Cost of Living in Nairobi

Expats working in Nairobi will likely earn a good salary with employment perks for major expenses. These could include housing allowances, company cars, health insurance contributions, education benefits, and visa and permit charges.

That said, don’t be misled into thinking that the cost of living in Nairobi is cheap. While it certainly is possible to live sparingly with minimal expenses, expats may prefer imported products and other services, which often come at a price. Your chief expenses in Nairobi will be accommodation, school fees, transport, food, clothes, and utilities.

Working in Nairobi

Cost of accommodation in Nairobi

The cost of accommodation in Nairobi depends on location, and suitable quality accommodation can be expensive. Expat employers typically offer to take care of this expense. This offer can also include the required security deposit, usually the equivalent of one to two months’ rent. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are likely to be your responsibility.

An accommodation-related expense that you may not anticipate is security measures. If you live in a gated community, this is typically included in the rental costs, but it’s unlikely to be the case in standalone homes.

Accommodation in Nairobi

Cost of transport in Nairobi

Expats may prefer owning a car in Kenya, which allows for more freedom. Depending on the model and condition, cars can be pretty expensive in Nairobi. Once you have purchased a car, you may opt to hire a driver too. Chauffeurs are said to be quite affordable and worth considering, as navigating Nairobi’s traffic can be stressful.

Renting a car is a cheaper alternative to buying and can be more convenient if you will only be in the country for a limited time. Some people, especially those in top executive positions, will have a company car and driver provided for them.

The primary means of public transport in Kenya is the matatu (a van or minibus with a fixed or semi-fixed route). This option is cheap, but the vehicles are regularly overcrowded and often don’t meet safety standards. Recent regulations are improving the sector with mandatory cashless payments and stricter operational rules, although overcrowding remains an ongoing concern.

Taxis are also used frequently, but because there’s no standard billing method and vehicles don’t have meters, expats should research pricing and negotiate an agreeable fare with the driver beforehand. App-based services are becoming more common, although traditional taxis are still more prevalent.

Getting Around in Nairobi

Cost of groceries in Nairobi

In Nairobi, grocery costs vary depending on whether you prefer local or imported items. Supermarkets cater to diverse tastes and needs, and they offer both local and international products. Local produce is relatively affordable, while imported goods like cheese, wine, or packaged foods command surprisingly high prices due to import taxes and shipping costs. Kenya applies average tariffs of around 25 percent, with some items attracting duties of up to 100 percent.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Nairobi

Kenya has something to suit all lifestyles, whether it’s nature, shopping or socialising in a bar. Nairobi National Park is located just south of the capital city and is a popular attraction among locals and visitors alike. Entry fees vary depending on residency status, with international visitors paying significantly more. Shopping and dining in the city are relatively affordable, although costs can add up quickly if you’re not mindful of your spending.

If you cook at home, you can save substantially, but dining out is also popular. Nairobi boasts a thriving food scene with a broad range of eateries offering local, continental and international cuisine at varying prices. Like with groceries, dining at high-end restaurants serving imported ingredients will be pricier than enjoying local dishes at smaller, local establishments.

Lifestyle, Shopping, Eating Out and Attractions in Nairobi

Cost of education in Nairobi

Expats will likely send their children to international schools, which can be mightily expensive. Apart from fees, there may also be additional expenses for registration, transport, food, and field trips. It’s common for expat employers to include some form of education allowance in their package. If this isn’t initially part of the offer, we recommend you negotiate for it.

International Schools in Nairobi

Cost of healthcare in Nairobi

The cost of quality private healthcare in Nairobi is roughly equivalent to rates in Western countries. Day-to-day treatment is relatively affordable, but health insurance is recommended, especially in emergencies or if you need medical evacuation. Quality private facilities like Aga Khan University Hospital and Nairobi Hospital offer excellent care, but can be expensive without proper coverage.

There are plenty of health insurance providers in Nairobi. Most people have health insurance included in their salary package.

Healthcare and Hospitals in Nairobi