Cost Comparison 2025

MiamivsNairobi

United States
Kenya

Overall

💰

-47.1%

Miami is 47.1%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-66.7%

Housing is 66.7% lower

Dining

🍽️

-51.2%

Restaurants 51.2% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-41.5%

Food shopping 41.5% less

Comparing the cost of living between Miami, United States and Nairobi, Kenya reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Miami is more affordable than Nairobi by approximately 47.1%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Miami are higher than in Nairobi by 200%. A one-bedroom apartment in Miami's city center costs around $2,600, while the same in Nairobi is approximately KES 50,000.

Dining out in Miami is notably more expensive compared to Nairobi. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $18 in Miami versus KES 500 in Nairobi.

Public transportation in Miami is more affordable, with monthly passes at $113 compared to KES 4,000 in Nairobi.

Purchasing power in Miami is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Nairobi.

Grocery shopping in Miami is more expensive by approximately 71%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Miami can expect to spend approximately $645 per month (excluding rent), while in Nairobi, the same lifestyle would cost around KES 29,480. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $2,256 monthly in Miami versus KES 103,180 in Nairobi. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Miami, United States
Nairobi, Kenya

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$2,600
KES 50,000
1BR Outside Center
$2,000
KES 25,000
3BR City Center
$5,000
KES 120,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$18
KES 500
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$90
KES 3,000
Cappuccino
$5
KES 300
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$7
KES 250

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$1
KES 120
Bread (500g)
$3
KES 50
Eggs (12)
$4
KES 200
Cheese (1kg)
$13
KES 800

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$2
KES 50
Monthly Pass
$113
KES 4,000
Taxi Start
$5
KES 200
Gasoline (1L)
$1
KES 170

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$140
KES 7,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
$65
KES 4,000
Mobile Minute
$0
KES 5

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Nairobi to Miami, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Miami to Nairobi requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Miami

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index100

Nairobi

Cost of Living Index45
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index35

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Miami more expensive than Nairobi?

No, Miami is approximately 47.1% cheaper than Nairobi. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Miami compared to Nairobi?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 68% of your Nairobi salary when living in Miami. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Nairobi, you'd need about $34,000 in Miami for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Miami and Nairobi?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 200%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Miami offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Miami provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Miami if you prioritize earning potential, or Nairobi for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Miami vs Nairobi?

In Miami, a single person needs approximately $2,645 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $5,756. In Nairobi, these figures are KES 54,480 for singles and KES 173,180 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Miami and Nairobi in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Nairobi to maintain your lifestyle from Miami

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers