Cost of living in Ongata Rongai
Ongata Rongai, a rapidly growing suburb of Nairobi, Kenya, offers a unique blend of urban and rural living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both potential residents and investors.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Ongata Rongai, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $4.65 on average, with a range between $1.94 and $10.08.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $34.88, with prices ranging from $19.38 to $62.02.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.82, with a range between $4.65 and $7.75.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.78 to $3.88, imported beer $2.33 to $4.65, cappuccino $1.55 to $4.65, and Coke/Pepsi $0.39 to $1.55.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.50 and $1.29 per liter, averaging $0.72.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.47 and $1.05, with an average price of $0.50.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.21 to $2.33, averaging $1.30.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.93 to $3.88 per kg, while oranges range from $0.78 to $3.88 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.47 and $2.17 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.39 to $1.55 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.78 and $1.16.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.38 and $1.71 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.24, with a cost of $1.16 to $2.33 per km and $2.17 to $9.30 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $116.28.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $77.52.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $271.32.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $387.60.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $15.50 and $62.02, averaging $29.07.
- Internet - Internet services range from $23.26 to $96.90, with an average cost of $39.70.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Kenya are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Kenya, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
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"Key Takeaways"
Ongata Rongai offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to major urban centers. Dining and grocery prices are quite reasonable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Housing costs are notably low, especially for those looking to rent outside the city centre. However, utilities and internet services can vary significantly, so budgeting for these is essential.
Transportation is affordable, with public transport and fuel costs being manageable. However, owning a car can be a significant investment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ongata Rongai presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing and dining options. While some expenses like utilities and internet can fluctuate, the overall cost of living remains accessible.
For those considering moving to Ongata Rongai, it's advisable to plan for variable costs in utilities and transportation. The suburb's blend of affordability and proximity to Nairobi makes it a compelling choice for many.