Nairobi skyline

🇰🇪Cost of Living in Nairobi

Kenya · Population: 4,740,000 · Cost Index: 28/100

Cost of Living in Nairobi

Kenya · Africa

Kenya's capital and East Africa's economic hub, Nairobi is the only city in the world with a national park within its borders. Known as the Silicon Savannah, its thriving tech ecosystem and affordable living attract entrepreneurs and innovators.

4,740,000

Population

28

Cost Index

36

Safety Index

40

Quality of Life

Average Monthly Cost: $1,150 (single person, excluding rent)

Cost Breakdown

Housing

Avg: $557.50
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$450.00
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$280.00
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$950.00
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$550.00

Food & Groceries

Avg: $4.65
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$3.50
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$25.00
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.50
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.00
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.75
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.10
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.80
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.50
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.50
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.90

Transportation

Avg: $7.76
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$35.00
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.40
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.50
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.60
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.30

Utilities

Avg: $42.33
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)
$80.00
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$12.00
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$35.00

Healthcare

Avg: $17.67
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$20.00
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$25.00
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$8.00

Entertainment

Avg: $10.00
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$30.00
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$5.00
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.50
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.50

Clothing

Avg: $43.33
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$40.00
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$25.00
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$65.00

Compare Nairobi with another city

See how Nairobi stacks up against any other city in our database.

Quick Facts

Currency
KES
Language
English
Cost Index
28/100
Safety Index
36/100
Quality of Life
40/100

Data last updated: 2026-01-15. Prices are approximate and shown in USD.