Cost Of Living in Mombasa 2025

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Mombasa

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Mombasa

Whether you're living in Mombasa or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: KES
11,000 140,000 1.4M
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$74 $970 $9,700

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: KES
13,000 96,000 640,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$94 $670 $4,500

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: KES
53,000 160,000 850,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $1,100 $6,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: KES
74,000 210,000 1.4M
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$520 $1,500 $9,700

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: KES
11,000 70,000 470,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$74 $490 $3,300
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Mombasa is 96,000 KES. Expenses can range from 13,000 KES at the minimum level to 640,000 KES at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Mombasa is 160,000 KES. Expenditure can range from 53,000 KES to 850,000 KES per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Mombasa is 210,000 KES per month. Families spend anywhere from 74,000 KES to 1.4M KES.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Mombasa is 70,000 KES. Students spend from 11,000 KES to 470,000 KES per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.



Prices and cost of goods and services in Mombasa


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

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

140 KES 280 KES 470 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.98 $2 $3.3

Restaurant meal for one

470 KES 710 KES 1,400 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $5 $9.9

Fine dining meal for one

940 KES 1,400 KES 5,700 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.6 $9.9 $40

Cappuccino or latte

120 KES 190 KES 280 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.82 $1.3 $2

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

94 KES 110 KES 140 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.79 $0.98

12 eggs

70 KES 94 KES 140 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.49 $0.66 $0.98

Fresh whole chicken

160 KES 210 KES 290 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.4 $2.1

Pack of beef

190 KES 280 KES 560 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $2 $3.9

Medium bag of rice

76 KES 100 KES 150 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.53 $0.72 $1

Bag of tomatos

28 KES 38 KES 70 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.26 $0.49

Bag of apples

50 KES 66 KES 110 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.35 $0.46 $0.76
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Mombasa

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

120 KES 140 KES 280 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.83 $0.99 $2

Average car full tank

700 KES 940 KES 1,900 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $6.6 $13

Average car 1-day rental

710 KES 950 KES 1,400 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $6.6 $10

Average car price

350,000 KES 700,000 KES 940,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,500 $4,900 $6,600

Bus ticket one way

24 KES 36 KES 71 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.17 $0.25 $0.50

Car Service

950 KES 1,400 KES 2,800 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.6 $10 $20
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Mombasa

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

810 KES 5,700 KES 38,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $40 $270

Utility Bill - Couple

2,100 KES 7,200 KES 47,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $50 $330

Utility Bill - Family

3,700 KES 11,000 KES 69,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $74 $480

Internet and cable

700 KES 1,400 KES 1,900 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $9.8 $13

Mobile phone charges

560 KES 940 KES 2,800 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.9 $6.6 $20

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

350 KES 470 KES 700 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.3 $4.9

One month gym membership

1,100 KES 1,400 KES 2,800 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8 $10 $20
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Mombasa

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

840 KES 1,200 KES 1,800 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.9 $8.3 $12

Woman dress

790 KES 1,100 KES 3,600 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.5 $7.7 $25

Woman shoes

750 KES 1,000 KES 2,400 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $7.1 $17

Men's shoes

650 KES 790 KES 1,600 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $5.5 $11

Men suit

710 KES 890 KES 4,700 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $6.2 $33

Regular t-shirt

360 KES 470 KES 1,400 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.3 $10
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Mombasa

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

12,000 KES 18,000 KES 47,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$83 $120 $330

1-bedroom apartment

18,000 KES 28,000 KES 71,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $200 $500

2-bedroom apartment

24,000 KES 36,000 KES 95,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $250 $660

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

2.4M KES 3.6M KES 7.1M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17,000 $25,000 $50,000

1-bedroom apartment

2.8M KES 4.7M KES 18M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20,000 $33,000 $120,000

2-bedroom apartment

4.7M KES 14M KES 28M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33,000 $100,000 $200,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Mombasa

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

14,000 KES 18,000 KES 23,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$98 $120 $160

Double Bed

9,400 KES 14,000 KES 18,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66 $98 $120

Single Bed

8,300 KES 11,000 KES 14,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $76 $98

Living Room

16,000 KES 20,000 KES 70,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $140 $490

Dining Table

7,000 KES 9,400 KES 18,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$49 $66 $120

Sofa or Couch

9,400 KES 13,000 KES 28,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66 $90 $200
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Mombasa

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

9,400 KES 14,000 KES 28,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66 $98 $200

Fridge or Freezer

8,300 KES 13,000 KES 18,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $90 $120

Washing Machine

11,000 KES 16,000 KES 28,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$76 $110 $200

Stove or Cooker

10,000 KES 13,000 KES 18,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$70 $90 $120

Mobile Phone

12,000 KES 14,000 KES 20,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$82 $98 $140

Laptop or Computer

13,000 KES 16,000 KES 28,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$90 $110 $200

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Mombasa

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.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Mombasa

Spending to Income Ratio

81%

73% to 90%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%4%
50% - 60%9%
60% - 70%15%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%20%
90% - 100%11%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Mombasa is 81% This means that on average, people spend around 81% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 15% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
73%
Spending-Income-Ratio
66%
81%

Couple
77%
Spending-Income-Ratio
70%
85%

Family
85%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
94%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Mombasa

How do people spend their money in Mombasa?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

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 Expenditure23%

23% of total expenses on average (12% to 31%)

LOW$22   3,200 KES
AVERAGE$290   41,000 KES
HIGH$2,900   410,000 KES
Per Month

People living in Mombasa typically spend from 12% to 31% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 23% being the average. The average spend on housing is 41,000 KES with expenditure ranging from 3,200 KES to 410,000 KES. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$3.7   530 KES
AVERAGE$48   6,900 KES
HIGH$480   69,000 KES
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Mombasa ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 6,900 KES with 530 KES and 69,000 KES being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$7.4   1,100 KES
AVERAGE$97   14,000 KES
HIGH$970   140,000 KES
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 1,100 KES to 140,000 KES on commuting with 14,000 KES being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$19   2,700 KES
AVERAGE$240   35,000 KES
HIGH$2,400   350,000 KES
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Mombasa is 35,000 KES. The cost of groceries can range between 2,700 KES to 350,000 KES. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$5.2   740 KES
AVERAGE$68   9,700 KES
HIGH$680   97,000 KES
Per Month

People in Mombasa allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 740 KES to 97,000 KES with 9,700 KES being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$3   430 KES
AVERAGE$39   5,500 KES
HIGH$390   55,000 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 430 KES to 55,000 KES with 5,500 KES being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$4.5   640 KES
AVERAGE$58   8,300 KES
HIGH$580   83,000 KES
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 8,300 KES per month with 640 KES being the minimum spent amount and 83,000 KES being the maximum.

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$9.7   1,400 KES
AVERAGE$130   18,000 KES
HIGH$1,300   180,000 KES
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Mombasa

How much money can you save in Mombasa every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Mombasa manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
59%
Not Saving
41%

Almost 59% of the surveyed people in Mombasa said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 41% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Mombasa

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles61%39%
Couples56%44%
Families51%49%

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.


Savings to income ratio in Mombasa

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 19% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

3,600 KES
$25
47,000 KES
$330
470,000 KES
$3,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 12% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 19% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 47,000 KES on average with savings ranging from 3,600 KES to 470,000 KES.

61% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 56% of couples said the same. 51% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Mombasa?

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.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 23% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

3,600 KES
$25
32,000 KES
$230
220,000 KES
$1,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%13%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 15% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 23% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 32,000 KES with 3,600 KES and 220,000 KES being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 21% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

18,000 KES
$130
54,000 KES
$380
290,000 KES
$2,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 13% to 32% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 54,000 KES with 18,000 KES and 290,000 KES being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 17% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

25,000 KES
$180
72,000 KES
$500
470,000 KES
$3,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%39%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%5%
40% - 50%4%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Mombasa can save anywhere between 11% to 28% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 72,000 KES with 25,000 KES and 470,000 KES being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Mombasa

Saving Challenges in Mombasa

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

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


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans13%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending12%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later21%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 13% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% 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. 12% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 21% 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. 13% 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, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Mombasa

Typical saving choices for people in Mombasa

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold13%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings21%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
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 to live in Mombasa

Affordable living in Mombasa

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Mombasa?


Yes
58%
No
42%

Around 58% of surveyed residents think that living in Mombasa is affordable with proper budgeting while 42% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Mombasa

Low-cost alternatives in Mombasa

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 residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options56%

Few low-cost options44%


Based on the survey, 56% of the people living in Mombasa have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 44% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

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 residents of Mombasa whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes57%

No43%


Based on the survey, 43% of the people living in Mombasa said that they don't have an emergency fund while 57% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Mombasa

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 residents of 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 residents 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 people living in Mombasa

Financial goals of people in Mombasa

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Mombasa, 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 Fund8%
Debt Reduction43%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing6%
Travel or Lifestyle6%
Healthcare Expenses14%
Financial Independence5%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 43% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 6% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 14% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Mombasa

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Mombasa and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Kenya is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Mombasa:
AgeAmount
25370,000 KES
30740,000 KES
351.3M KES
401.8M KES
452.8M KES
503.9M KES
554.6M KES
605.7M KES
656.8M KES

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Mombasa about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job15%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Mombasa

7,800 KES
$55
70,000 KES
$490
470,000 KES
$3,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Mombasa

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Mombasa


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
26%
Debt Free
74%

According to the survey, 26% of the people in Mombasa have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 74% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Mombasa

Debt-to-income ratio in Mombasa

Debt to income ratio

28%

20% to 37%

( 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 28% of the people's monthly income in Mombasa goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%19%
40% - 50%15%
30% - 40%17%
20% - 30%10%
10% - 20%11%
0% - 10%25%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Mombasa pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 19% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 15% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 17% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 10% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Mombasa

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage8%
Auto Loan14%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card30%
Personal Loan44%

8% of debtors in Mombasa confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 30% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 14% of people and personal loans rose at 44%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Mombasa.


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 Mombasa

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Mombasa 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
Never50%
Once a year24%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Mombasa

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Mombasa

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


Rent Cost in Mombasa

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

12,000 KES 18,000 KES 47,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$83 $120 $330

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

18,000 KES 28,000 KES 71,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $200 $500

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

24,000 KES 36,000 KES 95,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $250 $660

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

28,000 KES 47,000 KES 130,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $330 $900

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

57,000 KES 140,000 KES 280,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $1,000 $2,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

47,000 KES 71,000 KES 200,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $500 $1,400

House monthly rent cost

57,000 KES 140,000 KES 280,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $1,000 $2,000

Villa monthly rent cost

71,000 KES 180,000 KES 280,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $1,200 $2,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Mombasa ranges between 12,000 KES and 47,000 KES, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 18,000 KES to 71,000 KES. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 24,000 KES and 95,000 KES per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 28,000 KES to 130,000 KES. The average rent of a townhouse in Mombasa is around 71,000 KES while house rental costs can be as high as 140,000 KES per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 71,000 KES to 280,000 KES per month.



Apartment and house prices in Mombasa

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

2.4M KES 3.6M KES 7.1M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17,000 $25,000 $50,000

1-bedroom apartment price

2.8M KES 4.7M KES 18M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20,000 $33,000 $120,000

2-bedroom apartment price

4.7M KES 14M KES 28M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33,000 $100,000 $200,000

3-bedroom apartment price

16M KES 24M KES 71M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $170,000 $500,000

Townhouse price

20M KES 47M KES 180M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140,000 $330,000 $1.2M

House price

24M KES 140M KES 200M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170,000 $1,000,000 $1.4M

Villa price

28M KES 160M KES 240M KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200,000 $1.1M $1.7M

The average price of a studio apartment in Mombasa can range from 2.4M KES to 7.1M KES depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 2.8M KES to 18M KES. A villa can cost you 160M KES on average with prices ranging from 28M KES to 240M KES.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Mombasa 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


37 x107 monthly income 199
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Mombasa can be x107 to x199 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x107 multiples of the average monthly salary in Mombasa.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


20% 30% of income 40%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Mombasa is around 30%. This means that people pay 30% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% to 40% 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
28%

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%
AVERAGE
3%
TO
3.9%

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.


210 KES 2,800 KES 28,000 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 Mombasa

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

810 KES 5,700 KES 38,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $40 $270

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

2,100 KES 7,200 KES 47,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $50 $330

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

3,700 KES 11,000 KES 69,000 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $74 $480

Internet and cable cost

700 KES 1,400 KES 1,900 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $9.8 $13

Mobile phone bill and charges

560 KES 940 KES 2,800 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.9 $6.6 $20

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 expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Mombasa ranges between 810 KES and 38,000 KES with average being 5,700 KES, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 7,200 KES with 2,100 KES and 47,000 KES being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 11,000 KES. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 700 KES to 1,900 KES with 1,400 KES being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 940 KES but can range between 560 KES and 2,800 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


2.9% 5.8% of income 9.7%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Mombasa is around 5.8%. This means that people pay 5.8% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.9% to 9.7% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Mombasa

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


Prices and cost of goods and services in Mombasa

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

Fast food combo meal price

140 KES 280 KES 470 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.98 $2 $3.3

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Mombasa is approximatly 280 KES with meal cost ranging from 140 KES to 470 KES. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

470 KES 710 KES 1,400 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $5 $9.9

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 470 KES and 1,400 KES with 710 KES being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Mombasa.

Fine dining meal for one price

940 KES 1,400 KES 5,700 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.6 $9.9 $40

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 940 KES to 5,700 KES with the average cost being 1,400 KES for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Mombasa.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

120 KES 190 KES 280 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.82 $1.3 $2

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Mombasa is around 190 KES. Price ranges between 120 KES and 280 KES depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

94 KES 110 KES 140 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.79 $0.98

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Mombasa is 110 KES. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 140 KES and the minimum being 94 KES depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

70 KES 94 KES 140 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.49 $0.66 $0.98

A dozen eggs costs around 94 KES on average with 70 KES and 140 KES being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

160 KES 210 KES 290 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.4 $2.1

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Mombasa is between 160 KES and 290 KES depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 210 KES.

Pack of beef price

190 KES 280 KES 560 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $2 $3.9

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 280 KES. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

76 KES 100 KES 150 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.53 $0.72 $1

A bag of rice in Mombasa costs around 100 KES on average with prices rangeing between 76 KES and 150 KES depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

28 KES 38 KES 70 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.26 $0.49

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 28 KES to 70 KES. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

50 KES 66 KES 110 KES
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.35 $0.46 $0.76

A bag of apples costs 66 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


17% 25% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Mombasa is around 25%. This means that people spend 25% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 17% to 31% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 15,000 KES per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 2,200 KES and 100,000 KES depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 22,000 KES per month. That number can be get as low as 7,400 KES or a high as 120,000 KES. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 13,000 KES to 250,000 KES with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Mombasa

Housing cost for a single person29%

29% of total expenses on average (17% to 41%)

LOW$34   4,900 KES
AVERAGE$240   34,000 KES
HIGH$1,600   230,000 KES
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$5.7   810 KES
AVERAGE$40   5,700 KES
HIGH$270   38,000 KES
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$7.5   1,100 KES
AVERAGE$54   7,700 KES
HIGH$360   51,000 KES
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$15   2,200 KES
AVERAGE$110   15,000 KES
HIGH$710   100,000 KES
Per Month

Healthcare Cost12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$8.5   1,200 KES
AVERAGE$60   8,600 KES
HIGH$400   57,000 KES
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure2%

2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)

LOW$4.7   670 KES
AVERAGE$34   4,800 KES
HIGH$220   32,000 KES
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$1.9   270 KES
AVERAGE$13   1,900 KES
HIGH$89   13,000 KES
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$17   2,400 KES
AVERAGE$120   17,000 KES
HIGH$800   110,000 KES
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Mombasa

Housing cost for a couple26%

26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)

LOW$130   18,000 KES
AVERAGE$380   54,000 KES
HIGH$2,000   290,000 KES
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$15   2,100 KES
AVERAGE$50   7,200 KES
HIGH$330   47,000 KES
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$45   6,400 KES
AVERAGE$130   19,000 KES
HIGH$710   100,000 KES
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$52   7,400 KES
AVERAGE$160   22,000 KES
HIGH$830   120,000 KES
Per Month

Healthcare Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$41   5,900 KES
AVERAGE$120   18,000 KES
HIGH$660   94,000 KES
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$22   3,200 KES
AVERAGE$67   9,600 KES
HIGH$360   51,000 KES
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$7.4   1,100 KES
AVERAGE$22   3,200 KES
HIGH$120   17,000 KES
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$63   9,000 KES
AVERAGE$190   27,000 KES
HIGH$1,000   140,000 KES
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Mombasa

Housing cost for a family25%

25% of total expenses on average (20% to 35%)

LOW$170   24,000 KES
AVERAGE$480   68,000 KES
HIGH$3,100   440,000 KES
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)

LOW$26   3,700 KES
AVERAGE$74   11,000 KES
HIGH$480   69,000 KES
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$52   7,400 KES
AVERAGE$150   21,000 KES
HIGH$970   140,000 KES
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$94   13,000 KES
AVERAGE$270   38,000 KES
HIGH$1,700   250,000 KES
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$47   6,700 KES
AVERAGE$150   21,000 KES
HIGH$770   110,000 KES
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$26   3,700 KES
AVERAGE$74   11,000 KES
HIGH$480   69,000 KES
Per Month

Education Cost13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$73   10,000 KES
AVERAGE$210   30,000 KES
HIGH$1,400   190,000 KES
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$42   6,000 KES
AVERAGE$120   17,000 KES
HIGH$770   110,000 KES
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Mombasa

Housing costs for Student17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$18   2,600 KES
AVERAGE$120   17,000 KES
HIGH$790   110,000 KES
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses7%

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

LOW$3   430 KES
AVERAGE$20   2,800 KES
HIGH$130   19,000 KES
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost4%

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

LOW$5.2   740 KES
AVERAGE$34   4,900 KES
HIGH$230   33,000 KES
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$15   2,100 KES
AVERAGE$98   14,000 KES
HIGH$650   94,000 KES
Per Month

Healthcare Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$4.5   640 KES
AVERAGE$29   4,200 KES
HIGH$200   28,000 KES
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$3.7   530 KES
AVERAGE$25   3,500 KES
HIGH$160   23,000 KES
Per Month

Education Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$14   2,000 KES
AVERAGE$93   13,000 KES
HIGH$620   89,000 KES
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

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

LOW$11   1,600 KES
AVERAGE$74   11,000 KES
HIGH$490   70,000 KES
Per Month
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