Best Places to Live in Kenya for Expats, Retirees, and Digital Nomads

Kenya is full of amazing options if you’re looking for the best places to live in Kenya for expats. Choose a city alive with services and opportunity (Nairobi), a beach town with slow-paced vibes (Diani, Watamu, or Mombasa), or a rift valley town for peace and nature (Naivasha, Nakuru). Each place offers something different depending on what matters to you most.

The following is a simple, useful guide comparing the best places, what to expect, and what to check before you move.

Factors to consider before moving to Kenya as an Expat

1. Cost of living — Nairobi is the most expensive; smaller towns are cheaper.
2. Healthcare — Nairobi has the best hospitals; regional towns have clinics and smaller hospitals.
3. Internet & power — Fibre and mobile internet are best in Nairobi and some coastal towns (Diani), but have backups for power cuts.
4. Safety & services — City suburbs have secure gated communities; check local crime and travel advice.
5. Community & activities — Think: beaches, parks, lakes, running/high-altitude training, cafés, and coworking.

Best Places to Live in Kenya for Expats: What Makes Them Good

1. Nairobi (best for work, services, and technology)

Nairobi is Kenya’s capital. It has the best hospitals, private and international schools, coworking spaces, and the most job opportunities.

Many expats in Kenya prefer to live in suburbs like Westlands, Lavington, Karen, Kilimani, and Runda, where you get walkable neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, and gated homes. If you need fast internet, medical care, or business connections, Nairobi is the safest bet. Costs are higher here than in smaller towns.

2. Diani (best for beach life and digital nomads)

Diani Beach is a top coastal spot for digital nomads who want sun, sand and reasonable internet. There are guesthouses, some co-living spaces and a small expat scene.

3. Mombasa (city and coastal culture)

Mombasa gives coastal culture, history, and city services. If you want city comforts near the ocean, Mombasa Island and nearby suburbs are options. Expect a busier, more local-feeling environment than the resort-style Diani.

4. Naivasha (best for nature lovers)

Naivasha sits by a freshwater lake and has pleasant weather. It’s popular with retirees, horticulture workers and people who want wildlife and quiet. It has a growing expat community and is good for those who want nature but still need reasonable services.

5. Nakuru & Kisumu (affordable towns with growing services)

Nakuru (near Lake Nakuru) and Kisumu (on Lake Victoria) are medium-sized cities with improving hospitals, schools and shopping. They are more affordable than Nairobi and offer a slower pace of life with access to lakes and parks. Good for families or retirees on a budget.

6. Iten (peaceful highland living, ideal for athletes)

Iten is famous for high-altitude running training. If you love sport, fresh air and a small-town vibe, Iten offers that plus a low cost of living. Healthcare and services are limited compared to Nairobi, so consider that trade-off.

7. Lamu & the islands (warm culture and slow-paced coastal life)

Lamu Old Town and nearby islands offer unique Swahili culture, quiet beaches and historic charm. These islands are beautiful but quieter, with fewer services and occasional travel advisories—best for people who want cultural immersion more than city convenience.

Who Should Choose Each Place to Live in Kenya as an Expat

1. Expats working in business, NGOs, diplomatic missions or tech: Nairobi or Mombasa.
2. Digital nomads who want beaches and internet connectivity: Diani or Mombasa. 
3. Retirees seeking quiet and nature: Naivasha, Nakuru, Kisumu or coastal towns (if you prefer warm weather).
4. Ideal for athletes and fitness enthusiasts: Iten (high altitude, strong training culture).

Cost of Living and Housing

1. Nairobi is the priciest for rent and dining. A comfortable single-life budget can be several hundred to over a thousand USD per month depending on area.
2. Smaller towns (Naivasha, Nakuru, Kisumu) are cheaper for rent and food.
3. Coastal towns vary, beachfront properties cost more; inland parts of the coast are cheaper. Always check local listings and recent prices.

Practical Tips for Expats Before Moving to Live in Kenya

1. Pre-visits are crucial: 1–2 weeks stay in your chosen area would give allow one to test internet availability, transport and safety.
2. Check healthcare: look up the nearest hospitals and emergency options.
3. Internet & power: check on availability of fibre connectivity, 4G coverage and backup generators. Remote areas may need a hotspot or generator.
4. Community: join local expat groups or Facebook groups to learn about life and services.
5. Safety: gated estates in cities are highly recommended and always check current local advice.

Here’s a comparison table for several Kenyan towns, showing cost, internet, and healthcare based on recent data.

Notes & tips

1. Internet prices vary a lot even within the same town, depending on whether one resides in a fiber-ready estate, around the city, or far out.
2. Healthcare quality depends on affordability; private hospitals cost more but often have more modern equipment and shorter wait times.
3. Cost of living also ties to lifestyle: living modestly vs luxury changes the cost a lot.

Here are estimated monthly cost of living summaries for a single person (basic but comfortable lifestyle) in these towns.

These estimates have factored in rent, utilities, internet, and groceries. Costs are approximate and may vary depending on exact location, lifestyle, and exchange rates.

Exchange rate (approx.) at the time of publication: 1 USD ≈ 130 KES