CityCost App
Cost of living in 8000+ cities on the go.

Cost of Living in Kenya - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $493 (excluding rent), and $684 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,213 (excluding rent), and $1,607 including rent.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.77 KES 487
$1.51 KES 195
$7.53 KES 974
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$34.6 KES 4,471
$20.76 KES 2,683
$99.1 KES 12.8K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.04 KES 910
$5.48 KES 708
$8.21 KES 1,061
Cappuccino
$2.24 KES 290
$0.92 KES 119
$5.91 KES 764
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.72 KES 93.4
$0.41 KES 52.8
$1.62 KES 210
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.5 KES 64.3
$0.3 KES 38.32
$1.11 KES 143
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.31 KES 298
$1.54 KES 199
$3.85 KES 497
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.73 KES 353
$2.34 KES 302
$4.68 KES 605
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.81 KES 104
$0.47 KES 60.8
$1.19 KES 153
White Bread (500g)
$0.5 KES 64.6
$0.44 KES 57.1
$0.74 KES 95.6
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.37 KES 177
$0.92 KES 119
$2.49 KES 321
Eggs
$1.55 KES 200
$1.14 KES 147
$2.4 KES 310
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.18 KES 1,316
$4.55 KES 588
$30.37 KES 3,925
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.31 KES 816
$3.02 KES 391
$8.35 KES 1,079
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$4.98 KES 644
$3.79 KES 489
$6.06 KES 783
Apples (1kg)
$2.87 KES 370
$1.19 KES 154
$3.97 KES 514
Banana (1kg)
$0.97 KES 126
$0.6 KES 77.9
$1.93 KES 250
Oranges (1kg)
$1.81 KES 234
$0.68 KES 88.4
$3.78 KES 489
Tomato (1kg)
$0.84 KES 108
$0.38 KES 49
$1.51 KES 195
Potato (1kg)
$0.8 KES 104
$0.37 KES 48.09
$1.62 KES 210
Onion (1kg)
$0.97 KES 125
$0.45 KES 58
$1.74 KES 224
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.67 KES 87.1
$0.32 KES 40.89
$1.42 KES 183
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.65 KES 84.3
$0.38 KES 49.08
$1.01 KES 131
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.02 KES 391
$1.89 KES 244
$3.79 KES 490
Wine (Bottle)
$9.95 KES 1,286
$5.74 KES 741
$19.11 KES 2,470
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.13 KES 276
$1.58 KES 204
$2.77 KES 358
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.59 KES 335
$1.83 KES 237
$3.82 KES 493
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.8 KES 103
$0.56 KES 72.3
$1.61 KES 208
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$29.65 KES 3,833
$23.41 KES 3,026
$46.82 KES 6,051
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.51 KES 195
$1.35 KES 175
$3.01 KES 389
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.51 KES 195
$0.91 KES 118
$2.27 KES 293
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.13 KES 405
$2.35 KES 304
$5.5 KES 710
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.54 KES 199
$1.19 KES 153
$1.73 KES 223
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$19.1K KES 2.5M
$14K KES 1.8M
$23.4K KES 3M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$17.6K KES 2.3M
$13.9K KES 1.8M
$27K KES 3.5M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$32.83 KES 4,243
$15.4 KES 1,990
$65.5 KES 8,459
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$15.08 KES 1,949
$7.79 KES 1,007
$31.15 KES 4,026
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$38.68 KES 4,999
$23.28 KES 3,008
$77.6 KES 10K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.37 KES 4,830
$15.56 KES 2,011
$77.8 KES 10.1K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$19.68 KES 2,543
$7.68 KES 993
$38.38 KES 4,960
Cinema Ticket
$6.33 KES 818
$4.74 KES 613
$11.87 KES 1,534
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$161 KES 20.8K
$76.1 KES 9,830
$342 KES 44.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,546 KES 975.2K
$3,894 KES 503.2K
$15.6K KES 2M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$14.15 KES 1,828
$9.19 KES 1,187
$38.29 KES 4,949
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$20.6 KES 2,662
$6.1 KES 788
$45.71 KES 5,907
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$48.76 KES 6,301
$19.17 KES 2,477
$115 KES 14.9K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$46.92 KES 6,064
$19.6 KES 2,532
$101 KES 13.1K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$302 KES 39.1K
$115 KES 14.9K
$691 KES 89.3K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$145 KES 18.7K
$75.9 KES 9,806
$341 KES 44.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$857 KES 110.7K
$347 KES 44.9K
$1,544 KES 199.6K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$356 KES 46K
$202 KES 26K
$775 KES 100.2K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,457 KES 188.3K
$771 KES 99.7K
$2,989 KES 386.3K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,049 KES 135.5K
$627 KES 81.1K
$2,745 KES 354.8K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$361 KES 46.6K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
13.57
10.9
18

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Cost of Living in Kenya - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Cost of Living in Kenya compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads overall?
Cost of Living in Kenya varies widely by region and lifestyle, so choosing the right city and neighborhood matters. The country offers a wide spectrum of costs, with major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa tending to be more expensive for housing and dining than rural towns. You can find solid value by living in mid-range neighborhoods, cooking at home, and using public transport. The mix of formal and informal services means you can access affordable options, but imported goods and urban amenities can raise prices. Seasonal tourism can push prices in peak months. Your budget stretches further with longer leases and shared housing. Tip: Start by listing essential expenses and comparing a few neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and errands when living in Kenya?
Daily life in Kenya blends affordability with choice. Housing searches usually rely on online listings and local agents; in cities, you’ll encounter a range from secure apartment compounds in popular neighborhoods to simple, shared options on quieter streets. For food, markets offer fresh produce at accessible prices, while supermarkets provide convenience for staples. Transport is diverse: matatus, boda-boda, ride-hailing, and walking are common depending on the area. Co-working spaces exist in major hubs, with flexible options for short or longer stays. Kenya living cost shifts with location and your daily choices. Tip: Build a short list of must-haves before you search.
What strategies help you balance quality of life and budget in Kenya, including seasonality and finding the right neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Kenya depends on neighborhood fit and daily routines. Build a simple budgeting framework: essentials first, then flexible spending, with regular reviews. Seasonality matters: rainy seasons can affect commute times and outdoor plans, while tourist high season can push prices in popular spots. For a good neighborhood fit, weigh safety, access to reliable internet, and proximity to work or co-working spaces; Nairobi pockets like Kilimani or Karen offer different vibes than coastal towns. Embrace local markets, prepared foods, and public transport to stretch your budget. Tip: Set a monthly review to adjust your plan as you settle in.
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