Average Salary in Mombasa: Are the Wages Worth the Costs?
so, i just got back from mombasa and man, it's a trip. first off, the average salary isn't exactly what you'd call "livable." we're talking around 100,000 KES a month, which is like 900 bucks. yeah, that sounds cute, but let me break it down for you.
*rent is a*bitch*. you're looking at 30,000 KES for a decent place, and that's just to have a roof over your head. utilities? another 10,000 KES. groceries? 15,000 KES. suddenly, that 900 bucks doesn't look so hot, huh?
but let's talk about the job market. it's tough, man. tourism is huge, but it's seasonal. you've got resorts and hotels popping up like mushrooms, but they're not always hiring. plus, safari guys are making bank, but you need connections for that.
safety? it's a mixed bag. some areas are chill, others? not so much. i heard rumors about robberies, so keep your guard up. neighbors are mostly chill, though. they're just a short flight away from nairobi, so they're used to visitors.
i tried some drunk advice from a local. he warned me about the traffic. it's insane, man. mombasa is a chaotic beauty*, but the roads? they'll test your patience.
"mombasa is like a hidden gem, but it's got edges. you've got to know where to look."
- something i overheard at a local bar
so, is it worth it? depends. if you're into the laid-back vibe and don't mind the occasional crazy day, sure. but if you're looking for big bucks, you might want to keep dreaming.
for more deets, check out this tripadvisor review or yelp list. and if you're into local chatter, hit up the nairobi reddit for the real tea.
anyway, that's my take. mombasa is a trip, but it's not for the faint-hearted. keep that in mind and you'll be golden.
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