Cost Of Living For a Couple in Kenya 2025

Couple cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Kenya

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: KES
55,000 170,000 880,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $1,200 $6,200

Average monthly spending for couples in Kenya

How much money does a couple need in a month to survive in Kenya?

Couples in Kenya spend around 170,000 KES per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a couple can survive with a monthly budget as low as 55,000 KES or as high as 880,000 KES. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Kenya


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Kenya

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

150 KES 290 KES 490 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $2.1 $3.4

Restaurant meal for one

490 KES 740 KES 1,500 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $5.2 $10

Fine dining meal for one

980 KES 1,500 KES 5,900 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.9 $10 $41

Cappuccino or latte

120 KES 200 KES 290 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.86 $1.4 $2.1

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

98 KES 120 KES 150 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.69 $0.83 $1

12 eggs

74 KES 98 KES 150 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.52 $0.69 $1

Fresh whole chicken

170 KES 220 KES 310 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $2.1

Pack of beef

200 KES 290 KES 590 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $2.1 $4.1

Medium bag of rice

79 KES 110 KES 150 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.55 $0.76 $1.1

Bag of tomatos

29 KES 39 KES 74 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.21 $0.28 $0.52

Bag of apples

53 KES 69 KES 110 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.37 $0.48 $0.79
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Kenya


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

120 KES 150 KES 290 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.86 $1 $2.1

Average car full tank

740 KES 980 KES 2,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $6.9 $14

Average car 1-day rental

740 KES 980 KES 1,500 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $6.9 $10

Average car price

370,000 KES 740,000 KES 980,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,600 $5,200 $6,900

Bus ticket one way

25 KES 37 KES 74 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.17 $0.26 $0.52

Car Service

980 KES 1,500 KES 2,900 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.9 $10 $21
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Kenya


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Couple

2,200 KES 7,400 KES 49,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $52 $340

Internet and cable

740 KES 1,500 KES 2,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $10 $14

Mobile phone charges

590 KES 980 KES 2,900 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $6.9 $21

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

370 KES 490 KES 740 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.4 $5.2

One month gym membership

1,200 KES 1,500 KES 2,900 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.3 $10 $21
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Kenya


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

870 KES 1,200 KES 1,800 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.1 $8.6 $13

Woman dress

820 KES 1,100 KES 3,700 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $7.9 $26

Woman shoes

780 KES 1,100 KES 2,500 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $7.4 $17

Men's shoes

670 KES 820 KES 1,600 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $5.7 $11

Men suit

740 KES 920 KES 4,900 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $6.4 $34

Regular t-shirt

370 KES 490 KES 1,500 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.4 $10
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Kenya


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

12,000 KES 18,000 KES 49,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$86 $130 $340

1-bedroom apartment

18,000 KES 29,000 KES 74,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $210 $520

2-bedroom apartment

25,000 KES 37,000 KES 98,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $260 $690

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

2.5M KES 3.7M KES 7.4M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17,000 $26,000 $52,000

1-bedroom apartment

2.9M KES 4.9M KES 18M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21,000 $34,000 $130,000

2-bedroom apartment

4.9M KES 15M KES 29M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34,000 $100,000 $210,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Kenya


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

15,000 KES 18,000 KES 25,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $130 $170

Double Bed

9,800 KES 15,000 KES 18,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$69 $100 $130

Single Bed

8,700 KES 11,000 KES 15,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61 $79 $100

Living Room

16,000 KES 21,000 KES 74,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $150 $520

Dining Table

7,400 KES 9,800 KES 18,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$52 $69 $130

Sofa or Couch

9,800 KES 13,000 KES 29,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$69 $94 $210
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Kenya


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

9,800 KES 15,000 KES 29,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$69 $100 $210

Fridge or Freezer

8,700 KES 13,000 KES 18,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61 $94 $130

Washing Machine

11,000 KES 16,000 KES 29,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79 $110 $210

Stove or Cooker

11,000 KES 13,000 KES 18,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$74 $94 $130

Mobile Phone

12,000 KES 15,000 KES 21,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$86 $100 $150

Laptop or Computer

13,000 KES 16,000 KES 29,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$94 $110 $210
Couple cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Kenya

Couple expenditure to income ratio in Kenya

Analysing the how affordable it is for couples to live in Kenya

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Couples usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a couple of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

80%

72% to 88%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Couples in Kenya spend around 80% of their monthly income. Some couples spend as low as 72% of their income while some as high as 88%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a couple in Kenya

How do couples spend their money in Kenya?

We asked thousands of couples about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for couples

Accomodation Cost29%

29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)

LOW$130   19,000 KES
AVERAGE$390   56,000 KES
HIGH$2,100   300,000 KES
Per Month

Couples in Kenya typically spend from 22% to 39% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 29% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 56,000 KES with expenditure ranging from 19,000 KES to 300,000 KES. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for couples

Cost of utilities7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$15   2,200 KES
AVERAGE$52   7,400 KES
HIGH$340   49,000 KES
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Kenya ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most couples. The average monthly cost of utilities is 7,400 KES with 2,200 KES and 49,000 KES being the upper and lower limits for a couple of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for couples

Cost of transport and fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$46   6,600 KES
AVERAGE$140   20,000 KES
HIGH$740   110,000 KES
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a couple resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a couple would expect to spend from 6,600 KES to 110,000 KES in a month on commuting with 20,000 KES being the norm for most couples. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 10% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 15%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for couples

Food and Groceries Cost16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$54   7,700 KES
AVERAGE$160   23,000 KES
HIGH$860   120,000 KES
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical couple in a month in Kenya is 23,000 KES. The cost of groceries can range between 7,700 KES to 120,000 KES. Couples spend on average about 16% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 11% and 21% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for couples

Cost of healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$42   6,100 KES
AVERAGE$130   18,000 KES
HIGH$680   97,000 KES
Per Month

Couples in Kenya allocate 7% to 17% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 13%. The range of medical expenses range from 6,100 KES to 97,000 KES with 18,000 KES being the norm for most couples.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for couples

Cost of leisure and shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$23   3,300 KES
AVERAGE$69   9,900 KES
HIGH$370   53,000 KES
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 3,300 KES to 53,000 KES with 9,900 KES being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most couples.

Education and schooling expenditure for couples

Cost of education and schooling2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$7.7   1,100 KES
AVERAGE$23   3,300 KES
HIGH$120   18,000 KES
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different couples. On average, education constitutes 2% of the monthly expenditure of couples with 1% and 4% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 3,300 KES per month with 1,100 KES being the minimum spent amount and 18,000 KES being the maximum.

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$66   9,400 KES
AVERAGE$200   28,000 KES
HIGH$1,000   150,000 KES
Per Month
Percentage of couples who manage to save money from their income every month in Kenya

What percentage of couples in Kenya are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of couples that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
58%
Not Saving
42%

Almost 58% of surveyed couples in Kenya said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 42% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Couple savings to income ratio in Kenya

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do couples manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 22% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

19,000 KES
$130
56,000 KES
$390
300,000 KES
$2,100
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples that are able to save money can put anywhere from 13% to 33% of their monthly income to their savings, with 22% being the average for most couples. The average monthly amount of money that couples can put aside is 56,000 KES with 19,000 KES and 300,000 KES being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money in Kenya

Saving Challenges in Kenya

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping couples from maximizing their savings in Kenya. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans17%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later18%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the couples said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% of couples blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do couples choose to put their savings in Kenya

Typical saving choices for couples in Kenya

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings17%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for couples to live in Kenya

Affordable living in Kenya

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked couples one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Kenya?


Yes
60%
No
40%

Around 60% of surveyed couples think that living in Kenya is affordable with proper budgeting while 40% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for couples. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Kenya

Low-cost alternatives in Kenya

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked couples how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options58%

Few low-cost options42%


Based on the survey, 58% of the couples living in Kenya have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 42% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Couples

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked couples of Kenya whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes59%

No41%


Based on the survey, 41% of the couples living in Kenya said that they don't have an emergency fund while 59% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for couples in Kenya

Financial Literacy in Kenya

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy55%


We asked couple guardians and parents in Kenya whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 45% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 55% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether couples of Kenya have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 38% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 62% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance38%

Easily manages finances62%

Financial goals and targets of couples living in Kenya

Financial goals of couples in Kenya

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Kenya, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction35%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle10%
Healthcare Expenses10%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of couples said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 35% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of couples who are in debt in Kenya

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Kenya


Percentage of couples who are in debt


In Debt
27%
Debt Free
73%

According to the survey, 27% of the couples in Kenya have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 73% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Kenya

Debt-to-income ratio in Kenya

Debt to income ratio

29%

21% to 38%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 29% of a couple's monthly income in Kenya goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%13%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%14%
10% - 20%17%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Kenya pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 13% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Kenya

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage12%
Auto Loan21%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card26%
Personal Loan38%

12% of debtors in Kenya confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 21% of people and personal loans rose at 38%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Kenya.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Kenya

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked couples of Kenya how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never54%
Once a year22%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Kenya

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Kenya

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Kenya

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

12,000 KES 18,000 KES 49,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$86 $130 $340

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

18,000 KES 29,000 KES 74,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $210 $520

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

25,000 KES 37,000 KES 98,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $260 $690

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

29,000 KES 49,000 KES 130,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $340 $940

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

59,000 KES 150,000 KES 290,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $1,000 $2,100

Townhouse monthly rent cost

49,000 KES 74,000 KES 210,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $520 $1,500

House monthly rent cost

59,000 KES 150,000 KES 290,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $1,000 $2,100

Villa monthly rent cost

74,000 KES 180,000 KES 290,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$520 $1,300 $2,100

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Kenya ranges between 12,000 KES and 49,000 KES, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 18,000 KES to 74,000 KES. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 25,000 KES and 98,000 KES per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 29,000 KES to 130,000 KES. The average rent of a townhouse in Kenya is around 74,000 KES while house rental costs can be as high as 150,000 KES per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 74,000 KES to 290,000 KES per month.



Apartment and house prices in Kenya

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

2.5M KES 3.7M KES 7.4M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17,000 $26,000 $52,000

1-bedroom apartment price

2.9M KES 4.9M KES 18M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21,000 $34,000 $130,000

2-bedroom apartment price

4.9M KES 15M KES 29M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34,000 $100,000 $210,000

3-bedroom apartment price

16M KES 25M KES 74M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $170,000 $520,000

Townhouse price

21M KES 49M KES 180M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $340,000 $1.3M

House price

25M KES 150M KES 210M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170,000 $1M $1.5M

Villa price

29M KES 160M KES 250M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210,000 $1.1M $1.7M

The average price of a studio apartment in Kenya can range from 2.5M KES to 7.4M KES depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 2.9M KES to 18M KES. A villa can cost you 160M KES on average with prices ranging from 29M KES to 250M KES.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Kenya will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


38 x111 monthly income 206
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Kenya can be x111 to x206 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x111 multiples of the average monthly salary in Kenya.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


21% 31% of income 41%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Kenya is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 41% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
29%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.1%
AVERAGE
3.1%
TO
4.1%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


220 KES 2,900 KES 29,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Kenya

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Kenya

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

2,200 KES 7,400 KES 49,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $52 $340

Internet and cable cost

740 KES 1,500 KES 2,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $10 $14

Mobile phone bill and charges

590 KES 980 KES 2,900 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $6.9 $21

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of couples is around 7,400 KES. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 740 KES to 2,000 KES with 1,500 KES being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 980 KES but can range between 590 KES and 2,900 KES depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


3% 6% of income 10%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Kenya is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3% to 10% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Kenya

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Kenya

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

150 KES 290 KES 490 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $2.1 $3.4

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Kenya is approximatly 290 KES with meal cost ranging from 150 KES to 490 KES. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

490 KES 740 KES 1,500 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $5.2 $10

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 490 KES and 1,500 KES with 740 KES being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Kenya.

Fine dining meal for one price

980 KES 1,500 KES 5,900 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.9 $10 $41

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 980 KES to 5,900 KES with the average cost being 1,500 KES for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Kenya.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

120 KES 200 KES 290 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.86 $1.4 $2.1

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Kenya is around 200 KES. Price ranges between 120 KES and 290 KES depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

98 KES 120 KES 150 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.69 $0.83 $1

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Kenya is 120 KES. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 150 KES and the minimum being 98 KES depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

74 KES 98 KES 150 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.52 $0.69 $1

A dozen eggs costs around 98 KES on average with 74 KES and 150 KES being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

170 KES 220 KES 310 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $2.1

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Kenya is between 170 KES and 310 KES depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 220 KES.

Pack of beef price

200 KES 290 KES 590 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $2.1 $4.1

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 290 KES. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

79 KES 110 KES 150 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.55 $0.76 $1.1

A bag of rice in Kenya costs around 110 KES on average with prices rangeing between 79 KES and 150 KES depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

29 KES 39 KES 74 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.21 $0.28 $0.52

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 29 KES to 74 KES. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

53 KES 69 KES 110 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.37 $0.48 $0.79

A bag of apples costs 69 KES on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


18% 26% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Kenya is around 26%. This means that couples spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for couples

Couples' spending on grocery ranges from 7,700 KES to 120,000 KES with the location, income, and size of the couple being the most determinite factors.

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