Cost of Living in Mombasa, Kenya

Are you considering a move to Mombasa, Kenya, and wondering about the cost of living? Mombasa is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Mombasa and help you understand whether $811 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $206.63.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Mombasa, Kenya
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

1.31 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

26.1 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

1.96 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

1.37 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.96 $

Cappuccino (regular)

1.14 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.46 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.24 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

0.72 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.42 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.4 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.64 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

7.43 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

4.52 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

4.79 $

Apples (1 lb)

1.48 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.0 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.63 $

Tomato (1 lb)

0.72 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.86 $

Onion (1 lb)

0.78 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.61 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.54 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

6.53 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.63 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.53 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

2.94 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.82 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

39.15 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.96 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.49 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

0.65 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.02 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

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Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

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mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

19.58 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

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Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

24.47 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

18.49 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

32.63 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

3.92 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

48.94 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

4567.7 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

13.05 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

12.4 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

19.58 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

40.78 $

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Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

114.19 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

91.35 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

815.66 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

480.7 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

2512.23 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

3262.64 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

206.63 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

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Cost of Living in Mombasa, Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Mombasa?

The monthly expenses for living in Mombasa come to a total of approximately $811. This includes an average monthly rent of around $114 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $31 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $349 per month.

How affordable is living in Mombasa?

Living in Mombasa appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $206.63. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Mombasa, you would likely need an income exceeding $206.63.

What is the average salary in Mombasa?

In Mombasa, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $206.63, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Mombasa?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Mombasa is approximately $114. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $91.35 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Mombasa?

The expense for groceries in Mombasa can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $263 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Kenya?

The cost of living in Kenya can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Kenya.

Mombasa, Kenya

How Safe Is Mombasa, Kenya for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Mombasa, Kenya

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Mombasa is not a safe city for tourists. Attacks happen in the area of the old town and often at night. It is not recommended to walk around the town after sunset and carry a lot of cash and jewelry.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transportation in Mombasa is not safe. Drivers may not be on schedule and may neglect traffic regulations. Criminals and pickpockets operate the buses. Taxi is secure if you call a licensed service, for example, recommended at your hotel. Make sure the driver turns on the taximeter.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

There are quite a few pickpockets in the city. Most often they operate in public transport, the old city and at tourist sites. Always keep track of your belongings and bags. Pickpockets work in pairs and often move very quickly.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Mombasa and the rest of the Kenyan coast have a moderate degree of tsunami hazard. The risk of natural disasters here is quite low. Before you travel to Mombasa, study weather and other conditions to avoid this risk.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Armed robberies happen very often in Mombasa, and tourists often become victims. If you were attacked for the purpose of theft - give everything that the criminal requires to save his life. Try not to shine on the street with expensive devices and money. This will attract the attention of intruders. While in the car, always close doors and windows. Also, always lock your home.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorists are very likely to carry out attacks in Mombasa. There is a heightened threat of terrorism, including kidnappings, across Kenya. Seizures, including terrorist hijackings, could target Westerners. Places of worship, including churches and mosques, have also been targeted. Be particularly vigilant in these areas.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

We can say that in Mombasa the risk of fraud is not very high. Most likely due to the fact that other, more serious crimes are common in the city. Minor fraud may be associated with the sale of tourists non-existent tours and excursions, as well as trinkets on the beach, which are not worth the money.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Women are not recommended to travel to Mombasa alone. Avoid any contact with local men, do not walk late at night through the streets of the city. In general, even during the day, it is better to be in the company, preferably men. Sexual harassment is possible.

Useful Information & Tips
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Visas

Visitors to Kenya require a visa unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. Citizens of the 43 countries can visit Kenya with no visa for stays up to 90 days. All visitors must hold a passport valid for six months.

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Currency

The shilling is the currency of Kenya. It is divided into 100 cents. It has a sign: KSh and a code: KES. The Kenyan shilling replaced the East African shilling in 1966 at par.

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Weather

The best times to visit Mombasa for ideal weather are December to April. Average temperatures in Mombasa vary very little and the weather feels hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Moi International Airport is the international airport of Mombasa. It is located in Mombasa County in a township called Port Reitz and features regional as well as intercontinental flights. The airport is located 12 km from the city center.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Mombasa, Kenya

What about weather in Mombasa, Kenya ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 88°F 88°F 89°F 87°F 85°F 83°F 81°F 81°F 82°F 84°F 86°F 87°F
Temp 81°F 82°F 83°F 82°F 79°F 77°F 76°F 76°F 77°F 79°F 81°F 81°F
Low 76°F 76°F 78°F 77°F 75°F 73°F 71°F 71°F 72°F 74°F 76°F 76°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 31°C 31°C 31°C 30°C 29°C 28°C 27°C 27°C 27°C 28°C 30°C 30°C
Temp 27°C 27°C 28°C 27°C 26°C 25°C 24°C 24°C 25°C 26°C 27°C 27°C
Low 24°C 24°C 25°C 25°C 23°C 22°C 21°C 21°C 22°C 23°C 24°C 24°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Kenya with Mombasa

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries