Cost Of Living in Mombasa 2025
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
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: KES
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: KES
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: KES
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: KES
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
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
470 KES | 710 KES | 1,400 KES |
Fine dining meal for one
940 KES | 1,400 KES | 5,700 KES |
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
700 KES | 940 KES | 1,900 KES |
Average car 1-day rental
710 KES | 950 KES | 1,400 KES |
Average car price
350,000 KES | 700,000 KES | 940,000 KES |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
950 KES | 1,400 KES | 2,800 KES |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
810 KES | 5,700 KES | 38,000 KES |
Utility Bill - Couple
2,100 KES | 7,200 KES | 47,000 KES |
Utility Bill - Family
3,700 KES | 11,000 KES | 69,000 KES |
Internet and cable
700 KES | 1,400 KES | 1,900 KES |
Mobile phone charges
560 KES | 940 KES | 2,800 KES |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
1,100 KES | 1,400 KES | 2,800 KES |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
840 KES | 1,200 KES | 1,800 KES |
Woman dress
790 KES | 1,100 KES | 3,600 KES |
Woman shoes
750 KES | 1,000 KES | 2,400 KES |
Men's shoes
650 KES | 790 KES | 1,600 KES |
Men suit
710 KES | 890 KES | 4,700 KES |
Regular t-shirt
360 KES | 470 KES | 1,400 KES |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
12,000 KES | 18,000 KES | 47,000 KES |
1-bedroom apartment
18,000 KES | 28,000 KES | 71,000 KES |
2-bedroom apartment
24,000 KES | 36,000 KES | 95,000 KES |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
2.4M KES | 3.6M KES | 7.1M KES |
1-bedroom apartment
2.8M KES | 4.7M KES | 18M KES |
2-bedroom apartment
$33,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
14,000 KES | 18,000 KES | 23,000 KES |
Double Bed
9,400 KES | 14,000 KES | 18,000 KES |
Single Bed
8,300 KES | 11,000 KES | 14,000 KES |
Living Room
16,000 KES | 20,000 KES | 70,000 KES |
Dining Table
7,000 KES | 9,400 KES | 18,000 KES |
Sofa or Couch
9,400 KES | 13,000 KES | 28,000 KES |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
9,400 KES | 14,000 KES | 28,000 KES |
Fridge or Freezer
8,300 KES | 13,000 KES | 18,000 KES |
Washing Machine
11,000 KES | 16,000 KES | 28,000 KES |
Stove or Cooker
10,000 KES | 13,000 KES | 18,000 KES |
Mobile Phone
12,000 KES | 14,000 KES | 20,000 KES |
Laptop or Computer
13,000 KES | 16,000 KES | 28,000 KES |
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.
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%
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 |
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?
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
Group | Savers | Non Savers |
---|
Singles | 61% | 39% |
Couples | 56% | 44% |
Families | 51% | 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.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
3,600 KES $25 | 47,000 KES $330 | 470,000 KES $3,300 |
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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
3,600 KES $25 | 32,000 KES $230 | 220,000 KES $1,500 |
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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
18,000 KES $130 | 54,000 KES $380 | 290,000 KES $2,000 |
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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
25,000 KES $180 | 72,000 KES $500 | 470,000 KES $3,300 |
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.
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 Income | 5% |
High Expenses | 8% |
Debt and Loans | 13% |
Lack of Budgeting Skills | 12% |
Impulsive Spending | 12% |
Financial Emergencies | 7% |
Living the moment | 5% |
Will do it later | 21% |
Inflation | 13% |
Social Pressure | 3% |
Market Instability | 2% |
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.
Typical saving choices for people in Mombasa
Where do people choose to put their savings?
Saving Type | % People |
---|
Emergency Funds | 12% |
Gold | 13% |
Savings Accounts | 17% |
Retirement Accounts | 10% |
Cash Savings | 21% |
Real Estate | 9% |
Investment | 5% |
Stocks | 4% |
Bonds | 5% |
Mutual Funds | 2% |
Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
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.
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?
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.
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 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 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 Fund | 8% |
Debt Reduction | 43% |
Retirement Savings | 10% |
Education Funding | 7% |
Homeownership | 18% |
Investing | 6% |
Travel or Lifestyle | 6% |
Healthcare Expenses | 14% |
Financial Independence | 5% |
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:Age | Amount |
---|
25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Mombasa:Age | Amount |
---|
25 | 370,000 KES |
30 | 740,000 KES |
35 | 1.3M KES |
40 | 1.8M KES |
45 | 2.8M KES |
50 | 3.9M KES |
55 | 4.6M KES |
60 | 5.7M KES |
65 | 6.8M KES |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Mombasa about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
Source | % People |
---|
Pensions | 12% |
Savings | 23% |
Investments | 12% |
Social Security | 7% |
Annuities | 7% |
Part-time Job | 15% |
Real Estate | 18% |
Dividends and Interest | 7% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Mombasa 7,800 KES $55 | 70,000 KES $490 | 470,000 KES $3,300 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Mombasa
Percentage of people who are in debt
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.
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 levels23>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 Mortgage | 8% |
Auto Loan | 14% |
Student Loan | 4% |
Credit Card | 30% |
Personal Loan | 44% |
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 managementManaging 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 |
Never | 50% |
Once a year | 24% |
Twice a year | 13% |
Three times a year | 9% |
Four times a year | 4% |
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 |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
18,000 KES | 28,000 KES | 71,000 KES |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
24,000 KES | 36,000 KES | 95,000 KES |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
28,000 KES | 47,000 KES | 130,000 KES |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
57,000 KES | 140,000 KES | 280,000 KES |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
47,000 KES | 71,000 KES | 200,000 KES |
House monthly rent cost
57,000 KES | 140,000 KES | 280,000 KES |
Villa monthly rent cost
71,000 KES | 180,000 KES | 280,000 KES |
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 |
1-bedroom apartment price
2.8M KES | 4.7M KES | 18M KES |
2-bedroom apartment price
$33,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 |
3-bedroom apartment price
$110,000 | $170,000 | $500,000 |
Townhouse price
House price
24M KES | 140M KES | 200M KES |
$170,000 | $1,000,000 | $1.4M |
Villa price
28M KES | 160M KES | 240M KES |
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 |
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
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.
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 |
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 |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
2,100 KES | 7,200 KES | 47,000 KES |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
3,700 KES | 11,000 KES | 69,000 KES |
Internet and cable cost
700 KES | 1,400 KES | 1,900 KES |
Mobile phone bill and charges
560 KES | 940 KES | 2,800 KES |
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
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
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 |
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 |
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..
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
SingleSpending 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 |
CoupleAverage 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 |
FamilyAverage 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 |
StudentCost 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 |