Cost of Living in Mombasa - Updated Prices & Insights

29.62
Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $444 (excluding rent), and $625 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,023 (excluding rent), and $1,539 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.28 KES 295
$1.53 KES 197
$7.62 KES 985
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$19.59 KES 2,532
$15.67 KES 2,025
$23.51 KES 3,038
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.75 KES 1,131
$5.84 KES 754
$11.68 KES 1,510
Cappuccino
$3.24 KES 419
$0.78 KES 100
$6.24 KES 806
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.51 KES 66
$0.4 KES 51.5
$1.58 KES 205
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.47 KES 61.4
$0.24 KES 30.67
$0.79 KES 103
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.91 KES 247
$1.54 KES 199
$2.3 KES 297
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.83 KES 365
$2.26 KES 292
$4.52 KES 584
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.82 KES 106
$0.49 KES 63.3
$0.91 KES 118
White Bread (500g)
$0.55 KES 70.5
$0.48 KES 62.4
$0.81 KES 104
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.44 KES 186
$0.94 KES 121
$1.95 KES 251
Eggs
$1.74 KES 225
$0.91 KES 118
$1.83 KES 236
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.11 KES 1,306
$6.35 KES 820
$14.28 KES 1,845
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.97 KES 771
$3.9 KES 503
$9.34 KES 1,207
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$5.21 KES 673
$3.43 KES 443
$6.09 KES 788
Apples (1kg)
$1.89 KES 244
$1.59 KES 206
$2.79 KES 360
Banana (1kg)
$0.85 KES 110
$0.67 KES 86.6
$2.22 KES 287
Oranges (1kg)
$1.53 KES 198
$0.76 KES 98.8
$2.3 KES 298
Tomato (1kg)
$0.74 KES 96.1
$0.38 KES 48.69
$1.12 KES 145
Potato (1kg)
$0.67 KES 87.1
$0.38 KES 49.25
$1.13 KES 146
Onion (1kg)
$1.08 KES 140
$0.4 KES 51.6
$1.42 KES 184
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.65 KES 84.3
$0.55 KES 71.1
$0.78 KES 101
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.56 KES 72.7
$0.37 KES 48.07
$0.73 KES 94.9
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.45 KES 446
$2.37 KES 307
$4.75 KES 614
Wine (Bottle)
$7.67 KES 991
$3.06 KES 396
$9.97 KES 1,288
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.9 KES 245
$1.51 KES 196
$2.13 KES 276
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.75 KES 355
$1.9 KES 245
$3.03 KES 392
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.79 KES 103
$0.4 KES 52
$1.6 KES 207
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$35.38 KES 4,572
$23.58 KES 3,048
$47.16 KES 6,095
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.11 KES 402
$3.11 KES 402
$3.11 KES 402
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.89 KES 245
$0.76 KES 97.7
$3.79 KES 490
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.63 KES 598
$0.77 KES 99.2
$5.4 KES 698
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.6 KES 207
$1.38 KES 179
$1.67 KES 216
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$12.2K KES 1.6M
$10.4K KES 1.3M
$14.1K KES 1.8M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$12.1K KES 1.6M
$9,342 KES 1.2M
$14.8K KES 1.9M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$44.02 KES 5,689
$22.96 KES 2,968
$65.1 KES 8,408
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$14.27 KES 1,844
$7.79 KES 1,007
$15.57 KES 2,012
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$44.08 KES 5,696
$38.89 KES 5,026
$46.67 KES 6,032
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$18.27 KES 2,361
$11.75 KES 1,519
$23.49 KES 3,036
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$19.22 KES 2,484
-
Cinema Ticket
$4.77 KES 617
$4.77 KES 617
$15.92 KES 2,057
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$85.8 KES 11.1K
$57.2 KES 7,389
$114 KES 14.8K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,480 KES 708.2K
$3,131 KES 404.7K
$7,828 KES 1M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$13.07 KES 1,689
$9.22 KES 1,192
$19.22 KES 2,483
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$13.9 KES 1,796
$6.29 KES 813
$23.6 KES 3,050
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$23.59 KES 3,049
$11.8 KES 1,525
$35.39 KES 4,574
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$45.95 KES 5,939
$19.14 KES 2,474
$76.6 KES 9,898
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$182 KES 23.5K
$156 KES 20.1K
$233 KES 30.2K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$116 KES 15K
$100 KES 13K
$123 KES 16K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$604 KES 78.1K
$273 KES 35.3K
$1,755 KES 226.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$452 KES 58.4K
$199 KES 25.8K
$1,035 KES 133.7K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$5,498 KES 710.6K
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,828 KES 494.7K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$324 KES 41.8K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
13
13
13
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Mombasa - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability of Mombasa, Kenya stack up for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
You’ll find a friendly balance between price and lifestyle. Cost of Living in Mombasa, Kenya tends to be affordable relative to big African capitals, with room to enjoy beaches, markets, and casual dining without sacrificing comfort. Housing ranges from simple apartments to larger coastal homes, and you can choose neighborhoods that fit lower costs or closer proximity to the old town and beaches. Seasonal demand can shift prices a bit, especially near holidays and peak travel. Tip: start with short stays in a few neighborhoods, then lock in longer-term options that match your budget and work needs.
What does daily life look like in Mombasa, including housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Daily life is shaped by warm weather, accessible local markets, and a mix of modern services with traditional charm. When housing search, focus on Nyali, Mkomani, or Tudor depending on safety, access, and proximity to work or co-working spaces; many expats start with short-term rentals to compare neighborhoods. Food options range from fresh seafood at the harbor to busy markets offering produce and affordable prepared meals. For transport, matatus, tuk-tuks, and ride-hailing apps provide flexibility; walking along the seafront is common on weekends. Mombasa is easy to adapt to different routines. Consider the Mombasa, Kenya living cost as you weigh neighborhoods. Tip: Build a simple budget and track recurring expenses to stay on track.
What strategies help maintain quality of life while budgeting in Mombasa and choosing neighborhoods?
The quality of life comes from matching your pace with neighborhood fit, plus a practical budgeting framework. Start with a simple plan: essentials, flexible daily needs, and a small savings cushion. In Mombasa, Nyali offers resort-like access and newer amenities, while Mombasa Town keeps services within easy reach, and Tudor provides a more local vibe with potential savings. Seasonality can shift crowds and transportation demand, so plan ahead for holidays and busy weekends. Embrace affordable dining, but also enjoy occasional seafood dinners as a treat. Tip: track a weekly spend so you can adjust meal choices, transport modes, and errands to what works best for you.
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