Cost of Living: Nairobi vs New York
Living in Nairobi costs about $1,020 a month for a single person, compared with $3,880 in New York. That makes Nairobi roughly 74% cheaper overall. The biggest driver is rent: a one-bed flat in the city centre runs about $600 in Nairobi against $2,800 in New York. These are monthly estimates for one person, before flights, visa fees or one-off setup costs.
Monthly cost breakdown
| Category | Nairobi | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city centre) | $600 | $2,800 |
| Groceries (monthly household) | $180 | $450 |
| Transport (monthly public transit pass) | $60 | $130 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | $70 | $180 |
| Dining Out (~8 meals / month) | $110 | $320 |
| Monthly total | $1,020 | $3,880 |
Annual estimate
| City | Monthly total | Annual estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | $1,020 | $12,240 |
| New York | $3,880 | $46,560 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Nairobi more expensive than New York?
New York is the more expensive of the two. A single person spends about $3,880 a month there, against $1,020 in Nairobi, a difference of roughly 74%. Rent is the largest part of that gap.
How much is rent in Nairobi?
A one-bed flat in or near the Nairobi city centre is estimated at about $600 a month. That sits inside a total monthly cost of living of around $1,020 for a single person.
What does this cost of living estimate include?
The monthly figure covers five essentials: rent for a one-bed flat, groceries, public transport, utilities such as electricity, water and internet, and dining out around eight times a month. It excludes flights, visa fees and one-off setup costs.
Are these numbers in US dollars?
Yes. Every figure on this page is a monthly estimate in US dollars. Use the free cost of living calculator to convert the totals into pounds, euros, naira or your own currency.
How current is this data?
The estimates were last verified on 2026-05-21 using Numbeo cost of living indices and spot exchange rates. Cost of living figures are reviewed roughly every quarter, so treat them as a planning guide rather than an exact quote.
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