Kenya Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

No data

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

No data

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

No data

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$404

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Kenya Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

Kenya's cost of living presents moderate affordability for expats and remote workers, with a significant portion of the average salary allocated to utilities and connectivity. While the country offers reasonable internet speeds, the costs relative to local earnings can be challenging, demanding careful budget management from expats and digital nomads. Property investors should consider the rising cost trends in utilities and connectivity in their assessments.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•Basic utilities cost approximately $80 per month, consuming about 20% of the average monthly salary of $404.07.
•Internet and mobile plans combined average around $70 monthly, taking up 17.3% of the average salary.
•A digital nomad can expect to pay roughly $150 monthly for reliable internet, utilities, and mobile connectivity, about 37.3% of the average salary.
•Despite moderate costs, utilities and internet expenses can consume close to 40% of an average earner's income, posing affordability challenges.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Over the past 10 years, utility costs have risen by approximately 25%, outpacing average salary growth.
•Internet costs have decreased by around 15% due to increased competition and infrastructure improvements.
•Mobile plan costs have remained relatively stable, contributing to a more predictable connectivity budget.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Expats should budget at least $150 per month for utilities and connectivity, representing a significant expense relative to local earnings.
•Affordable internet costs are critical for digital nomads, with Kenya offering competitive rates compared to other African nations.
•Investors should be aware of the rising utility costs, which could impact property maintenance expenses and overall investment returns.
•The affordability challenge for average earners suggests a potential market for affordable housing solutions targeting expats and remote workers.

Market Context

Compared to countries like Tanzania and Uganda, Kenya's living costs are slightly higher, particularly in utilities and internet, yet remain more affordable than South Africa. The country's improving digital infrastructure offers a competitive edge for remote workers seeking a balance between cost and connectivity.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.