The The Daily Nairobi Guide
Cost of living in Nairobi 2026
What it actually costs to live in Nairobi this year: rent by neighbourhood, matatu and expressway fares, KPLC bills, supermarket staples and school fees. Figures are indicative ranges gathered from published listings, gazetted tariffs and market checks in the first quarter of 2026.
At a glance
A single professional renting a modest one-bedroom in Kileleshwa or South B and commuting by matatu can live on around KES 65,000 a month before savings. A couple sharing a two-bedroom in Kilimani with one car typically spends around KES 110,000. A family of four in a three-bedroom in Lavington or Karen with a nanny, private school and two cars rarely spends less than KES 220,000.
Rent by neighbourhood
Nairobi's rental market prices by finish, security and how close you are to a working generator. These are typical unfurnished asking rents.
One-bedroom, unfurnished
| Area | Typical range (per month) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kilimani | KES 55,000 to KES 95,000 | Newer high-rises, gated compounds, backup power. |
| Westlands | KES 60,000 to KES 110,000 | Walk to Sarit and The Oval, heavy traffic in peak hours. |
| Karen | KES 70,000 to KES 150,000 | Larger plots, standalone cottages, longer commute to CBD. |
| Lavington | KES 55,000 to KES 100,000 | Quiet, family-heavy, close to Yaya and Valley Arcade. |
| Kileleshwa | KES 45,000 to KES 85,000 | Older leafy blocks, strong value if you avoid new builds. |
| South B / South C | KES 25,000 to KES 55,000 | Middle-income belt, easy access to Mombasa Road. |
| Ruaka / Ruiru | KES 20,000 to KES 45,000 | Commuter suburbs served by the Northern and Thika highways. |
Three-bedroom, unfurnished
| Area | Typical range (per month) |
|---|---|
| Kilimani | KES 120,000 to KES 250,000 |
| Westlands | KES 140,000 to KES 300,000 |
| Karen | KES 180,000 to KES 500,000 |
| Lavington | KES 130,000 to KES 260,000 |
| Kileleshwa | KES 100,000 to KES 200,000 |
| South B / South C | KES 55,000 to KES 110,000 |
| Ruaka / Ruiru | KES 45,000 to KES 95,000 |
Getting around
Matatus and boda bodas still carry most of Nairobi. The Expressway and the Nairobi Commuter Rail have shaved time off the worst commutes for those who can afford them.
- Matatu, short route (under 5 km)KES 50 to 80
- Matatu, CBD to Rongai or Kikuyu peak hourKES 150 to 250
- Nairobi Expressway, saloon car, Mlolongo to WestlandsKES 360
- Ride-hail (Uber, Bolt), 10 km off-peakKES 400 to 700
- SGR Madaraka Express, Nairobi to Mombasa, economyKES 1,500
- Petrol per litre (super)KES 190 to 210
- Monthly fuel, one 15 km commute each wayKES 12,000 to 18,000
Groceries and staples
- Loaf of bread (400 g)KES 65 to 80
- 2 kg maize flour (unga)KES 200 to 240
- 1 litre fresh milkKES 75 to 90
- 1 kg beefKES 650 to 780
- 1 kg sukuma wikiKES 60 to 100
- Dozen eggsKES 420 to 480
- 13 kg LPG refillKES 3,100 to 3,400
Naivas, Carrefour and Quickmart set the ceiling. City Market, Marikiti and estate grocers such as Zucchini are typically 20 to 40 per cent cheaper on produce.
Utilities and connectivity
- Electricity (KPLC), 200 kWh single-phase householdKES 6,800 to 7,400
- Water and sewerage (NCWSC), 10 m³ apartmentKES 1,200 to 1,800
- Fibre internet, 20 Mbps unlimited (Safaricom / Zuku / Faiba)KES 3,000 to 4,500
- Postpaid mobile, 10 GB and calls (Safaricom)KES 1,500 to 2,500
- DStv Compact PlusKES 6,300
Fuel adjustment and the forex pass-through can move a KPLC bill by 10 to 15 per cent from month to month. Fibre providers negotiate below advertised prices for annual upfront payments.
Eating out
- Nyama choma and ugali, mid-range spotKES 900 to 1,400
- Kibanda lunch (githeri, chapati, tea)KES 150 to 250
- Coffee in Westlands or KilimaniKES 350 to 500
- Two-course dinner for two, licensed restaurantKES 4,500 to 8,500
- Tusker at a bar, 500 mlKES 300 to 450
Schools and childcare
- Public primary (fees, uniform, meals)KES 15,000 to 40,000 per term
- Private day school, national curriculumKES 60,000 to 180,000 per term
- International school (British, IB, American)KES 500,000 to 1,300,000 per term
- Full-time nanny, live-outKES 18,000 to 30,000 per month
How to use these numbers
Prices in Nairobi are set by supply and by the shilling. Rents in newer Kilimani and Westlands stock are stickier than in older Kileleshwa blocks. Fuel, KPLC tokens and imported groceries move with the exchange rate. If you are relocating, budget on the upper end of each range for the first three months, then rework the numbers once you know your commute and shopping pattern.
We keep this guide updated as new EPRA fuel notices, KPLC tariff reviews and rental data land. See our relocation guide for schools, healthcare and residency, and our property coverage for the latest on the Nairobi housing market.