Kenya has emerged as the most expensive country to live in the East African Community (EAC) at the beginning of 2026, according to new data from global cost-of-living database Numbeo.
The latest figures show that the cost of living in Kenya rose faster than in neighbouring countries over the past year. Kenya recorded a cost-of-living index of 28.9, up from 28.2 in 2025, moving the country to the top position in the EAC.
Uganda follows closely with an index of 27.0, while Tanzania ranks third at 26.6. Rwanda remains the least expensive country among the four, with an index of 25.0.
The rankings mark a major change from last year. In 2025, Kenya was ranked ninth in the wider East African region, but it has now climbed to seventh, showing a sharper rise in household expenses compared to its neighbours. Tanzania and Rwanda, which were previously more expensive, have seen their living costs fall relative to Kenya.
Across Africa, Seychelles remains the most expensive country to live in, mainly due to its reliance on imported goods and high food and restaurant prices. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Senegal also rank among the continent’s most costly countries.
Numbeo’s data highlights growing pressure on households in Kenya and across East Africa, driven by rising food prices, inflation, and higher costs of urban living. For many families, these increases are making it harder to afford basic needs such as groceries, transport, and dining.
