Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya's capital and largest city, known as the 'Green City in the Sun', a major financial and tech hub in East Africa.
Above Average vs Kenya Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Nairobi vs Kenya Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 16.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: KES 1,200,000
- Unemployment: 10.0%
- Population: 5,340,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 250/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 55°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: KSh12,000,000
- 1BR Rent: KSh50000/mo
Cost of Living
Nairobi's cost of living index is 110 (Kenya average = 100).
| Category | Nairobi | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 110 | 100 | +10.0% |
| Housing | 125 | 100 | +25.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | KSh12,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | KSh50000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | KSh62,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | KSh8,000 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Nairobi:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | KSh2000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | 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 | KSh4500 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Nairobi scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Nairobi has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 75°F | 55°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 70°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 73°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Nairobi faces the following natural hazards:
Frequent drought conditions.
East African Rift with seismic activity.
Significant cyclone risk.
Rift Valley highlands with landslides.
Extreme summer heat in lowlands.
Flash floods during rainy season.
Volcanic activity in the Great Rift Valley.
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 10.0%.
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
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 Nairobi, Kenya?
The cost of living index in Nairobi is 110, which is Higher the Kenya national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Nairobi?
The median home price in Nairobi is KSh12,000,000. The housing index is 125.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Nairobi is approximately KSh50000/mo.
Does Nairobi, Nairobi have income tax?
Nairobi is in Nairobi, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Nairobi?
Nairobi enjoys approximately 250 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 55°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.