Cost of Living in Nairobi, Nairobi County (2026)
COL Index
38
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$500
per month
Median HHI
—
per year
State Tax
30%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Nairobi |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $370 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $500 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $820 |
| Median home price | — |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | — |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $4 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $18 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | — |
| Gas price/gal | — |
| Car insurance/mo | — |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $70 |
| Internet/mo | $40 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | — |
| State income tax rate | 30.0% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 16.0% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 38 |
| Walk score / 100 | 52 |
Is Nairobi affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$1,728/mo take-home
29% rent burden · Manageable
$50K
~$2,000/mo take-home
25% rent burden · Comfortable
$60K
~$2,400/mo take-home
21% rent burden · Very comfortable
$75K
~$3,000/mo take-home
17% rent burden · Very comfortable
$80K
~$3,200/mo take-home
16% rent burden · Very comfortable
$100K
~$4,000/mo take-home
13% rent burden · Very comfortable
$120K
~$4,800/mo take-home
10% rent burden · Very comfortable
$150K
~$6,000/mo take-home
8% rent burden · Very comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only