Kisumu, Kenya
The third-largest city in Kenya, a port city on Lake Victoria and a major center for trade in western Kenya.
Overview
Kisumu is a city in Kisumu with a population of 567,000. The third-largest city in Kenya, a port city on Lake Victoria and a major center for trade in western Kenya. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 260 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 20.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Kenya Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Kisumu vs Kenya Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 16.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: KES 720,000
- Unemployment: 12.0%
- Population: 567,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 86°F
- Winter Low: 62°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: KSh7,000,000
- 1BR Rent: KSh30000/mo
Cost of Living
Kisumu's cost of living index is 90 (Kenya average = 100).
| Category | Kisumu | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
| Housing | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | KSh7,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | KSh30000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | KSh37,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | KSh4,666 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Kisumu:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | KSh2000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | KSh1 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | KSh500 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | KSh2000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | KSh4501 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Kisumu scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Kisumu has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82°F | 62°F | 2.5" |
| April | 71°F | 77°F | 2.8" |
| July | 86°F | 61°F | 1.5" |
| October | 66°F | 80°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Kisumu faces the following natural hazards:
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Significant cyclone risk.
Frequent droughts in arid and semi-arid regions.
Rift Valley highlands with landslides.
Extreme summer heat in lowlands.
Volcanic activity in the Great Rift Valley.
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
Academic Schedule
Long break between Term 3 and Term 1.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Kisumu is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (2019)
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 Kisumu, Kenya?
The cost of living index in Kisumu is 90, which is Lower the Kenya national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Kisumu?
The median home price in Kisumu is KSh7,000,000. The housing index is 95.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Kisumu is approximately KSh30000/mo.
Does Kisumu, Kisumu have income tax?
Kisumu is in Kisumu, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Kisumu?
Kisumu enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°F, while winter lows can drop to around 62°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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.