Cost of Living in Kenya

Safari capital of the world; offers a fantastic climate and expat lifestyle in Nairobi, though inequality is visible.

Open a Wise account

£504

Average cost per month

1

Distribution of Expenses

Property
38%
Groceries
26%
Eating Out
11%
Transportation
6%
Utilities
13%
Leisure
6%
Property
38%
Groceries
26%
Eating Out
11%
Transportation
6%
Utilities
13%
Leisure
6%

Safari "Big 5" & marathon running

Savannah plains & rift valley

Tech leader ("Silicon Savannah")

Cost of living breakdown for Kenya

Living costs in Kenya can vary. You can expect to spend around £504 per month for 1 person as of 2026, on common living costs such as housing, food, and transport.

Housing

£171Average rent per month in Kenya
£1,035Price per m² (city centre)
£687Price per m² (outside centre)
Housing

Standard of Living

Cost of living index21
Quality of life index45
Safety index51
Standard of Living

Food & Drink

Kenya average costs for food and drink.

£116Monthly groceries/person
£50Dining out average cost/person
£2Regular coffee
Food & Drink

Salary & Services

Kenya average salaries and services.

£254Average Monthly Net Salary in Kenya
£21Transport
Healthcare62
Salary & Services

Average living costs in Kenya

ItemAverage pricePrice range
1 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£205.18£85.74 - £400.10
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£105.57£57.16 - £257.21
3 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£604.70£228.63 - £1,143.16
3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£293.30£142.90 - £571.58

The account that moves with you

Cities in Kenya

Not sure about the weather in Kenya?

Put it to the test. Play our relocation game to see which city works for you.

Match with your ideal city

Use our life filters to find the perfect city for you.

Relocation made simple

Whatever you're relocating for, the Wise account is made to support you.

App Store

4.8★ on App Store 152k reviews

Google Play

4.8★ on Google Play 1.3m reviews

Our smart app makes relocation easy

Frequently asked questions

The cost of living in Kenya depends on your lifestyle and location. On average, a single person needs £333 per month without rent, while a family of four requires £1,276. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an additional £205 on average.

Public transport prices vary, but generally, a one-way ticket for local transport in Kenya costs £0.57. If you are commuting regularly, a monthly pass is typically priced at £21.

The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Kenya is currently £254.

Dining costs depend on your choices. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Kenya costs approximately £3, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around £23.

The estimated monthly cost of living in Kenya for a single person is £333, excluding rent.

For a family of four living in Kenya, the estimated monthly costs are £1,276, not including rent.

Rent prices in Kenya depend on location. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in a city centre is £205, compared to £106 outside the centre. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £605 in city centres and £293 in suburban areas.

Basic utilities in Kenya (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment) cost an average of £32 per month. Internet access typically adds another £26.