Latish is the General Manager for the mid-Africa region and has been working at Crown for 13 years now, with the last eight of those being in Kenya, and the first five being in India.
He has expertise in Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Nigeria, with customer feedback meaning so much to Latish and his team, and he takes a lot of pride into the work we deliver.
Thinking of moving to another country in 2025? Whether it’s for career growth, education, or lifestyle, the idea of living abroad is exciting—but it comes with serious financial implications.
Relocating from Kenya to popular destinations involves more than just a plane ticket. You’ll need to plan for everything from housing and healthcare to schooling and daily expenses.
Here’s a practical look at the real cost of international relocation* this year, focusing on the most popular relocation destinations from Kenya, and how Crown Relocations, with its expert relocation support services, can help you make a smoother, smarter move.
There’s No Place Like Home: Choosing the Right Accommodation
Accommodation is typically one of, if not the largest recurring cost—and it varies widely by country and city.
- United Kingdom: In London, a one-bedroom flat averages £1,500+ (KES 270,000+), while regional cities like Birmingham or Manchester are more affordable at £700–£1,000 (KES 126,000–180,000). Expect upfront deposits and agency fees.
- United States: Rent ranges from $1,200–$2,500/month (KES 156,000–325,000). Major cities are especially expensive.
- United Arab Emirates: Dubai’s city centre flats start at around AED 8,000/month (KES 288,000), with suburban or nearby cities like Sharjah offering cheaper alternatives.
- South Africa: In cities like Cape Town or Johannesburg, one-bedroom flats range from R6,000–R10,000 (KES 43,000–72,000).
💡 Tip: Choosing regional cities or suburbs over capital hubs can cut rent by up to 50%.
Healthcare: Essential but Often Overlooked
Healthcare systems and costs vary dramatically. Some countries offer public systems for residents, whereas others require private insurance.
- UK: You’ll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year – KES 186,000). NHS services are then free at the point of use.
- US: Private insurance is essential. Expect $400–$600/month (KES 52,000–78,000) per person. Out-of-pocket costs can be extreme without coverage.
- UAE: Health insurance is mandatory. Basic plans start from AED 1,000/year (KES 36,000); comprehensive plans can exceed AED 10,000/year (KES 360,000).
- South Africa: Private medical aid is highly recommended. Plans start around R1,300/month (KES 9,400) and can go up to R10,000+ (KES 72,000) for premium options.
Bottom line: Budget for coverage from day one. The cost of being uninsured abroad can be enormous.
Education: A Key Cost for Families
Schooling costs can significantly affect your relocation budget—especially for those seeking private or international curricula.
- UK: Public schools are free. Private school fees range from £18,000–£30,000/year (KES 3.2M–5.4M).
- US: Public schools are also free; private tuition averages $13,000/year (KES 1.7M), with elite schools up to $30,000+ (KES 3.9M).
- UAE: Expat children attend international schools. Annual tuition ranges from AED 30,000–100,000 (KES 1.08M–3.6M).
- South Africa: Public schooling is affordable. International or private schools range from R45,000–R137,000/year (KES 324,000–986,000).
Also factor in: uniforms, bus fees, school supplies, and application charges.
Daily Living Costs
Everyday costs—groceries, transport, mobile bills—can add up fast in your new home.
- UK: Monthly living expenses (excluding rent) can reach £750–£900 (KES 135,000–162,000). VAT (20%) raises costs on most goods.
- US: The cost of living is 50–70% higher than in Kenya. Groceries, petrol, and entertainment are more expensive. For instance, groceries for a family of four may run $1,000+/month (KES 130,000+).
- UAE: Dining out and imported items are costly. A mid-range meal is around AED 50 (KES 1,800). Utilities (especially air conditioning) can also drive up monthly costs.
- South Africa: Relatively affordable. Monthly expenses are 15–20% higher than Kenya, but groceries can be slightly cheaper due to local production.
Pro tip: Use online tools like Numbeo to estimate monthly costs based on your destination city and lifestyle.
How Can Crown Relocations Help?
At Crown Relocations Kenya, we know that international relocation is more than just moving your things—it’s about planning your new life abroad. Our international relocation services are tailored to take the stress (and financial surprises) out of your move.
✈️ Pre-Move Budget Planning
We help you understand the full cost of living in your destination, including visa fees, deposits, and recurring expenses, so you can plan confidently.
📦 Packing and Shipping
Our secure, professional packing reduces the risk of breakages and optimises shipment sizes—saving on international freight costs. Need storage? We offer both short- and long-term solutions.
🏠 Home Search Support
We assist in finding safe, affordable housing that suits your needs and budget—helping you avoid overpriced listings or scams.
🛂 Visa and Immigration Guidance
We guide you through visa applications, health insurance requirements, and immigration fees—minimising delays and costly errors.
🐾 Family Services: Schools and Pets
From choosing schools to moving pets safely, our relocation support services cover the entire family.
Thousands of Kenyan families have trusted Crown to handle the logistics—so they can focus on the experience of moving to another country, not the paperwork.
Final Thought: Financially Ready = Emotionally Ready
Relocating abroad is a huge life decision. Knowing the real costs—accommodation, healthcare, education, and daily living—helps you make smarter choices and avoid common pitfalls.
With Crown Relocations Kenya, you have a partner every step of the way. Our relocation support services and international relocation services are built around one goal: helping you start your new chapter with less stress, more savings, and total confidence.
Ready to relocate with peace of mind?
Reach out to Crown Relocations Kenya today and let’s make your international move smooth, cost-effective, and expertly managed.
*(Exchange rates are based on approximate values as of May 2025: 1 GBP ≈ KES 180, 1 USD ≈ KES 130, 1 AED ≈ KES 36, 1 ZAR ≈ KES 7.2.)
