Skyline of Eldoret
Cost of Living: 85 475,000

Eldoret, Kenya

A major city in the Rift Valley, known as a center for athletics and the 'Home of Champions' for Kenyan runners.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 85

Below Average vs Kenya Avg (100)

Housing Index 85

Affordable

Median Income KES 600,000

Household income

Unemployment 12.0%

Job market health

Eldoret vs Kenya Average

Cost of Living
Eldoret: 85
Kenya Avg: 100
Housing Index
Eldoret: 85
Kenya Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 16.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: KES 600,000
  • Unemployment: 12.0%
  • Population: 475,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 265/year
  • Summer High: 78°F
  • Winter Low: 48°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b

Housing

  • Median Home: KSh5,500,000
  • 1BR Rent: KSh25000/mo

Cost of Living

Eldoret's cost of living index is 85 (Kenya average = 100).

CategoryEldoretNational AverageDifference
Overall85100-15.0%
Housing85100-15.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceKSh5,500,000
Median Rent (1BR)KSh25000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)KSh31,250/mo
Price per Sq FtKSh3,666

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

KSh
%
$90,000 down
%
%
KSh

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Eldoret:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityKSh2000
Heating & CoolingKSh263Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterKSh500Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)KSh2000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesKSh4763Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Eldoret scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
85
Rent
KSh25000
Sunny Days
265
Tax
None
Unemployment
12.0%
Climate
78°F / 48°F
Safety
4.8 homicides/100k
Population
475,000
Internet Speed
20 Mbps

Climate

Eldoret has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January68°F48°F2.5"
April63°F63°F2.8"
July78°F53°F1.5"
October58°F66°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6b

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Eldoret faces the following natural hazards:

Earthquake High Risk

Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.

Cyclone High Risk

Significant cyclone risk.

Drought High Risk

Frequent droughts in arid and semi-arid regions.

Landslide High Risk

Rift Valley highlands with landslides.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat in lowlands.

Volcano Moderate Risk

Volcanic activity in the Great Rift Valley.

Flood Moderate Risk

Flash floods during rainy season.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 16%
  • Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 12.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Academic Year January to November/December
Term System Trimester — Term 1 (Jan-Apr), Term 2 (May-Aug), Term 3 (Sep-Nov)
Summer Break November to January (8 weeks)
Winter Break August (3 weeks)
Spring Break April (3 weeks)

Long break between Term 3 and Term 1.

Universities & Higher Education

1
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Eldoret, Kenya?

The cost of living index in Eldoret is 85, which is Lower the Kenya national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Eldoret?

The median home price in Eldoret is KSh5,500,000. The housing index is 85.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Eldoret is approximately KSh25000/mo.

Does Eldoret, Uasin Gishu have income tax?

Eldoret is in Uasin Gishu, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Eldoret?

Eldoret enjoys approximately 265 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 48°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.