How expensive is Nairobi compared to other cities?

Nairobi ranks #507 out of 577 cities globally, cheaper than 87.7% of cities worldwide. The rent index is 10.5 and local purchasing power is 40.6.

What is the average rent in Nairobi?

A 1-bedroom apartment in Nairobi city centre costs approximately KES 57,832 per month. Outside the centre, rent drops to KES 28,115 (saving 51%). A 3-bedroom apartment in the centre costs around KES 145,573.

Is Nairobi affordable to live in?

Nairobi is affordable by global standards. Groceries are affordable, restaurants are very affordable, and local purchasing power is weak.

🇰🇪 Kenya · 2026

Kosten van Levensonderhoud in Nairobi

Affordable: goedkoper dan 87.7% van de steden wereldwijd

Gerangschikt op #507 van 577 steden · Duurder dan 12.1% van de steden wereldwijd

Affordable

Kosten van Levensonderhoud

Very affordable

Huur

Affordable

Boodschappen

Weak

Koopkracht

Lagere index = betaalbaarder

Huurprijzen in Nairobi

Appartement	Stadscentrum	Buiten het Centrum	Je Bespaart
1-Kamer	KES 57,832/mo ≈ $446	KES 28,115/mo ≈ $217	51%
3-Kamer	KES 145,573/mo ≈ $1,122	KES 65,530/mo ≈ $505	55%

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Multi-Source Comparison

★ Low Confidence

Nairobi has a cost of living index of 19.5 (New York = 100, rent included), the average of 3 of 4 data sources. Expatistan is left out because it sits more than 15% away from the others.

19.5

Index

Sources

6.8

Gap between sources