If you’re considering how much it takes to live in Kenya comfortably, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re part of the general public, just curious, a Kenyan landowner looking to manage expenses, or an investor eyeing opportunities, we’ll cover everything from daily costs to bigger issues using the latest 2025 numbers.
And if you’re planning on moving to Kenya, I recommend checking out Chepchieng and Company Advocates for any legal help; they’re expert lawyers in Kenya in things like property and immigration, ensuring everything goes smoothly.
Let’s start with the basics.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Kenya?
It depends on your lifestyle, where you stay, and if you’re alone or with family. In 2025, the average monthly cost of living in Kenya is about $300-500 for a single person, including rent. That’s much lower than in many places, like the USA, where it costs over $2,500. But let’s dig deeper.
What Is the Average Salary in Kenya in USD?
First, to understand how much money you need to live in Kenya, let’s look at what people earn.
The average salary in Kenya in USD is around $300 per month in 2025. That’s after taxes and for a typical job. In cities like Nairobi, it might be higher, say $500 to $800 for office workers, but it’s often less, around $400 in rural areas.
For landowners or investors, this matters because it affects labor costs if you’re running a farm or business. Many Kenyans make ends meet on this, but it might feel low if you come from abroad. Still, with smart budgeting, you can live in Kenya comfortably on that.
What is a good salary to earn to live in Kenya?
A good salary to live in Kenya is $1,000 monthly for a single person wanting comfort. That covers rent, food, transport, and some fun. For a family, aim for $2,000 to $3,000.
Why?
The cost of living in Kenya in USD is low compared to other countries. For example, Kenya’s average monthly living cost is $300 for a single without rent, plus $200 to $400 for housing. A higher salary lets you save for property if you’re an investor. Moving to Kenya? Factor in setup costs like visas, more on that later.
How Much Is Rent in Kenya in USD?
Rent is a big part of how much money you need to live in Kenya. In 2025, a one-bedroom apartment in a city center costs about $200 per month, while outside it’s $144.
For a three-bedroom, expect $350 in the center. In Nairobi, the monthly cost of living in Kenya includes higher rents, around $300 for a one-bed in the city.
But in places like Nakuru, the cost of living is lower, with rents at $200 for a one-bed downtown. Mombasa? About $167 for a one-bed.
Eldoret is even cheaper at $92. Rural Kenya? You can find basic housing for $50 to $100. Landowners, this is key to rental income potential.
Breaking Down the Cost of Living in Kenya
Let’s list expenses to know how much money you need to live in Kenya.
Food: A basic meal out is $1-$4, but cooking at home keeps the cost of living in Kenya low; monthly groceries are $30-$50 for one person.
Transport: A monthly pass is $30, or gas at $1.20 per liter.
Utilities like electricity and water: $20 per month. Internet: $40.
Healthcare: Basic insurance is $50 monthly, but public options are cheap.
For expats, living in Kenya adds up to $1,000 to $1,500 comfortably.
A single person’s living cost in Kenya is $524 without rent. For a family of 4, it’s $1,864. The cost of living in Kenya for a family of 4 includes extras like school fees, which can be $200 to $500 per child.
Cost of Living in Different Parts of Kenya
Where you live in Kenya changes everything. In Nairobi, the monthly cost of living in Kenya is $500 for one person. It’s busier and pricier.
Living in Nakuru, Kenya, costs $300-great for landowners near farms. The cost of living in Mombasa, Kenya, is $580, with beach vibes but higher food prices due to imports.
The cost of living in Eldoret, Kenya, is $300, which is affordable for investors in agriculture. Living in rural Kenya costs under $400, which is perfect if you want a simple life.
Comparisons: Cost of Living in Kenya vs Other Countries as of 2025
If you’re wondering whether living in Kenya is expensive, let me put your mind at ease—it’s generally very affordable compared to many other countries.
When you’re thinking about moving to Kenya or just curious about the cost of living there, comparing it to different places helps put things in perspective.
I’ve gathered the latest 2025 data to show you how the cost of living in Kenya stacks up against countries like the USA, UK, Nigeria, India, South Africa, and Ghana. These comparisons are helpful whether you’re a landowner planning to manage expenses, an investor eyeing opportunities, or someone exploring what it takes to live in Kenya.
Let’s break it down with precise numbers and examples so you can see why moving to Kenya is often a wise financial choice.
Cost of Living in Kenya vs the USA
The cost of living in Kenya is 64.5% lower than in the USA. In the US, a single person might spend over $2,500 per month, including rent, for a decent lifestyle.
In Kenya, that drops to around $500-$600, including a one-bedroom apartment in a city like Nairobi. For example, a meal out in the US costs $15–$20, while in Kenya, it’s $3–$5.
Rent in a US city like Chicago averages $1,800 for a one-bedroom, but in Kenya, it’s $315 in Nairobi’s city center. This makes moving to Kenya appealing for anyone looking to stretch their dollars further.
Cost of Living in Kenya vs the UK
Kenya is 61.5% cheaper than the UK. In London, a single person’s monthly expenses, including rent, can hit $3,000.
In Kenya, the monthly cost of living is around $712 for a similar lifestyle. Groceries in the UK might cost $400 monthly, but in Kenya, they cost $150–$250.
Utilities like electricity and water are also pricier in the UK at $150, compared to $28 in Kenya.
For investors or landowners, this means lower operational costs for properties or businesses when you live in Kenya.
Cost of Living in Kenya vs Nigeria
Kenya is 21% cheaper than Nigeria. In Lagos, Nigeria, a single person’s living cost is about $900 per month, including rent, while in Kenya, it’s $712.
Rent in Lagos averages $500 for a one-bedroom in the city center, compared to $315 in Nairobi. Food prices are similar, but transport in Kenya costs $28 for a monthly pass vs. $40 in Nigeria.
If you’re moving to Kenya from Nigeria, you’ll notice savings, especially on housing, which is excellent for landowners planning rental properties.
Cost of Living in Kenya vs India
Kenya is 39% more expensive than India, but still affordable overall. In India, a single person’s monthly cost, including rent, is around $500, while the average monthly cost of living in Kenya is $712.
Rent in Indian cities like Delhi is about $200 for a one-bedroom, compared to $315 in Kenya. However, Kenya’s infrastructure and amenities, especially in Nairobi, can feel more modern, which justifies the slight increase.
For investors, Kenya’s slightly higher costs come with a growing economy, making it a solid choice to live in Kenya.
Cost of Living Kenya vs South Africa
Kenya is 28% cheaper than South Africa. In Johannesburg, a single person’s monthly expenses, including rent, are about $990, compared to $500-$712 to live in Kenya.
A one-bedroom apartment in Johannesburg costs $450, while a one-bedroom apartment in Nairobi costs $315.
Dining out is also pricier in South Africa, $8 per meal vs. $4 in Kenya. Landowners in Kenya can benefit from lower maintenance costs, making it a smart place to invest.
Cost of Living in Kenya vs Ghana
Kenya is 14% more expensive than Ghana. In Accra, Ghana, a single person spends about $625 monthly, including rent, compared to $712 in Kenya. Rent in Accra is slightly lower at $280 for a one-bedroom vs. $315 in Nairobi.
However, Kenya’s stronger infrastructure and job opportunities can make the extra cost worth it for those moving to Kenya, especially for business-minded investors.
Is 100 USD a Lot in Kenya?
100 USD is a lot in Kenya, about 12,900 KSH in 2025. It covers a month’s groceries or a nice dinner for a large family. Daily expenses? About $10 to $30 per day for basics. The cost of living in Kenya per day is low.
Can a U.S. citizen live in Kenya?
Yes, a US citizen can live in Kenya. You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for $50, valid for 90 days, then apply for more extended stays.
For work or long-term, get a visa. Moving to Kenya? Chepchieng and Company Advocates can help with paperwork; they’re pros at making it easy for investors and landowners.
Tips for Moving to Kenya
Moving to Kenya is exciting. Budget $1,000 for initial costs. Learn local ways, like using M-Pesa for payments. For investors, Kenya’s growing economy is a plus. Chepchieng and Company Advocates can advise on buying land or starting a business. Live in Kenya and enjoy the culture.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Kenya? Around $1,200 monthly. The average cost of living in Kenya is affordable. Is it expensive to live in Kenya? No, especially compared to the US.
FAQs
How far does 100 USD go in Kenya?
It goes pretty far when you live in Kenya; it can cover groceries for a week, like rice, vegetables, and some meat, or pay for several days of public transport in cities like Nairobi. That’s about 12,950 KSH based on the current exchange rate.
How much money do you need per day in Kenya?
To live in Kenya on a basic level, you’ll need around $20 to $30 per day for food, transport, and small expenses. For a more comfortable lifestyle, especially if you’re moving to Kenya, budget $40 to $50 to include things like eating out or internet data.
How far does 20 USD go in Kenya?
It covers a full day’s worth of meals, such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner from local spots, plus transport like matatu rides or Uber in town. That’s roughly 2,590 KSH at today’s rates.
What can you buy with 100 Kenyan shillings?
With 100 KSH, you can get simple everyday items like a bottle of soda, a loaf of bread, a few pieces of fruit from a market stall, or even a short boda-boda motorcycle taxi ride in rural areas.
How much is food in Kenya?
Food costs are affordable when you live in Kenya. A basic meal at a local restaurant or kibanda costs about $3 to $5, while a fancier one in a city might cost $10. Monthly groceries for one person, including staples like ugali, beans, and veggies, come to around $150 to $250, depending on where you shop.
Final Words
There you have it, everything you need to know about how much money you need to live in Kenya. Suppose you’re considering moving to Kenya as an investor, landowner, or just for a new start. Contact Chepchieng and Company Advocates for expert legal support on visas, property, or business setup. They’re reliable and can make the process smooth. Stay wise with your finances, and you’ll do great here.
