I am lookin to understand typical monthly costs in Nairobi?

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Posted by

on 30 Jul 2012

I have received an offer for a Real Estate & Building Operations role in Nairobi, though the position covers locations across Africa. My offer does not include any expat deals so - Furnished Accomodation, Car, Schools ... will have to be covered from my salary. I am lookin to understand typical monthly costs so I can gauge the cost of living in Nairobi, such as .... 1.Schools 2.Rent - 4/5 bedroom house, with pool (areas to live). 3.Groceries 4.Utilities (Electricity, water, internet, phone) 5.Transportation - cost of cars, fuel, insurance 6.Tax rates - local / employment 7.Other costs Personal background: -Salary being offered 13,000,000 KES -Family of 4, ages 4,5,11 & 12, children are currently attending grammar school level of education in the UK (not a private school)and would like that to continue. -looking for a 4/5 bedroom house, with pool. -Car, standard family car to accommodate 6 (3 years old). I appreciate that all tastes differ and it will be hard to gauge exact costs from the information I have provided - though I would appreciate feedback on whether this salary would be sufficent to support a family of 6 and at the same time providing a good standard of living. Many thanks in advance Paul

Anonymous (not verified) on 31 Jul 2012 - 08:04

Hi Paul

Your cost of living will always depend on your lifestyle and where you are moving from (so what cost of living you are used to). Take a look at this Cost of Living in Nairobi article - at the bottom is a price list you can use to add up how much (roughly) you will need for groceries to live as you do now. Also, have a look at Accommodation in Nairobi for more information on what you can expect in this regard.

Good luck with your move!

Anonymous (not verified) on 31 Jul 2012 - 11:45

Thanks Gaby - appreciate the steer. I understand the variances with lifestyles and would suggest that mine is of mid range - I am just trying to ensure the salary is sufficient given the lack of expat incentives.

Anonymous (not verified) on 18 Mar 2013 - 16:27

Hi, is your salary net or gross, beware taxation it is 30% for salaries of above 40,000 kshs per month. for rough guide http://www.kra.go.ke/incometax/pdf/PAYEGUIDE11-1-07.pdf i would insist that ur employer offer you at least one month furnished accomodation so that you can figure things out or appoint a buddy/liaison to settle you in. why don't you visit nairobi for a week or two & see how it wud fit you. MID range would compare to upper middle class looking at a hse of 150,000-300,000kSHS per month FOR 5 bed roomed in expat areas for big family. Houses with gd/sizable swimming pools are considered very high end. also very few mid range private schools that offer GCSE system of education, most are expensive. visit this website- its got great articles http://www.internations.org/nairobi-expats/guide/living-in-nairobi-15856/education-for-expats-in-nairobi-3 have a look at housing agents and stuff http://www.olx.co.ke/ http://www.buyrentkenya.com/ http://www.propertyleo.com/ ( but choose your agent very carefully-work with registered/recommended by someone you trust).