Cost of living in Thika
Thika, a bustling town in Kenya, offers a unique blend of urban and rural lifestyles. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Thika, covering 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 $4.25 on average, with a range between $1.93 and $10.04.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $30.9, with prices ranging from $19.31 to $61.8.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.18, with a range between $4.63 and $7.72.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $1.7, imported beer $1.93, cappuccino $2.25, and Coke/Pepsi $0.68.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.54 and $1.28 per liter, averaging $0.89.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.46 and $1.04, with an average price of $0.46.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.39 to $2.32, averaging $1.39.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.93 to $3.86 per kg, while oranges range from $0.77 to $3.86 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.46 and $2.16 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.39 to $1.54 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.04 and $1.7 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.54, with a cost of $1.54 per km and $3.09 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $618.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $15.45 and $61.8, averaging $30.9.
- Internet - Internet services range from $23.17 to $61.8, with an average cost of $40.04.
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.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Thika offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many urban centers, with low prices for dining and groceries.
Housing costs are moderate, especially for those looking to purchase property in the city centre.
Transportation and utility costs are reasonable, making Thika an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thika presents a balanced cost of living, making it an appealing choice for residents seeking affordability without sacrificing access to urban amenities.
Potential residents should consider the competitive housing market and the availability of essential services when planning their move to Thika.