Nairobi, Kenya
Editor
March 12, 2023
Nairobi is an exciting destination for digital nomads looking to explore a vibrant and diverse city. With its bustling tech scene, affordable cost of living, and excellent infrastructure, Nairobi is an ideal place to live and work. According to the World Bank, Nairobi is the most entrepreneurial city in Africa, with over 1,000 startups and a thriving tech ecosystem. The city also boasts a low cost of living, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment costing just $400. Additionally, Nairobi is home to a wide range of cultural attractions, from the National Museum of Kenya to the Nairobi National Park. With its excellent public transportation system, digital nomads can easily explore the city and its surrounding areas. With its vibrant culture, excellent infrastructure, and affordable cost of living, Nairobi is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking to experience a unique and exciting city.
Living in Nairobi, Kenya: Overview
Overall score | Worksplorer index
-
79%
Quality of life -
23%
Cost of living -
61%
Connectivity -
100%
Weather
48
General
| Currency | KES |
| Population (in millions) | 4.5 |
| Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200) | 181 |
| Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA | 40% cheaper |
| Best neighborhood to stay | Westlands, Nairobi |
Culture
| Number of museums and galleries | 20 |
| Top selling local beer | Tusker |
| Most popular local dish | Nyama Choma |
Travel
| Most popular tourist attraction(s) | Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust |
| Discount airline | Kenya Airways |
| Major airline | Kenya Airways |
| Largest ride sharing company | Uber or Bolt |
| Primary train stations | Nairobi Central Station, Syokimau Station, Mombasa Station |
| Primary airports | Jomo Kenyatta International, Wilson Airport, and Malindi Airport |
| Best rental car company | Hertz |
| Used car costs | 500000 KES |
Connectivity
| Apple store addresses | The Apple Store is located at The Junction Mall, Ngong Road, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Internet connection (in Mbps) | 10 Mbps |
| Power socket type | G |
| Supply voltage | 240V |
| Best electronics store | Jumia |
| Best internet carrier | Safaricom |
| Primary cellular carrier | Safaricom |
| Average monthly cost for internet | 1,000 KES |
Shopping
| The best drug store | Pharmacy |
| Best restaurant chain | Carnivore |
| The best grocery store | Naivas |
| The most popular fashion brand | Kitenge |
Regulatory
| GDP per capita | $2,845 / year |
| Average annual income | $7000 |
| Sales tax rate | 16% |
| Income tax rate | 30% |
| Tourist visa valid (in days) | 90 days |
Financial
| Average mortgage rate | 11.5% |
| Suggested ATM take out | 1000 KES |
| Bank that has the most ATM machines | Equity Bank |
| Average tip in restaurant | 15% |
| Pay using credit or debit card | Not very common |
Health
| Emergency Phone Numbers | 999 (general), 112 (police), 711 (ambulance), 995 (firefighters) |
| Polution per square meter | 4,945 |
| Health quality rank (according to WHO) | 145 |
| Main religion | Christianity |
Quality of life
79%
-
41%
Safety, freedom, rights -
99%
Traffic -
112%
Property to income -
59%
Crime -
62%
Healthcare -
100%
Weather
Salaries
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | KES 56,231 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 12.44% |
Childcare
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | KES 17,952 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | KES 1,086,471 |
Cost of living
23%
-
Purchasing Power
33%
-
Rent
12%
-
Food
32%
-
Restaurant
28%
-
Workspace
80%
-
Transport
54%
Rent
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month | KES 48,857.14 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month | KES 22,971.43 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month | KES 124,464.29 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month | KES 53,887.10 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure | KES 1,752.96 |
Food
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | KES 118.38 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | KES 63.29 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | KES 180.39 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | KES 1,440.95 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | KES 91.48 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | KES 1,450.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | KES 236.13 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | KES 295.00 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | KES 330.00 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | KES 741.36 |
| Apples (1kg) | KES 274.62 |
| Oranges (1kg) | KES 206.40 |
| Potato (1kg) | KES 107.12 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | KES 78.74 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | KES 180.49 |
| Tomato (1kg) | KES 114.89 |
| Banana (1kg) | KES 110.06 |
| Onion (1kg) | KES 114.00 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | KES 569.39 |
Restaurants
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | KES 575.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | KES 4,000.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | KES 750.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | KES 250.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | KES 350.00 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | KES 67.63 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | KES 55.64 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | KES 281.24 |
Connectivity
94%
Infrastructure
89/100
Internet speed
92/100
Internet cost
95/100
Pre-paid plan
98/100
Utilities (Monthly)
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | KES 3,273.23 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) | KES 4.05 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | KES 5,906.90 |
Sports
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | KES 5,736.25 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | KES 1,752.96 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | KES 800.00 |
Transportation
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | KES 100.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | KES 4,173.91 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | KES 160.55 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | KES 2,000,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | KES 2,151,165.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | KES 235.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | KES 143.00 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | KES 280.00 |