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Cost of Living in Nairobi

Nairobi, Nairobi City, Kenya · Population 5,545,000 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Kenya average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)KSh68,444 ($531)
Couple, monthlyKSh122,334 ($948)
Family of four, monthlyKSh159,034 ($1,233)

Estimated Prices in Nairobi

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantKSh704 ($5.46)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeKSh2,817 ($21.84)per meal
CappuccinoKSh211 ($1.64)each
Monthly groceries (single person)KSh15,965 ($124)per month
Monthly public transport passKSh2,583 ($20.02)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentKSh6,809 ($52.78)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)KSh1,972 ($15.29)per month
Fitness club membershipKSh1,972 ($15.29)per month
Cinema ticketKSh517 ($4.00)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreKSh30,889 ($239)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreKSh21,488 ($167)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreKSh64,465 ($500)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Nairobi is KSh67,080 ($520) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of KSh68,444 ($531) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly KSh88,977 ($690) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (KSh21,488 ($167)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Nairobi

Nairobi vs MombasaNairobi vs NakuruNairobi vs EldoretNairobi vs KisumuNairobi vs DadaabNairobi vs Kakuma

Nearby Cities

Kiambu

13 km away · Kiambu

Ongata Rongai

14 km away · Kajiado

Kikuyu

17 km away · Kiambu

Ngong

22 km away · Kajiado

Kitenkela

26 km away · Kajiado

Athi River

26 km away · Machakos

Thika

40 km away · Kiambu

Machakos

56 km away · Machakos

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nairobi expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated KSh68,444 ($531) per month in Nairobi including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Kenya.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Nairobi?
A net salary of around KSh88,977 ($690) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Nairobi with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Nairobi is KSh67,080 ($520).
How much is rent in Nairobi?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated KSh30,889 ($239) per month in the city centre and KSh21,488 ($167) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about KSh64,465 ($500).
Is Nairobi cheaper than Kenya on average?
No — Nairobi is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Kenya average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
Figures for Nairobi are estimates based on Kenya national averages adjusted for city size (population 5,545,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.