Cost of Living in Kenya

Updated: December 01, 2024

If you've ever considered moving to Kenya, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Kenya?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Kenya and whether the reported $1062 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $408.65.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Kenya

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	4.14 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	33.13 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	5.8 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	2.07 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	2.9 $
Cappuccino (regular)	2.17 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	0.51 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.4 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	0.83 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	0.48 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	1.34 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.41 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	10.55 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	5.82 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	4.35 $
Apples (1 lb)	2.01 $
Banana (1 lb)	1.07 $
Oranges (1 lb)	1.71 $
Tomato (1 lb)	0.91 $
Potato (1 lb)	0.79 $
Onion (1 lb)	0.86 $
Lettuce (1 head)	0.62 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.68 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	8.7 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	1.89 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	2.38 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	2.48 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.83 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	28.99 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	2.48 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	1.18 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	2.48 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	1.12 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	14078.67 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	15320.91 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	26.54 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.03 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	46.15 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	42.06 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	15.67 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	6.63 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	148.51 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	8145.17 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	14.77 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	21.74 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	32.37 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	37.16 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	234.7 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	134.28 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	651.07 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	315.89 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	1844.53 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	718.88 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	408.65 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	12.76 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 4.14 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 33.13 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.83 USD, a loaf of bread 0.48 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.41 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.83 USD and a monthly pass around 28.99 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 26.54 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 42.06 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 15.67 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 148.51 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 8145.17 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 14.77 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 32.37 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 234.7 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 134.28 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1844.53 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 718.88 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 408.65 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 12.76% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Kenya

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

After 2008 post-election violence that emerged in Kenya, things have quieted down and the situation is now safe for tourists. However, it is still a rather dangerous country and it is highly advised that you remain extremely vigilant at all times.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

Armed robberies on freeways and roadway robberies are common occurrences in Kenya. This is why it is best to avoid public transport in Kenya. For anything you need, you can order a taxi, and by no means should you walk on the streets at night.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

By all means, avoid any displays of wealth in public. Never flash anything valuable, your money, credit cards, hi-tech equipment or jewelry. Pickpockets are regular in this country.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Kenya is susceptible to many natural hazards, out of which the most common that hit this country hard have to do with the weather. Floods, droughts, landslides, lightning/thunderstorms, wildfires, and strong winds regularly cause substantial damage to Kenya. You should also be aware of the widespread existence of HIV/AIDS.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Violent crime such as robberies, muggings, armed car-jacking, armed road-blocks is all regular occurrences in this country. If you get mugged a good tactic is to wave your arms and scream at the mugger. This is not good advice for situations where the muggers are armed. In such a case, surrender all your belongings immediately and don’t resist. Kidnappings are common in areas around South Sudanese, Ethiopian and Somali borders.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Kenya, as it has been the target of many attacks in recent years, particularly in Garissa, Lamu and Mandera counties and other areas close to the Somali border, most of which were attributed to Al Shabaab. Remain vigilant at all times.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

There are no known scams specific for Kenya, but you should still be very cautious when it comes to street vendors or people offering you any kind of help that you didn't ask for.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Kenya isn’t the safest option for women traveling solo. If you do decide to venture into this country, be prepared as there have been reports of women being assaulted. Avoid walking anywhere unaccompanied, especially at night.

Cost of Living in Kenya

Kenya

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing