Cost of living in Kenya compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 59% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Kenya is 59% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Kenya | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | Shilling1,059 ($7) | $20 | - 63% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | Shilling882 ($6) | $10 | - 41% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | Shilling481 ($3.30) | $5.75 | - 43% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | Shilling142 ($0.97) | $1.09 | - 10% | |
12 eggs, large | Shilling271 ($1.86) | $4.94 | - 62% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | Shilling100 ($0.68) | $4.65 | - 85% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | Shilling502 ($3.44) | $7 | - 51% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | Shilling198 ($1.35) | $4.51 | - 70% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | Shilling92 ($0.63) | $2.36 | - 73% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | Shilling242 ($1.66) | $3.26 | - 49% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | Shilling1,265 ($9) | $16 | - 45% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | Shilling201 ($1.38) | $2.91 | - 53% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | Shilling111 ($0.76) | $2.83 | - 73% | |
Housing | - 58% | |||
Housing in Kenya is 58% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Kenya | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | Shilling196,139 ($1,343) | $2,962 | - 55% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | Shilling128,896 ($883) | $2,269 | - 61% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | Shilling8,579 ($59) | $224 | - 74% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | Shilling97,620 ($668) | $1,996 | - 67% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | Shilling23,400 ($160) | $1,511 | - 89% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | Shilling8,455 ($58) | $150 | - 61% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | Shilling5,873 ($40) | $64 | - 37% | |
40” flat screen tv | Shilling43,137 ($295) | $294 | + 1% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | Shilling23,937 ($164) | $141 | + 16% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | Shilling700 ($4.80) | $14 | - 66% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | - | $32 | - | |
Clothes | - 37% | |||
Clothes in Kenya is 37% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Kenya | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | Shilling7,496 ($51) | $56 | - 9% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | Shilling2,759 ($19) | $48 | - 60% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | Shilling17,508 ($120) | $95 | + 26% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | Shilling8,255 ($57) | $126 | - 55% | |
Transportation | - 46% | |||
Transportation in Kenya is 46% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Kenya | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | Shilling1,786,980 ($12,237) | $27,752 | - 56% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | Shilling193 ($1.32) | $1.03 | + 29% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | Shilling5,266 ($36) | $83 | - 56% | |
Personal Care | - 77% | |||
Personal Care in Kenya is 77% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Kenya | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | Shilling178 ($1.22) | $9 | - 86% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | Shilling320 ($2.19) | $24 | - 91% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | Shilling4,026 ($28) | $151 | - 82% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | Shilling333 ($2.28) | $9 | - 74% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | Shilling308 ($2.11) | $4.89 | - 57% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | Shilling439 ($3.01) | $7 | - 56% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | Shilling100 ($0.68) | $4.89 | - 86% | |
Tube of toothpaste | Shilling122 ($0.84) | $2.20 | - 62% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | Shilling1,306 ($9) | $29 | - 69% | |
Entertainment | - 64% | |||
Entertainment in Kenya is 64% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Kenya | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | Shilling3,290 ($23) | $57 | - 60% | |
2 tickets to the movies | Shilling1,744 ($12) | $29 | - 59% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | Shilling1,600 ($11) | $234 | - 95% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | Shilling5,898 ($40) | $92 | - 56% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | Shilling906 ($6) | $14 | - 56% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | Shilling329 ($2.26) | $5.40 | - 58% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | Shilling260 ($1.78) | $7 | - 73% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | Shilling26,546 ($182) | $558 | - 67% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | Shilling4.09 ($0.03) | $0.20 | - 86% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | Shilling6,759 ($46) | $61 | - 24% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | Shilling306 ($2.10) | $10 | - 80% | |
TOTAL | - 57% |

These prices were last updated on October 01, 2023.
Exchange rate:
0.00685
USD
/
KES
Cost of living in Kenya is 57% cheaper than in United States
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