Nairobi

KenyaGMT+3

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

67.6/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

400+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$1,728/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

10Mbps

About Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, is a vibrant hub that blends urban energy with natural beauty, making it an appealing spot for digital nomads and expats. Known for its mild climate, with temperatures between 20-27°C year-round, it offers a comfortable setting for work and leisure. The city is a gateway to Kenya’s stunning landscapes, from safari parks to coastal beaches, perfect for weekend adventures. English is widely spoken, easing communication for newcomers.

Digital nomads will find a growing community here, with around 30 coworking spaces and plenty of cafes for remote work. The cost of living is reasonable compared to Western cities, though higher than some African hubs—expect to spend about $1,700 monthly, including rent for a central one-bedroom apartment. However, internet reliability can be spotty, with public WiFi speeds averaging 10 Mbps, which may frustrate those needing consistent connectivity.

Culturally, Nairobi is a melting pot, offering lively nightlife, diverse dining from local to international cuisines, and attractions like Nairobi National Park, a unique urban wildlife reserve. The city’s infrastructure has challenges, like traffic and limited walkability, so most rely on affordable ride-sharing like Uber. Safety requires caution, especially at night, but locals are generally welcoming.

For expats, Nairobi’s entrepreneurial spirit and startup scene add to its draw, supported by a new digital nomad visa. With two rainy seasons and a car-dependent layout, planning is key, but the city’s dynamic vibe and access to nature make it a compelling base for remote workers seeking adventure and affordability.

Demographics

Population5,767,000
LanguagesEnglish, Swahili

Location

CountryKenya
TimezoneGMT+3
Airport to City40 minutes
TransportUber, Taxi, Bus, Train

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa CostFree
Digital Nomad VisaAvailable

Cost of Living

$1,728
/mo
2.7% lower than average

The total monthly cost of living in Nairobi, Kenya is $1,728, which is 2.7% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$800
46.3% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$87
5.0% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$280
16.2% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$150
8.7% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$311
18.0% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$100
5.8% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Nairobi’s internet infrastructure is fairly developed, with widespread 4G coverage and emerging 5G in urban areas. Major providers like Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom Kenya serve both mobile and fixed broadband needs. Public WiFi in cafes and coworking spaces averages around 10 Mbps, but reliability can dip during peak times or in crowded areas. For stable connections, nomads may prefer private plans, though speeds in public spaces can still support basic tasks.

Nairobi hosts a lively digital nomad scene, with roughly 400 remote workers enjoying its blend of affordability and adventure. About 30 coworking spaces, like Nairobi Garage, offer modern facilities and networking events. Regular meetups and social gatherings create a tight-knit community, while the city’s diverse expat population adds to the vibrant social life, making it easy to connect.

10Mbps
4G
5providers
400
Nomads
30+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Highland/Mountain
Nairobi’s subtropical highland climate keeps temperatures mild, between 17°C and 21°C, thanks to its high altitude. It has two rainy seasons—long rains from March to May and short rains from October to December—with June to September being the driest months. This pattern shapes local life, boosting agriculture during wet periods and drawing tourists in the dry season for clear skies and outdoor activities.
Temperature Range
17°C - 21°C
Avg: 19°C
Annual Rainfall
380mm
Monthly Avg: 32mm
Jan
01
20°C
☀️
30 mm
Feb
02
21°C
☀️
20 mm
Mar
03
21°C
☀️
40 mm
Apr
04
20°C
☀️
80 mm
May
05
19°C
☀️
50 mm
Jun
06
18°C
☀️
10 mm
Jul
07
17°C
☀️
0 mm
Aug
08
17°C
☀️
10 mm
Sep
09
18°C
☀️
10 mm
Oct
10
19°C
☀️
30 mm
Nov
11
19°C
☀️
60 mm
Dec
12
19°C
☀️
40 mm
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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