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Nairobi, Kenya
Capital City

Follows Kenya Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,230
Retiree Score
83.0
Safety Index
54.0
Healthcare
433 facilities

With a population of 5.5 million, Nairobi is a bustling metropolis that can be a headache to navigate. The economy has failed to keep pace with the city's rapid growth, leading to high unemployment and persistent poverty, with over half the population living in sprawling slums. While Nairobi boasts world-class restaurants and a dynamic cultural scene, the bureaucracy is a persistent hassle, and petty crime remains an issue in parts of the city. For the intrepid expat willing to embrace the chaos, Nairobi offers unparalleled safari access and a diverse, cosmopolitan community - but the challenges of urban living in Kenya are not to be underestimated.

Can I afford Nairobi?

$

Nairobi

You could save

1,770/mo

Savings Rate59%

Monthly Costs

Rent $650
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$580

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
59/100
Retiree Score
(i)
83/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
68/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Kenya Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
54
Safety
433
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$6

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$6
Meal (Mid-range) $60
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $41
Mobile Plan (mo) $16
Gym (mo) *$44
Cinema Ticket $8

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $650
1BR Outside (mo) *$141
3BR Center (mo) $1,300
3BR Outside (mo) *$386

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Westlands, Karen, Gigiri
Best For
NGO workers

Expat Life Notes

A vibrant hub for international NGOs and tech in East Africa. Offers a great lifestyle if budget permits.

Pros

  • ✓ Thriving expat social scene
  • ✓ Great climate
  • ✓ Amazing wildlife access

Cons

  • ✗ Safety and security concerns
  • ✗ Extreme traffic
  • ✗ High cost for expat amenities

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
12°C°C - 26°C°C
Annual Rainfall
683 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Nov, Dec

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Nairobi

Click any question to expand the answer.

Nairobi has a population of approximately 5,545,000 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,625 per month in Nairobi, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $650/month.

The nearest airport to Nairobi is NBO, approximately 13km away.

Nairobi is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 54.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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