Cost of living in Kenya compared to China
Currency:
Food | - 29% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Kenya is 29% cheaper than in China | ||||
Kenya | China | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | Shilling705 (38元) | 56元 | - 32% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | Shilling611 (33元) | 41元 | - 20% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | Shilling439 (24元) | 14元 | + 66% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | Shilling119 (6元) | 17元 | - 62% | |
12 eggs, large | Shilling229 (12元) | 20元 | - 37% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | Shilling105 (5.69元) | 10元 | - 45% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | Shilling900 (49元) | 57元 | - 14% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | Shilling277 (15元) | 16元 | - 4% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | Shilling101 (5.48元) | 7元 | - 17% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | Shilling210 (11元) | 6.00元 | + 90% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | Shilling1,091 (59元) | 129元 | - 54% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | Shilling197 (11元) | 11元 | + 1% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | Shilling52 (2.85元) | 13元 | - 79% | |
Housing | - 23% | |||
Housing in Kenya is 23% cheaper than in China | ||||
Kenya | China | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | Shilling169,650 (9,209元) | 13,117元 | - 30% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | Shilling83,603 (4,538元) | 7,964元 | - 43% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | Shilling15,047 (817元) | 401元 | + 104% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | Shilling95,669 (5,193元) | 8,919元 | - 42% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | Shilling57,033 (3,096元) | 4,611元 | - 33% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | Shilling8,455 (459元) | 242元 | + 90% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | Shilling2,991 (162元) | 117元 | + 38% | |
40” flat screen tv | Shilling43,137 (2,342元) | 1,521元 | + 54% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | Shilling23,937 (1,299元) | 661元 | + 97% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | Shilling700 (38元) | 56元 | - 32% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | - | 54元 | - | |
Clothes | - 8% | |||
Clothes in Kenya is 8% cheaper than in China | ||||
Kenya | China | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | Shilling6,416 (348元) | 491元 | - 29% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | Shilling5,872 (319元) | 261元 | + 22% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | Shilling6,181 (336元) | 609元 | - 45% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | Shilling5,515 (299元) | 662元 | - 55% | |
Transportation | + 31% | |||
Transportation in Kenya is 31% more expensive than in China | ||||
Kenya | China | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | Shilling2,958,140 (160,572元) | 150,872元 | + 6% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | Shilling168 (9元) | 9元 | + 4% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | Shilling6,000 (326元) | 197元 | + 66% | |
Personal Care | - 45% | |||
Personal Care in Kenya is 45% cheaper than in China | ||||
Kenya | China | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | Shilling178 (10元) | 29元 | - 67% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | Shilling320 (17元) | 23元 | - 23% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | Shilling3,000 (163元) | 371元 | - 56% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | Shilling333 (18元) | 37元 | - 51% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | Shilling308 (17元) | 23元 | - 27% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | Shilling439 (24元) | 33元 | - 28% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | Shilling115 (6元) | 14元 | - 54% | |
Tube of toothpaste | Shilling122 (7元) | 13元 | - 49% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | Shilling300 (16元) | 63元 | - 74% | |
Entertainment | - 53% | |||
Entertainment in Kenya is 53% cheaper than in China | ||||
Kenya | China | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | Shilling2,000 (109元) | 267元 | - 59% | |
2 tickets to the movies | Shilling825 (45元) | 114元 | - 61% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | Shilling1,600 (87元) | 1,234元 | - 93% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | Shilling7,150 (388元) | 473元 | - 18% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | Shilling645 (35元) | 81元 | - 57% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | Shilling276 (15元) | 35元 | - 57% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | Shilling239 (13元) | 31元 | - 58% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | Shilling26,546 (1,441元) | 3,289元 | - 56% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | Shilling4.02 (0.22元) | 0.24元 | - 10% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | Shilling2,149 (117元) | 449元 | - 74% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | Shilling317 (17元) | 29元 | - 41% | |
TOTAL | - 18% |

These prices were last updated on January 30, 2023.
Exchange rate:
0.05428
CNY
/
KES
Cost of living in Kenya is 18% cheaper than in China
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