family of four needs around $932 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $222.
- How much money do I need to live in Mombasa-Kenya?
- Plan for at least $351 per month as a single person, $932 per month for a family of four, or $222 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Mombasa-Kenya.
- What is the average rent in Mombasa-Kenya?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Mombasa-Kenya rents for around $194 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $489 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Mombasa-Kenya?
- The average monthly net salary in Mombasa-Kenya is around $320. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 61% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Mombasa-Kenya?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Mombasa-Kenya costs around $2.33. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $34 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($0.88/L) and bread ($0.52/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Mombasa-Kenya?
- A monthly public transport pass in Mombasa-Kenya costs around $39. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Mombasa-Kenya?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Mombasa-Kenya costs around $34 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.