Diani Beach · Living in Diani
Long-Term Rentals in Diani
Staying a month or more? Long-term rentals are far cheaper per night than a hotel. Here’s what monthly apartments, houses and villas cost in Diani, and how to rent safely.
Long-term monthly rentals in Diani range from about KES 10,000–30,000 (US$80–230) for a simple inland one-bed, to KES 40,000–90,000 (US$300–700) for a furnished apartment near the beach, up to KES 100,000–300,000+ (US$750–2,300+) for a house or villa — with luxury furnished villas reaching KES 750,000 a month. Deposits are typically one to three months, and the market runs through local agents, portals and word of mouth.
Staying in Diani for a month or more — as a remote worker, snowbird, retiree or while house-hunting — is far cheaper per night than a hotel or holiday Airbnb, but it works as a different market with its own norms. This guide covers what long-term rentals cost, what you get, where to look, and how to rent safely.
Long-term vs short holiday lets
A holiday Airbnb is priced per night for a short stay; a long-term rental is a monthly lease, usually unfurnished or part-furnished, at a much lower effective nightly rate. If you’re staying a month or more, always look at the long-term market — see our apartments & Airbnb guide for short stays and our cost of living guide for the wider budget.
How much are long-term rentals in Diani?
| Type | Typical monthly rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Simple 1-bed (inland / Ukunda) | KES 10,000–30,000 (US$80–230) | Unfurnished, local area, best value |
| Furnished apartment (beach area) | KES 40,000–90,000 (US$300–700) | Furnished, AC, often a pool complex |
| House / 3–4 bed villa | KES 100,000–300,000 (US$750–2,300) | Space, gardens, sometimes staff |
| Luxury furnished villa (beachfront) | KES 250,000–750,000+ (US$1,900–5,800+) | Beachfront, pool, fully serviced |
Furnishing level, beach proximity, AC, backup power and lease length drive the price. Longer leases earn better rates.
What you get
At the budget end, expect a simple unfurnished apartment inland; mid-range gets you a furnished apartment with AC and often a shared pool; and higher up, houses and villas with gardens, pools and sometimes domestic staff. Confirm whether utilities, wifi and any staff are included.
Best areas for long stays
Ukunda (inland) is cheapest; central Diani and Galu put you near the beach at higher rents; and Kinondo (behind Galu) offers quieter houses. See the layout on our Diani map.
How & where to find a rental
Long-term rentals are advertised on property portals and local agents, and many good ones circulate by word of mouth and community groups. Useful starting points:
Leases, deposits & utilities
Expect to pay a deposit of one to three months’ rent plus the first month up front, on a lease of six to twelve months (shorter is possible at a premium). Clarify who pays utilities (electricity, water, internet), whether the place has backup power/water, and any service or garden/security (askari) costs.
Diani cost of living →Buying property in Diani →
Diani Beach FAQ
How much is long-term rent in Diani?
Roughly KES 10,000–30,000 (US$80–230) a month for a simple inland one-bed, KES 40,000–90,000 (US$300–700) for a furnished apartment near the beach, and KES 100,000–300,000+ (US$750–2,300+) for a house or villa. Luxury furnished beachfront villas can reach KES 750,000 a month.
Can you rent monthly in Diani?
Yes — Diani has an active long-term rental market of apartments, houses and villas let by the month, much cheaper per night than a hotel or holiday Airbnb. Leases usually run six to twelve months with a one- to three-month deposit.
Where can I find long-term rentals in Diani?
Property portals like BuyRentKenya, Property24, Jiji and Long Term Lettings list Diani rentals, but many of the best deals go through local agents and resident Facebook/WhatsApp community groups and word of mouth.
How much deposit do you pay to rent in Diani?
Typically one to three months’ rent as a deposit, plus the first month up front, on a six- to twelve-month lease. Always get the lease and an inventory in writing and clarify deposit-return terms.
Which area is cheapest for long-term rentals in Diani?
Inland Ukunda is the cheapest, with simple one-beds from around KES 10,000–30,000 a month. Central Diani and Galu cost more for beach proximity, while Kinondo behind Galu offers quieter houses.
Are utilities included in Diani rentals?
Not always — clarify who pays electricity, water and internet, and whether there’s backup power or water, before signing. At the higher end, some villa rentals include staff or garden/security costs; confirm what’s covered.
Is it safe to rent long-term in Diani?
Yes, if you take precautions: never pay a deposit before viewing the property and confirming the landlord’s ownership, use a reputable agent or verified listing, and get everything in writing. Spending your first week in a short-let lets you view places in person first.
Sources & further reading
- BuyRentKenya / Property24 / Jiji — Diani long-term rental listings & prices
- ExpatLife.AI — Diani cost of living & rent bands
Prices are indicative estimates gathered in 2026 to help you budget and can change with season, group size, fuel and demand — always confirm current rates directly with operators before booking. Images: Wikimedia Commons, used under their respective licences; verify and attribute each per its file page before publishing. Last updated: 2026.
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