The House Hunters Rental Guide - 2019 (Top 5 Pocket Friendly Places to Live in Nairobi)
img: Aerial View of Nairobi
Accordingly, a recent survey by a local daily, 91% of Nairobians are tenants explaining why the need for affordable and sustainable housing units is always in full swing. Research by Hao Finder also show that housing and property ownership is one of the biggest causes of Gender Based Violence (GBV) amongst households.
House Hunter Profiles
The "Startup Earner"
Income bracket: KES 20,000 - 30,000 per month
Prefers: Bedsitters (avg KES 7,000)
Recent job seekers or those with uncertain income projections
The "Middle Earner"
Income bracket: KES 30,000 - 50,000 (employed) or KES 50,000 - 100,000 (self-employed)
Prefers: 1-bedroom (KES 15,000) or 2-bedroom (KES 20,000)
Top 5 Affordable Places to Live in Nairobi
1. Ruaka Town
✅ GOOD
- Excellent transport network
- Less congested housing units
- Good social amenities
- Home internet available
⚠️ BAD
- Ever increasing rental prices
- Poor drainage
Rent Prices: Bedsitter: KES 7,000-10,000 | 1-Bedroom: KES 15,000-20,000
Transport: Ruaka to CBD: KES 70 (rush hour), KES 40 (off-peak)
Key Attraction: Two Rivers Mall (largest mall in East Africa)
2. Roysambu
✅ GOOD
- Easy accessibility (Thika Super Highway)
- Several shopping malls (TRM)
- Security
- Cheap fare tariffs
⚠️ BAD
- Poor drainage
- House congestion
- Water shortages
Rent Prices: Bedsitter: KES 7,000-9,000 | 1-Bedroom: KES 12,000-17,000 | 2-Bedroom: KES 17,000-23,000
Transport: CBD: KES 60 (rush hour), KES 30 (off-peak)
3. Uthiru
✅ GOOD
- Affordable housing
- Constant water supply
- Shopping center nearby
- Affordable fare
⚠️ BAD
- Poor drainage
- Heavy traffic
Rent Prices: Bedsitter: KES 5,000-8,000 | 1-Bedroom: KES 8,000-13,000
Transport: CBD: KES 50-70 (rush hour), KES 30-40 (off-peak)
Nearby Institutions: University of Nairobi (Upper Kabete), Kabete Technical Institute
4. Embakasi
✅ GOOD
- Affordable houses
- Easy accessibility
⚠️ BAD
- Overcrowded
- Poor drainage
- Water shortage
- Insecurity
- Traffic jams
Rent Prices: Bedsitter: KES 6,000-8,000 | 1-Bedroom: KES 10,000-15,000 | 2-Bedroom: KES 15,000-20,000
Transport: CBD: KES 50-70 (rush hour), KES 30-40 (off-peak)
5. Rongai
✅ GOOD
- Spacious housing units
- Serene environment
- Several shopping centers
⚠️ BAD
- Traffic jams
- Poor drainage
- Occasional water shortage
- Occasional hiked fare
Rent Prices: Bedsitter: KES 7,000-9,000 | 1-Bedroom: KES 12,000-15,000 | 2-Bedroom: KES 15,000-20,000
Nearby Universities: Multi Media University, Africa Nazarene University, CUEA
Upcoming Development: Dualling of Magadi Road (KENHA) expected to improve traffic congestion
Summary
Evidently, the profiled areas tend to give "value for money" with similar features and challenges. However, we can't single out a specific area and term it "the best" than the rest, because the ultimate decision lies with the house hunter and the decision made is also influenced by factors not limited to: income, location of workplace, and tenant preference.
Ready to escape high Nairobi rents? These top 5 budget-friendly neighborhoods offer the perfect blend of value and livability. Contact Hao Finder today – let's unlock your affordable dream home in Nairobi!
📋 Quick Comparison: Top 5 Affordable Areas
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