Cost of Living in Kenya

Estimated Monthly Cost

per person · per month

About Kenya

Kenya is a large East African nation with around 54 million people spread across cities, towns, and rural areas. Nairobi, the capital, dominates expat life and offers urban infrastructure alongside persistent traffic and pollution. Mombasa on the coast is smaller, warmer, and more relaxed. Daily life involves navigating minibus matatus for transport, shopping at open-air markets or supermarkets, and dealing with regular power cuts and water interruptions. The country sits on the equator with warm temperatures year-round. English is widely spoken. Political and economic activity centers on real estate, tourism, and tea and coffee exports. Internet quality varies by location and provider.

Kenya's cost of living divides sharply between local and expat pricing. Housing runs $320/month on average, though this covers shared apartments in working-class Nairobi suburbs like Eastleigh or Kasarani, or standalone places in smaller towns. Central locations like Westlands or Karen cost significantly more. Groceries average $155/month if you shop local markets and cook at home. Imported goods (cheese, cereals, wine) cost double or triple US prices. Eating out ranges from $1.50 for street food to $12 for restaurant meals. Transport is cheap: matatus cost $0.30 to $0.70 per trip, or use Uber starting around $2. Expat pricing exists for some services, rental agents, and security. Power and water bills are low but unreliable. Healthcare quality varies; expats often pay private clinics $30-80 per visit. Costs rise with distance from Nairobi and in tourist zones.

📍 Similar Locations

TanzaniaEthiopiaDR CongoSeychelles