To live comfortably in Kenya as an expatriate or a middle-class professional in 2026, you generally need a monthly budget of $1,500 to $2,500 USD (approx. 200,000 to 330,000 KES). In a major hub like Nairobi, a modern two-bedroom apartment in a secure neighborhood like Westlands or Kilimani will cost between $600 and $1,200 per month. Food costs are relatively low if you eat locally produced goods, but imported items and frequenting "high-end" dining spots can easily add $400 to your monthly spend. Healthcare is excellent in private hospitals but requires a robust insurance plan, costing about $50-$100 per month. Utilities, including high-speed internet and electricity, typically total around $100-$150. If you have children, the largest expense will be International Schooling, which can cost $10,000 to $20,000 per year. For a single person living a "minimalist yet comfortable" lifestyle in a smaller city like Kisumu or Mombasa, one could live well on as little as $1,000 per month, but the "Nairobi lifestyle" with a car and private security remains the higher-cost benchmark for international comfort.