Sub-Saharan Africa Updated
Average Cost of Living in Nairobi-Kenya
The average cost of living in Nairobi-Kenya, Kenya is $474 per month for a single person, and $1,716 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $432 per month. The local average net salary is $439 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 10.8 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $474 / month
- Family of 4
- $1,716 / mo
- Student
- $297 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Nairobi-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
$438.55 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Nairobi-Kenya | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Nairobi-Kenya | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Nairobi-Kenya | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Nairobi-Kenya | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Nairobi-Kenya | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Nairobi-Kenya | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Nairobi-Kenya | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Nairobi-Kenya | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Nairobi-Kenya | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Nairobi-Kenya | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Nairobi-Kenya FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Nairobi-Kenya. |
Rent & Property Prices in Nairobi-Kenya
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $432 | $310 – $698 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $229 | $155 – $388 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,168 | $776 – $1,552 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $537 | $388 – $776 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $1,549 | $1,288 – $3,000 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $903 | $686 – $1,700 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $432$310 – $698
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $229$155 – $388
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,168$776 – $1,552
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $537$388 – $776
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $1,549$1,288 – $3,000
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $903$686 – $1,700
Grocery Prices in Nairobi-Kenya
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $0.85 | $0.50 – $1.09 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $0.56 | $0.47 – $0.70 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.90 | $0.93 – $2.77 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $1.71 | $1.12 – $2.33 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $12 | $4.66 – $21 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $6.42 | $3.49 – $8.52 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $5.83 | $4.27 – $7.76 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $3.28 | $1.16 – $3.88 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.03 | $0.62 – $2.02 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.98 | $0.78 – $3.71 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $0.99 | $0.39 – $1.55 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.03 | $0.39 – $1.94 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $0.96 | $0.58 – $1.78 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $0.66 | $0.31 – $1.40 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.69 | $0.43 – $1.16 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $12 | $6.98 – $18 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.21 | $1.55 – $2.72 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.74 | $2.09 – $3.88 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $3.49 | $2.33 – $3.88 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $0.85$0.50 – $1.09
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $0.56$0.47 – $0.70
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.90$0.93 – $2.77
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $1.71$1.12 – $2.33
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $12$4.66 – $21
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $6.42$3.49 – $8.52
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $5.83$4.27 – $7.76
- Apples (1 kg) $3.28$1.16 – $3.88
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.03$0.62 – $2.02
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.98$0.78 – $3.71
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $0.99$0.39 – $1.55
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.03$0.39 – $1.94
- Onions (1 kg) $0.96$0.58 – $1.78
- Lettuce (1 Head) $0.66$0.31 – $1.40
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.69$0.43 – $1.16
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $12$6.98 – $18
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.21$1.55 – $2.72
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.74$2.09 – $3.88
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $3.49$2.33 – $3.88
Public Transport & Car Costs in Nairobi-Kenya
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.78 | $0.78 – $1.55 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $47 | $23 – $56 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $1.55 | $1.55 – $2.33 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.55 | $1.55 – $2.33 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $2.91 | $2.33 – $6.21 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.45 | $1.36 – $1.55 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $15,518 | $12,415 – $23,278 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $20,346 | $15,518 – $23,278 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.78$0.78 – $1.55
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $47$23 – $56
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $1.55$1.55 – $2.33
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.55$1.55 – $2.33
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $2.91$2.33 – $6.21
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.45$1.36 – $1.55
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $15,518$12,415 – $23,278
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $20,346$15,518 – $23,278
Utility & Internet Costs in Nairobi-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) | $52 | $30 – $116 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $17 | $7.76 – $39 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $33 | $23 – $58 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $52$30 – $116
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $17$7.76 – $39
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $33$23 – $58
Childcare & Preschool in Nairobi-Kenya
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $257 | $116 – $466 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $9,318 | $3,104 – $23,278 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $257$116 – $466
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $9,318$3,104 – $23,278
Clothing Prices in Nairobi-Kenya
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $25 | $9.70 – $54 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $25 | $12 – $47 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $61 | $31 – $116 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $69 | $35 – $116 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $25$9.70 – $54
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $25$12 – $47
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $61$31 – $116
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $69$35 – $116
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Nairobi-Kenya
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $51 | $23 – $78 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $17 | $7.76 – $27 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $6.98 | $4.66 – $9.31 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $51$23 – $78
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $17$7.76 – $27
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $6.98$4.66 – $9.31
Restaurant Prices in Nairobi-Kenya
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $5.90 | $2.33 – $9.31 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $35 | $25 – $47 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $6.60 | $5.43 – $9.31 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $2.33 | $1.55 – $3.88 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.72 | $2.33 – $3.49 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.54 | $0.93 – $4.66 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $0.68 | $0.39 – $1.16 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.59 | $0.39 – $1.55 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $5.90$2.33 – $9.31
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $35$25 – $47
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $6.60$5.43 – $9.31
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $2.33$1.55 – $3.88
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.72$2.33 – $3.49
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.54$0.93 – $4.66
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $0.68$0.39 – $1.16
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.59$0.39 – $1.55
Salaries & Mortgages in Nairobi-Kenya
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $439 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 14.37% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $439
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 14.37%
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Nairobi-Kenya?
- An estimated $474 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Nairobi-Kenya. A family of four needs around $1,716 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $297.
- How much money do I need to live in Nairobi-Kenya?
- Plan for at least $474 per month as a single person, $1,716 per month for a family of four, or $297 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 Nairobi-Kenya.
- What is the average rent in Nairobi-Kenya?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Nairobi-Kenya rents for around $432 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,168 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Nairobi-Kenya?
- The average monthly net salary in Nairobi-Kenya is around $439. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 99% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Nairobi-Kenya?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Nairobi-Kenya costs around $5.90. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $41 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($0.85/L) and bread ($0.56/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Nairobi-Kenya?
- A monthly public transport pass in Nairobi-Kenya costs around $47. 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 Nairobi-Kenya?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Nairobi-Kenya costs around $33 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.