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Nairobi or San José

Comprehensive comparison between Nairobi (Kenya) and San José (Costa Rica). Analyze differences in purchasing power, housing, safety, and visas to make your next move.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Based on 2026 cost of living data, San José is more affordable than Nairobi. Nairobi has a cost rating of 85/100, while San José has a cost rating of 50/100.
In terms of safety, San José ranks higher with a safety score of 55/100, compared to Nairobi at 76/100. Nairobi's safety score is 55/100 and San José's safety score is 76/100.
Average rent in Nairobi is typically $1,200 per month, whereas typical rent in San José averages €650 - €1,000 per month.
For Nairobi, the visa process is rated as: Accessible (Kenya recently moved to an ETA system; work permits are standard for professionals.). For San José, the process is rated as: Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia) (Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa offers 1 year (renewable for 2) with full income tax exemption and duty-free import of work equipment.).