How Much Does It Cost to Rent a House in Nairobi? (2026 Price Guide)
A realistic breakdown of Nairobi rental prices in 2026 — bedsitters, studios, one- to three-bedroom apartments and houses — by budget tier and area.
Rental prices in Nairobi vary enormously by area, unit type and finish quality. The table below is a realistic range for verified listings on Mwenyeji as of early 2026 — actual prices depend heavily on the specific estate and building.
| Unit type | Budget areas | Mid-market areas |
|---|---|---|
| Bedsitter / single room | KES 3,500 – 7,000 | KES 8,000 – 12,000 |
| Studio | KES 6,000 – 10,000 | KES 12,000 – 20,000 |
| 1 bedroom | KES 8,000 – 15,000 | KES 18,000 – 35,000 |
| 2 bedroom | KES 13,000 – 22,000 | KES 30,000 – 60,000 |
| 3 bedroom+ | KES 20,000 – 35,000 | KES 50,000 – 120,000+ |
"Budget areas" refers to estates like Kawangware, Kangemi, Umoja and Pipeline. "Mid-market" refers to areas like Kilimani, Westlands and Kileleshwa. Premium areas such as Karen and Runda run well above these ranges.
Costs beyond the monthly rent
Budgeting for a move in Nairobi means planning for more than just the advertised rent figure:
- Deposit: typically one month's rent, refundable at move-out
- Water and garbage: often billed separately, KES 200–1,000/month
- Service charge: common in gated apartment blocks, KES 500–3,000/month
- Agency/finder's fees: avoid these entirely by booking directly through verified listings
Find rentals in your budget
See exact, up-to-date prices by browsing all current rentals, or start with an affordable area if you're working with a tighter budget.