Cost of living in Nairobi, Kenya

Summary of cost of living in Nairobi

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: $2,246 (Shilling255,005)
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: $1,159 (Shilling131,590)
  • Nairobi is the 2nd cheapest city in Africa (5 out of 6)
  • Cost of living in Nairobi is cheaper than in 82% of cities in the World (138 out of 168)
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List of prices in Nairobi
Current as of Jan 2022.

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Exchange rate: 0.00881 USD / KES
↩ Change back to show only in KES (Shilling)
Food Update prices
KES USD
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district Shilling495 ($4.36)
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) Shilling644 ($5.67)
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast Shilling385 ($3.39)
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk Shilling101 ($0.89)
12 eggs, large Shilling224 ($1.98)
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes Shilling101 ($0.89)
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese Shilling597 ($5.26)
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples Shilling251 ($2.21)
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes Shilling92 ($0.81)
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket Shilling195 ($1.72)
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality Shilling1,019 ($9)
2 liters of coca-cola Shilling161 ($1.42)
Bread for 2 people for 1 day Shilling49 ($0.43)
Housing Update prices
KES USD
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area Shilling126,273 ($1,112)
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area Shilling55,506 ($489)
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat Shilling6,734 ($59)
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area Shilling50,879 ($448)
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area Shilling21,699 ($191)
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio Shilling4,857 ($43)
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) Shilling5,537 ($49)
40” flat screen tv Shilling42,715 ($376)
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) Shilling10,838 ($95)
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) Shilling937 ($8)
Hourly rate for cleaning help Shilling423 ($3.72)
Clothes Update prices
KES USD
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) Shilling2,603 ($23)
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) Shilling2,725 ($24)
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) Shilling5,114 ($45)
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes Shilling5,515 ($49)
Transportation Update prices
KES USD
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new Shilling1,703,150 ($14,999)
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas Shilling117 ($1.03)
Monthly ticket public transport Shilling3,661 ($32)
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) Shilling1,475 ($13)
Personal Care Update prices
KES USD
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) Shilling276 ($2.43)
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) Shilling1,324 ($12)
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) Shilling2,931 ($26)
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) Shilling351 ($3.09)
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) Shilling366 ($3.22)
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) Shilling493 ($4.34)
4 rolls of toilet paper Shilling140 ($1.24)
Tube of toothpaste Shilling157 ($1.38)
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city Shilling791 ($7)
Entertainment Update prices
KES USD
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub Shilling2,038 ($18)
2 tickets to the movies Shilling1,250 ($11)
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) Shilling2,560 ($23)
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert Shilling3,473 ($31)
1 cocktail drink in downtown club Shilling800 ($7)
Cappuccino in expat area of the city Shilling276 ($2.43)
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) Shilling239 ($2.10)
Ipad wi-fi 128gb Shilling45,453 ($400)
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) Shilling3.62 ($0.03)
1 month of gym membership in business district Shilling5,062 ($45)
1 package of marlboro cigarettes Shilling294 ($2.59)
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 365 prices entered by 43 different people.
Latest price update: January 26, 2022

Moving to Nairobi with your children?

International Schools in Nairobi

Did you know that ...

Nairobi position in our World Ranking

the world
138th
out of 168
africa
5th
out of 6

Cheapest and most expensive products in Nairobi compared to other cities:

the world
2nd
the world
3rd
the world
5th
the world
5th
africa
1st
africa
1st

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Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras, new

in Nairobi?

Shilling

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International Cost of Living Index

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