Expert Info
on 31 Mar 2013
Hi,
I just got a business offer for one year in Nairobi, net salary is USD 3500 + accommodation in a rented apartment (3 br) + transportation + medical insurance.
Pls tell me if this salary is enough to save from it if I will be living alone and how much will it cost me per month.
Appreciate your soonest help here as I need to make my final decision by tomorrow Thanks.
I just got a business offer for one year in Nairobi, net salary is USD 3500 + accommodation in a rented apartment (3 br) + transportation + medical insurance.
Pls tell me if this salary is enough to save from it if I will be living alone and how much will it cost me per month.
Appreciate your soonest help here as I need to make my final decision by tomorrow Thanks.
Your job offer sounds about right for Nairobi. While the cost of living in the city is moderate, expats are usually lured to Kenya by lucrative job offers with a whole host of perks as you mentioned.
Accommodation is the biggest expense for expats in Nairobi and luckily that has been taken care of for you. Also, the fact that you will be living alone will also save you money. Expats with children find that school fees at international schools in the city can be fairly high.
The rest of your expenses will depend on your lifestyle. While imported goods sold in the supermarkets and malls can be quite expensive, shopping at local markets will save you money. Haggling is part of Kenyan culture and welcomed by stallholders.
Single expats should budget around KES 6,000 per week on food. Eating out can cost you between KES 1,000 and KES 1,500.
For more information please take a look at Expat Arrival's page on the Cost of Living in Nairobi.
Hope this helps and good luck with your decision.
Shantalie