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Cost of Living in Mombasa

Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya · Population 1,388,449

▲ +8% vs Kenya average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)KSh59,412 ($461)
Couple, monthlyKSh106,007 ($822)
Family of four, monthlyKSh137,635 ($1,067)

Estimated Prices in Mombasa

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantKSh618 ($4.79)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeKSh2,471 ($19.15)per meal
CappuccinoKSh185 ($1.44)each
Monthly groceries (single person)KSh14,000 ($109)per month
Monthly public transport passKSh2,265 ($17.56)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentKSh5,971 ($46.28)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)KSh1,729 ($13.41)per month
Fitness club membershipKSh1,729 ($13.41)per month
Cinema ticketKSh453 ($3.51)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreKSh26,213 ($203)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreKSh18,235 ($141)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreKSh54,705 ($424)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Mombasa is KSh58,824 ($456) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of KSh59,412 ($461) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly KSh77,235 ($599) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (KSh18,235 ($141)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Mombasa

Mombasa vs NairobiMombasa vs NakuruMombasa vs EldoretMombasa vs KisumuMombasa vs DadaabMombasa vs Kakuma

Nearby Cities

Kwale

27 km away · Kwale

Ukunda

28 km away · Kwale

Kilifi

51 km away · Kilifi

Msambweni

51 km away · Kwale

Lunga-Lunga

82 km away · Kwale

Malindi

105 km away · Kilifi

Voi

143 km away · Taita/Taveta

Mwatate

155 km away · Taita/Taveta

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mombasa expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated KSh59,412 ($461) per month in Mombasa including rent outside the city centre. That is 8% more than the national average for Kenya.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Mombasa?
A net salary of around KSh77,235 ($599) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Mombasa with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Mombasa is KSh58,824 ($456).
How much is rent in Mombasa?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated KSh26,213 ($203) per month in the city centre and KSh18,235 ($141) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about KSh54,705 ($424).
Is Mombasa cheaper than Kenya on average?
No — Mombasa is estimated to be about 8% more expensive than the Kenya average, mainly due to housing demand.
Figures for Mombasa are estimates based on Kenya national averages adjusted for city size (population 1,388,449). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.