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Africa

Retire in Kenya

Featured city: Mombasa

US State Dept · Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution
Est. monthly budget
$1,400/mo (USD)

Mid-range benchmark for a couple. Use the Matcher for FX- and inflation-adjusted comparisons.

Kenya offers world-famous safari access, a warm Swahili coast, and English as an official language. Mombasa provides beach living, a rich cultural mix, and an affordable cost of living with modern amenities.

Safari access, Swahili coast, English-speaking

Pros
  • Low Cost
  • Warm Climate
  • English-Speaking
  • Easy Visa
Considerations
  • US State Department advises exercising increased caution — verify current advisory before travel.
  • Healthcare quality can be uneven outside major urban centers — private international insurance is strongly recommended.
  • Infrastructure (roads, internet, utilities) may vary by region — visit before committing to a long lease.

Retirement visa

The Class K retirement visa requires an annual unearned income of at least $15,000.

Cost of living

In Mombasa, a one-bedroom apartment costs around $400 monthly, and local groceries are affordable.

Numbeo cost index

Healthcare

Private hospitals in Nairobi provide high-quality care, while public facilities are often under-resourced; private insurance is essential.

Healthcare index

Safety

Most areas are safe, but exercise caution in specific border regions and urban centers due to petty crime.

travel.state.gov

Ready to compare with your budget?

Run the calculator or open the Destination Matcher to see how Kenya fits.

Other destinations in Africa

Educational content only — not immigration, tax, legal, or financial advice. Visa, golden-visa, and citizenship-by-investment rules change frequently. Verify with the official government source above and a licensed professional before making any relocation, investment, or citizenship decision.