Cost of Living in Kenya

RESTAURANTS

Restaurants, like most everything else, are pretty cheap in Kenya.

For example, a meal in a good restaurant per person would cost less than 4.02$.

On the other hand, you can always eat street food and pay only a couple of dollars.

In the end, everything really depends on you and how much you want to spend on food.

MARKETS

If you’re in Kenya and get homesick about food, imported goods are sold in common supermarkets like Nakumatt, Uchumi, etc. where you can find them and buy them at higher prices than domestic groceries.

Malls can be quite expensive also while shopping at local markets will save you a considerable amount of money.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is reasonably cheap.

It isn’t a bargain but it’s mostly reliable though it probably isn’t as organized as you’d want it to be.

You can catch a bus anytime, and taxis are even cheap.

A one-way ticket to wherever you want to go is less than a dollar, while a monthly ticket is around 32$.

UTILITIES (MONTHLY)

Monthly utilities are also relatively cheap.

For an apartment that is a bit larger, at about 85m2, all the basic utilities including water, gas, cooling, electricity, and garbage services will cost you around 27$.

The good thing is that the bill doesn’t double during winter, because you won’t ever need any heating.

SPORTS & LEISURE

However cheap everything else in Kenya is, practicing sports definitely isn’t among those cheap things.

Being a member of a gym or a fitness club in Kenya will cost you more than being one in any of the less popular countries in Europe or America – prepare to spill out 42$.

Cinema tickets cost 6.43$ each.

CLOTHING & SHOES

Now, shopping might be something more affordable.

If you’re thinking about going to a mall in Kenya and shopping till you drop off – it might be a good idea, because the clothing there is very cheap.

A pair of quality jeans will cost less than 15$, while good sneakers from brands like Nike will cost you only about 36$ or less.

RENT PER MONTH

Rent is, according to some, very expensive, though compared to the rest of the world, it would be considered pretty low.

However, for the residents of Kenya, paying rent is a difficult job, given the fact that their salaries are also pretty low.

An apartment in the center of any of the main cities will cost you around 250$.

HEALTHCARE

Kenya has a public health system with low-cost services funded by taxes and National Hospital Insurance Fund contributions, supplemented by private care.

Private insurance typically costs 25 to 60 USD per month.

Out-of-pocket expenses are high, averaging around 200 to 400 USD per person per year for consultations, hospital stays, and medications.

With average monthly salaries near 250 USD, healthcare expenses can be a substantial burden.

EDUCATION

Public primary and secondary schools charge minimal or no tuition for nationals, but families cover uniforms, books, and supplies; private schools charge several thousand dollars per year.

Public universities charge tuition typically around $500 to $2,000 per year, and private universities often charge higher amounts.

Students also face housing, food, and transport costs.

Average monthly income is roughly $300 to $400, so education costs are a significant portion of typical household budgets.