🇿🇦 Johannesburg vs 🇰🇪 Nairobi

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇿🇦

Johannesburg

South Africa

$1,231–$1,949/mo

R22,382 – R35,436 / month (local)

🇰🇪

Nairobi

Kenya

$1,046–$1,656/mo

KSh135,844 – KSh215,065 / month (local)

Johannesburg is 18% more expensive

Nairobi wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryJohannesburg (USD)Nairobi (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$923–$1,436$785–$1,221🟢 Nairobi
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$487–$769$414–$654🟢 Nairobi
Utilities$38–$74$33–$63🟢 Nairobi
Groceries$195–$292$166–$248🟢 Nairobi
Eating out (mid-range meal)$26–$46$22–$39🟢 Nairobi
Public transport (monthly)$49–$59$41–$50🟢 Nairobi
Internet & Mobile$15–$26$13–$22🟢 Nairobi
Gym membership$18–$33$15–$28🟢 Nairobi
Cinema ticket$7–$9$6–$8🟢 Nairobi
Monthly total (single)$1,231–$1,949$1,046–$1,656🟢 Nairobi

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing7.5 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Johannesburg
Nairobi▲ better
Safety9.0 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Johannesburg▲ better
Nairobi
Healthcare9.0 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Johannesburg▲ better
Nairobi
Education8.6 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Johannesburg▲ better
Nairobi
Environment9.4 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Johannesburg▲ better
Nairobi
Economy7.7 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Johannesburg▲ better
Nairobi
Culture8.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Johannesburg▲ better
Nairobi
Internet8.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Johannesburg▲ better
Nairobi

Who should choose which city?

Choose Johannesburg if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what Johannesburg offers vs Nairobi
  • Business hub
  • Mining finance
  • English
  • Mining

Choose Nairobi if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than Johannesburg
  • Safari gateway
  • Fintech
  • English
  • NGOs

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