Furnished vs Unfurnished Apartments in Kenya: Which One Fits Your Lifestyle and Budget?
Furnished vs Unfurnished Apartments in Kenya: Which One Fits Your Lifestyle and Budget?
When searching for a rentals, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to go for a furnished or unfurnished apartment. While furnished units offer convenience and speed, unfurnished ones often give you more control and long-term savings. So how do you decide?
This guide breaks down the real costs, lifestyle trade-offs, and decision-making tips to help you choose the right setup for your needs—whether you're a student, remote worker, relocating family, or digital nomad.
What’s the Difference?
- Furnished Apartment: Comes with essential furniture—bed, sofa, dining set, appliances (fridge, cooker), and sometimes extras like a TV, microwave, or washing machine.
- Unfurnished Apartment: Typically includes only built-in fixtures like wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, and sometimes a cooker hood or water heater. You bring everything else
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Furnished Apartments
Pros:
- Move-in ready—ideal for short stays or relocations
- No upfront furniture cost
- Great for expats, students, or remote workers
Cons:
- Higher monthly rent
- Less flexibility in décor or layout
- May have stricter lease terms or higher deposits
Unfurnished Apartments
Pros:
- Lower rent over time
- Freedom to furnish and decorate your way
- Better for long-term stability
Cons:
- High initial setup cost
- Time-consuming move-in process
- You handle most repairs and replacements
Cost Comparison: Upfront and Monthly
| Cost Item | Furnished Apartment (Estimate) | Unfurnished Apartment (Estimate) |
| Monthly Rent | KSh 45,000 - 120,000+ | KSh 20,000 - 80,000 + |
| Security Deposit | 1 - 3 months' rent | 1 - 3 months' rent |
| Furniture/Appliance Cost | Included | KSh 100,000 - 300,000+ (one time cost) |
| Repair/ Maintenance | Often landlord's responsibility | Tenant's responsibility |
| Internet/Utilities | Sometimes included | Usually separate |
Break-Even Calculator: When Does Furnished Stop Making Sense?
Let’s say:
- Furnished unit = KSh 70,000/month
- Unfurnished unit = KSh 45,000/month
- Furniture cost = KSh 200,000
Break-even point = KSh 25,000/month savings → You recover furniture cost in 8 months.
So, if you’re staying longer than 8 months, an unfurnished unit may be more cost-effective.
Lifestyle Fit: Who Should Choose What?
| Renter type | Best fit |
| Short-term contractor | Furnished |
| University student | Furnished(Shared or studio) |
| Young family relocating | Unfurnished |
| Foreigner/ Digital nomad (3 - 6months) | Furnished |
| Long-term area resident | Unfurnished |
Hybrid Option: Semi-Furnished Apartments
Some landlords offer semi-furnished units—think cooker, fridge, bedframe, or curtains. These can be a great middle ground if you want to reduce setup costs without paying full furnished rates.
What to Ask Before You Decide
- What’s included in the rent? (List all furniture and appliances)
- Who handles repairs or replacements?
- Are utilities or Wi-Fi included?
- Can I remove or replace any furniture?
- Is there a higher deposit for furnished units?
Final Thoughts: Choose What Moves With You
Your rental choice should reflect your mobility, budget, and lifestyle. If you’re in transition, furnished may save you time and stress. If you’re planting roots, unfurnished gives you more control and long-term value.
