Renting in Nairobi looks simple on paper, but once you start searching for a home, you’ll face a big decision: Should you choose a serviced apartment or a regular rental?

Both options work, but they serve very different needs. What you choose will depend on how long you’re staying, how much flexibility you want, and how much work you’re willing to put into setting up your space.

This guide breaks down both choices in plain language. You’ll see what each option offers, what you’ll actually pay for, and what makes serviced living a strong option—especially if you want convenience, reliability, and a ready-made home.

When relevant, you’ll also see how The Skyline Collection’s furnished apartments can help you move in without stress.

Let’s start with the basics.

What Is a Serviced Apartment?

A serviced apartment is a fully furnished unit designed for comfort and convenience. You move in with a suitcase—not furniture. These apartments include essential amenities like:

• Bed, sofa, and dining furniture

• Kitchen appliances and utensils

• High-speed Wi-Fi

• Smart TVs

• Laundry machines

• Housekeeping

• Security

• Water, power, and other utilities (often included in the rent)

Think of it as a home that’s ready from day one. If you want the simplest renting experience in Nairobi, a serviced apartment offers it.

If you want to see what’s available right now, browse The Skyline Collection’s serviced apartments in Nairobi.

What Is a Regular Rental?

A regular rental is an unfurnished apartment. You get the space, and everything else is on you. That means:

• You buy your own furniture

• You install Wi-Fi

• You pay utilities separately

• You handle repairs and cleaning

• You pay deposits

• You take care of day-to-day management

Regular rentals work well if you’re staying long-term or want full control over the look and feel of your home. But they require more time, more planning, and higher upfront costs.

Serviced Apartments vs. Regular Rentals: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s the simple version. Read this before you commit.

Now let’s break down what these differences mean for you.

1. Upfront Costs

If you choose a regular rental, expect to spend more in the beginning. Even if the monthly rent is lower, the initial setup costs can be heavy.

Regular Rental Upfront Costs

• One or two months’ deposit

• Legal / agent fees

• Furniture (bed, sofa, fridge, cooker, washing machine, etc.)

• Wi-Fi installation

• Electronics

• Gas and kitchen items

Setting up a home in Nairobi can easily run into KES 150,000–400,000 before you even settle in.

Serviced Apartment Upfront Costs

• First month’s rent

• A small deposit (depends on the property)

That’s it. You walk in and start living.

If you want that simplicity, you can check out fully furnished options in:

• Lavington

• Kileleshwa

• Kilimani

• Westlands

2. Monthly Costs

A serviced apartment usually has a higher monthly price. But the number is honest—you pay one fee, and most things are already included.

In a regular rental, the number looks lower but doesn’t include extra bills.

Regular Rental Hidden Costs

• Electricity

• Water

• Wi-Fi

• Garbage

• Cleaning

• Repairs

These costs add up fast, especially if you work from home or use heavy appliances.

Serviced Apartment Monthly Costs

• You pay one amount

• Wi-Fi, utilities, and cleaning are usually included

• No surprise bills

If you want predictable spending, serviced living might be better.

3. Convenience and Time

A serviced apartment saves you time. You don’t shop for furniture, compare suppliers, wait for installations, or deal with routine issues.

With a regular rental, you handle everything:

• Finding a reliable fundi

• Dealing with repairs

• Organizing deep cleaning

• Managing internet downtime

• Handling building issues

• Coordinating payments

If your schedule is tight or you value convenience, serviced living wins clearly.

4. Flexibility

Serviced apartments offer flexible terms. You can rent for a month or several months. Many units allow you to extend or exit without heavy penalties.

Regular rentals lock you into:

• 6-month leases

• 12-month leases

• Penalties for early exit

• Long-term commitments

If your lifestyle involves travel, remote work, or short-term stays, a serviced home gives you more freedom.

5. Comfort and Setup Quality

Serviced apartments come ready with matching furniture, modern décor, and a clean setup. You don’t spend weeks assembling your home.

Regular rentals depend on your budget. If you buy cheaper furniture, the comfort level drops. If you want high-quality furniture, the setup cost rises fast.

Serviced apartments also include:

• Fresh linens

• Kitchen basics

• Working appliances

• Professional cleaning

If you want to focus on work or family instead of home setup, furnished living keeps your life simple.

6. Security and Peace of Mind

Many serviced apartments sit in premium buildings with:

• 24/7 security

• CCTV systems

• Access control

• Secure parking

• Reliable management

These features matter, especially if you’re new to Nairobi or staying alone.

Regular rentals vary. Some offer strong security; others don’t. You need to confirm what you’re getting.

7. Who Should Choose a Serviced Apartment?

Serviced apartments fit you if you want:

• A ready-made home

• Flexibility

• Convenience

• Clean and modern living

• Predictable monthly costs

• No maintenance headaches

• Short-term or medium-term stays

• A safe and well-managed building

They also work well for:

• Digital nomads

• Corporate travelers

• Expats

• Diplomats

• Students in postgraduate programs

• People relocating for work

• Anyone waiting for a long-term home to be ready

The Skyline Collection offers serviced apartments in key locations:

• Kilimani

• Westlands

• Lavington

• Kileleshwa

If you want a smooth landing in Nairobi, start there.

8. Who Should Choose a Regular Rental?

A regular rental fits you if you want:

• Long-term stability

• Lower monthly costs

• Full control over your furniture and décor

• A space you can customize

• A home for several years

They also fit:

• Families with many items

• People who already own furniture

• Anyone staying 2–3+ years

Just expect more paperwork, more responsibilities, and more time spent managing the home.

9. Cost Comparison: What You Actually Pay

Here’s a simplified breakdown for a typical 1-bedroom setup.

Serviced Apartment

• Monthly Rent: KES 130,000–200,000 (depending on the area)

• Upfront Cost: First month + deposit

• Extras: Usually none

Regular Rental

• Monthly Rent: KES 40,000–70,000

• Upfront Cost:

  • Deposit (KES 40,000–70,000)

  • Furniture (KES 150,000–300,000)

  • Electronics (KES 40,000–100,000)

  • Wi-Fi installation (KES 3,500–6,000)

If You’re Staying Short-Term

Serviced apartments cost less.

If You’re Staying Long-Term

Unfurnished apartments often cost less, but only after the first year.

10. Location Options for Serviced Apartments in Nairobi

The Skyline Collection offers furnished and serviced apartments in the most convenient neighborhoods.

Kilimani

Modern units close to Yaya Centre, Ngong Road, and top restaurants.
See options here: Kilimani serviced apartments.

Westlands

Ideal for nightlife, malls, and business hubs like Muthangari and Chiromo.
Explore units here: Westlands serviced apartments.

Lavington

Quiet, upscale, and perfect for families or long stays.
View options here: Lavington serviced apartments.

Kileleshwa

Green, peaceful, and great for remote workers.
Browse options here: Kileleshwa serviced apartments.

You can also view all units across Nairobi here:
Furnished and serviced apartments Nairobi.

11. Transport and Mobility: Why It Matters

If you’re new to Nairobi or staying short-term, you may need reliable transport. Serviced apartments are often near main roads, malls, and business zones. Regular rentals vary more.

If you don’t have a car—or don’t want the commitment—you can book transport easily through The Skyline Collection’s car hire service.

Final Thoughts

Serviced apartments and regular rentals both work in Nairobi, but they serve different lifestyles.

Choose a serviced apartment if you want a simple, flexible, ready-to-live experience. You’ll avoid setup costs, skip the stress of furnishing your home, and focus on your work and life.

The Skyline Collection offers serviced units in Kilimani, Westlands, Lavington, and Kileleshwa—all furnished and ready for you.

Choose a regular rental if you want a long-term home that you can fully customize and don’t mind spending time and money setting it up.

Either way, now you know what to expect. And if you want a place that’s move-in ready today, start with the full list of furnished apartments Nairobi.