Cost of Living in Kenya (2026)

COL Index: 28.9% of U.S. national average · Updated for 2026

Cost of Living Index

28.9%

vs U.S. average (100%)

Relative Cost

Very Low

Compared to U.S.

Currency

KES

Salary Data

10 Jobs

Top 10 highest paying

Top 10 Jobs in Kenya — COL-Adjusted Salaries

Rank	Job Title	Local Salary	COL-Adjusted (KES)
1	Surgeons / Doctors	194,627–636,592 KES/mo	673,400–2,202,720 KES/mo
2	Judges	163,541–535,224 KES/mo	565,890–1,851,980 KES/mo
3	Lawyers	132,454–433,856 KES/mo	458,380–1,501,240 KES/mo
4	Bank Managers	124,750–408,176 KES/mo	431,600–1,412,320 KES/mo
5	Chief Executive Officers	116,911–382,496 KES/mo	404,560–1,323,530 KES/mo
6	Chief Financial Officers	109,072–356,816 KES/mo	377,390–1,234,610 KES/mo
7	Orthodontists	105,153–344,652 KES/mo	363,870–1,192,620 KES/mo
8	College Professors	93,529–305,456 KES/mo	323,570–1,056,900 KES/mo
9	Pilots	77,986–255,448 KES/mo	269,880–883,870 KES/mo
10	Marketing Directors	70,147–229,768 KES/mo	242,710–795,080 KES/mo

* COL-adjusted salary is shown in KES, restated at the purchasing power implied by the cost of living index for Kenya.

Salary vs. Cost of Living by Category in Kenya

Category	Avg. Salary (Local)	COL-Adjusted (KES)	Purchasing Power
AI & Machine Learning	187,329 KES	648,180 KES	+246%
Finance & Accounting	185,166 KES	640,770 KES	+246%
Business Administration	206,386 KES	714,090 KES	+246%
Advertising	156,864 KES	542,750 KES	+246%
Architecture	159,148 KES	550,680 KES	+246%
Automotive & Car Industry	153,445 KES	530,920 KES	+246%
Aviation	188,950 KES	653,770 KES	+246%
Banking	221,929 KES	767,910 KES	+246%
Construction	151,850 KES	525,460 KES	+246%
Counseling	151,255 KES	523,380 KES	+246%
Customer Service	121,628 KES	420,810 KES	+246%
Education & Teaching	158,837 KES	549,640 KES	+246%
Energy	172,596 KES	597,220 KES	+246%
Engineering	144,875 KES	501,280 KES	+246%
Manufacturing	165,568 KES	572,910 KES	+246%
Fitness & Sports	110,140 KES	381,160 KES	+246%
Hospitality	157,513 KES	545,090 KES	+246%
Healthcare	409,933 KES	1,418,430 KES	+246%
Human Resources	153,052 KES	529,620 KES	+246%
Import & Export	118,912 KES	411,450 KES	+246%
Insurance	172,191 KES	595,790 KES	+246%
Information Technology	155,972 KES	539,760 KES	+246%
Law & Legal Services	241,662 KES	836,160 KES	+246%
Marketing	169,758 KES	587,340 KES	+246%
Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology	218,685 KES	756,730 KES	+246%
Public Relations	142,186 KES	492,050 KES	+246%
Procurement	157,040 KES	543,400 KES	+246%
Quality Control	137,861 KES	476,970 KES	+246%
Real Estate	182,598 KES	631,800 KES	+246%
Sales	185,031 KES	640,250 KES	+246%
Telecommunications	137,618 KES	476,190 KES	+246%

Cost of Living in Kenya — Overview

The cost of living in Kenya is 28.9% of the U.S. national average. This makes Kenya a more affordable destination compared to the United States. Your salary goes further here, especially for housing, food, and services.

Purchasing Power in Kenya

A salary with the purchasing power of the U.S. national average works out at approximately 44,982,730 KES in Kenya for the same standard of living. This means your money goes further in Kenya, making it an attractive destination for remote workers and expats.

Cost of Living Categories in Kenya

Housing

Housing in countries with a cost index of 28.9% tends to be the largest expense, often consuming 30-40% of income. Rent, utilities, and property costs vary significantly between urban and rural areas.

Food

Groceries and dining out in countries at 28.9% COL can vary widely. Local markets offer lower prices while imported goods cost more. Cooking at home is generally more affordable.

Transportation

Public transit and fuel costs in a 28.9% COL country. Many countries have efficient public transportation systems that reduce the need for personal vehicles.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs and insurance in 28.9% COL countries. Some countries have universal healthcare systems that significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Education

Education and childcare costs vary greatly with COL index. Public education is often subsidized while international schools charge premium fees.

Utilities

Electricity, water, internet, and other essential services. Weather patterns affect utility usage and costs significantly.

Clothing

Apparel costs in 28.9% COL environments. Imported brands cost more while local clothing is generally affordable.

Entertainment

Leisure activities and entertainment expenses. Costs for cinema, dining, and recreational activities scale with the overall COL index.

Salary Overview — Top 10 Jobs

Monthly salary in KES · singhyogendra.com.np

Surgeons / Doctors194,627 – 636,592415,610 KES
Judges163,541 – 535,224349,383 KES
Lawyers132,454 – 433,856283,155 KES
Bank Managers124,750 – 408,176266,463 KES
Chief Executive Officers116,911 – 382,496249,704 KES
Chief Financial Officers109,072 – 356,816232,944 KES
Orthodontists105,153 – 344,652224,903 KES
College Professors93,529 – 305,456199,493 KES
Pilots77,986 – 255,448166,717 KES
Marketing Directors70,147 – 229,768149,958 KES

singhyogendra.com.np

Top Paying Jobs in Kenya

See the full list of highest paying careers and salaries in Kenya.

Best Paying Jobs in Kenya

Take-Home Pay in Kenya

Estimate your after-tax salary and see how much you keep after deductions in Kenya.

Take-Home Pay in Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Kenya?

The cost of living in Kenya is 28.9% of the U.S. national average. This means it is less expensive than living in the average U.S. city.

How is the cost of living in Kenya calculated?

The cost of living index is based on prices for housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other goods and services compared to the U.S. national average of 100.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Kenya?

Salaries in Kenya should be adjusted by the cost of living index to keep the same purchasing power. A salary equivalent to the U.S. national average corresponds to roughly 44,982,730 KES in Kenya.