Nairobi
Tokyo

Nairobi vs Tokyo — Cost of Living Comparison

Nairobi
Kenya
VS
Tokyo
Japan
Estimated average living costs are ~196% lower in Nairobi

Nairobi

$1,150

avg. monthly cost

Population

4,740,000

Safety

36/100

Quality

40/100

Cost
28
Safety
36
Life
40

Tokyo

$3,400

avg. monthly cost

Population

13,960,000

Safety

86/100

Quality

80/100

Cost
82
Safety
86
Life
80

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~196% lower in Nairobi

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Nairobi

$1,150

estimated per month

Tokyo

$3,400

estimated per month

Difference

+195.7%

Monthly savings

$2,250

Yearly savings

$27,000

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$221,739

+$146,739/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemNairobiTokyoDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$450.00$1,150.00
+155.6%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$280.00$720.00
+157.1%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$950.00$2,650.00
+178.9%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$550.00$1,550.00
+181.8%
ItemNairobiTokyoDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$3.50$7.50
+114.3%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$25.00$45.00
+80.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.50$6.50
+18.2%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.00$2.10
+110.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.75$2.20
+193.3%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.10$4.50
+309.1%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.80$2.80
+55.6%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.50$8.50
+88.9%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.50$6.50
+160.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.90$3.80
+322.2%
ItemNairobiTokyoDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$35.00$100.00
+185.7%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.40$1.80
+350.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.50$4.50
+200.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.60$3.20
+433.3%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.30$1.35
+3.8%
ItemNairobiTokyoDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$80.00$195.00
+143.8%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$12.00$35.00
+191.7%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$35.00$40.00
+14.3%
ItemNairobiTokyoDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$20.00$35.00
+75.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$25.00$55.00
+120.0%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$8.00$15.00
+87.5%
ItemNairobiTokyoDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$30.00$75.00
+150.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$5.00$13.00
+160.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.50$4.20
+68.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.50$5.00
+100.0%
ItemNairobiTokyoDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$40.00$65.00
+62.5%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$25.00$38.00
+52.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$65.00$85.00
+30.8%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Nairobi vs Tokyo

Is Nairobi or Tokyo more expensive?
Tokyo is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 82 compared with 28 for Nairobi.
How much cheaper is Nairobi than Tokyo?
Living in Nairobi is around 66% cheaper than Tokyo, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Nairobi and Tokyo?
Nairobi scores 28 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Tokyo scores 82 — where New York City equals 100.