Kenya🇰🇪
At a Glance
How Kenya compares across key indices
Cost of Living
29 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
45/100
Healthcare
62/100
Quality of Life
99/200
Climate
87/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Kenya
Cost of Living
29
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
7
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
30
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
26
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Nairobi
Cheapest$982/mo
Safety & Crime
Moderate RiskHow safe residents feel in Kenya — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
45/100
Crime Index
55/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
57/100
Mixed perception
Walking Safety
33 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 310 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Kenya
Kenya has 1 city with Numbeo data. Nairobi has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $982. Nairobi leads on safety, scoring 41/100. Nairobi ranks highest for quality of life at 96/200.
Nairobi
$982/mo
Nairobi
41/100
Nairobi
96/200
Nairobi
63/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | $982 | 41/100 | 96/200 | 63/100 | 80 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Kenya
Healthcare Index
62/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 99 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Kenya
Pollution Index
69/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 111 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Kenya
Average One-Way Commute
52minutes
Long
Traffic Index
240
Heavy congestion
Inefficiency
270
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
7.3kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 74 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Kenya, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Kenya?
Kenya has a cost of living index of 29 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $982 in Nairobi.
Is Kenya safe for expats?
Kenya has a safety index of 45/100, making it moderately safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Nairobi scores highest on safety at 41/100.
What is the best city in Kenya for expats and digital nomads?
Nairobi ranks highest for quality of life in Kenya, scoring 96/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $982/mo for a single person.
How good is healthcare in Kenya?
Kenya scores 62/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it good by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Kenya cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Kenya's cost of living is roughly 71% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 93% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Kenya?
Kenya has a pollution index of 69/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Kenya
Plan Your Move
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Salary Calculator
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Compare Countries
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