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Cost of Living in Athi River

Athi River, Machakos, Kenya · Population 81,302

▼ -6% vs Kenya average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)KSh51,600 ($400)
Couple, monthlyKSh91,913 ($713)
Family of four, monthlyKSh119,186 ($924)

Estimated Prices in Athi River

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantKSh542 ($4.20)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeKSh2,167 ($16.80)per meal
CappuccinoKSh163 ($1.26)each
Monthly groceries (single person)KSh12,281 ($95.20)per month
Monthly public transport passKSh1,987 ($15.40)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentKSh5,237 ($40.60)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)KSh1,517 ($11.76)per month
Fitness club membershipKSh1,517 ($11.76)per month
Cinema ticketKSh397 ($3.08)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreKSh22,253 ($173)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreKSh15,480 ($120)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreKSh46,440 ($360)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Athi River is KSh51,600 ($400) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of KSh51,600 ($400) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly KSh67,080 ($520) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (KSh15,480 ($120)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Athi River

Athi River vs NairobiAthi River vs MombasaAthi River vs NakuruAthi River vs EldoretAthi River vs KisumuAthi River vs Dadaab

Nearby Cities

Kitenkela

17 km away · Kajiado

Ongata Rongai

24 km away · Kajiado

Nairobi

26 km away · Nairobi City

Machakos

32 km away · Machakos

Konza

36 km away · Machakos

Kiambu

36 km away · Kiambu

Ngong

40 km away · Kajiado

Kikuyu

42 km away · Kiambu

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Athi River expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated KSh51,600 ($400) per month in Athi River including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Kenya.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Athi River?
A net salary of around KSh67,080 ($520) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Athi River with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Athi River is KSh51,600 ($400).
How much is rent in Athi River?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated KSh22,253 ($173) per month in the city centre and KSh15,480 ($120) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about KSh46,440 ($360).
Is Athi River cheaper than Kenya on average?
Yes — Athi River is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Kenya average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
Figures for Athi River are estimates based on Kenya national averages adjusted for city size (population 81,302). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.