Cost of Living in Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi has a cost of living index of 35/100 (New York = 100). It is 65% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

35/100
Cost Index
$675/mo
Median Income
41/100
Safety Index
subtropical highland
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 45/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$520/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$280/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$950/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 42/100
Milk (1 liter)$0.84/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.2/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$0.8/kg
Dining OutScore: 42/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$8/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$35/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$5.4/meal
TransportationScore: 38/100
Monthly Transit Pass$35/month
One-Way Ticket$0.77/trip
Taxi (1 km)$1.29/km
UtilitiesScore: 40/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$58/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$25/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$15/month
HealthcareScore: 48/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$50/visit
Dentist Visit$62/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$8/course
EntertainmentScore: 45/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$8/ticket
Theater Ticket$25/ticket
Museum Entry$12/ticket
FitnessScore: 42/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$28/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$12/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$5/entry
Personal CareScore: 42/100
Haircut (Men)$12/cut
Haircut (Women)$24/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$3.1/bottle
ClothingScore: 48/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$45/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$28/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$62/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

32 Mbps
Internet Speed
$150
Coworking/Month
fair
Café WiFi
high
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
55/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Westlands, Karen, Upper Hill

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nairobi cheap to live in?

Nairobi has a cost of living index of 35/100, where New York = 100. It is 65% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $700–$980 per month.

How much does rent cost in Nairobi?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Nairobi costs approximately $520/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $280/month.

Is Nairobi good for digital nomads?

Nairobi has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 32 Mbps, café wifi reliability is fair, and coworking spaces run about $150/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Nairobi?

The median net monthly salary in Nairobi is approximately $675 USD. The income tax rate is around 30%.

How does Nairobi compare to New York for cost of living?

Nairobi (cost index 35) is 65% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,625/month by moving from New York to Nairobi.

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