Cost of Living in Nairobi (2026) — Monthly Budget

Wondering how far your salary goes in Nairobi? Here’s what everyday life costs, in local prices — the numbers that matter when you’re deciding to move or negotiating a package.

What things cost

One-bed apartment, Westlands or KilimaniKES 60,000–110,000 / month

Ride-hailing across townKES 400–900 per trip

Groceries, one personKES 25,000–45,000 / month

Local restaurant mealKES 500–1,200

CoffeeKES 250–450

Good to know

Population

≈5.5 million (Nairobi County)

Languages

English and Swahili, both official; Sheng slang widely spoken

Currency

Kenyan shilling (KES)

Time zone

EAT (GMT+3); no daylight saving

Power plug

Type G, 240 V / 50 Hz — same as the UK

Climate

Subtropical highland — mild days, cool nights, two rainy seasons

Altitude

≈1,795 m

Driving side

Left

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.

A note on budgeting

Rent is usually the swing factor — location and whether bills are included move the number most. Build your estimate from the rent band above, add a monthly living figure, and keep a buffer for one-off setup costs (deposits, a residence permit, a local SIM, first-month transport). Globe Quest turns this into a personalized Nairobi checklist so nothing setup-related catches you off guard.