Rehab costs vary widely based on location, program type, duration, and amenities, ranging from free public options to $100,000+ for luxury stays. In the US, averages hover around $12,500-$42,500 for a 30-day inpatient program, while in Nairobi, Kenya, they span KSh 20,000-150,000 monthly, with new insurance expansions aiding access.
Cost Factors
Several elements drive rehab pricing. Program length is key: 30-day stays cost less than 90-day ones, with daily rates of $500-$650 in private US facilities. Location matters—urban or coastal spots charge more; luxury perks like private rooms or holistic therapies add premiums up to $100,000/month. Staff expertise, medical detox, and co-occurring disorder treatment inflate bills, alongside accreditation and reputation.
In Kenya, similar dynamics apply: assessments (KSh 10,000), detox, and aftercare push totals higher for intensive programs. Inflation and 2026 economic shifts, including US federal funding changes, may nudge prices up 5-10%.
US Rehab Costs
US inpatient rehab averages $42,500 per episode, adjusted for recent inflation. Daily costs run $500-$650, totaling $15,000-$19,500 for 30 days in standard facilities.
Outpatient is cheaper at $1,600-$5,700/month, ideal for milder cases with work commitments. Luxury options exceed $75,000/month for bespoke care.
State variations exist: New Mexico averages $57,989, Wyoming $65,975.
Kenya/Nairobi Costs
Nairobi rehabs charge KSh 20,000-150,000/month for inpatient, far below US equivalents (~$150-$1,100 USD). Althea offers basics at KSh 45,000/month; Fountain of Hope: KSh 355,000 for 90 days.
Outpatient runs KSh 2,500-6,000/day or KSh 150,000/3 months. Public centers like Nairobi City’s first facility provide free counseling and detox, targeting low-income users. NACADA pushes county subsidies; counties like Uasin Gishu cover 55% via NHIF/SHIF.
Program Types Breakdown
| Type | Duration | US Avg Cost | Kenya Avg (KSh) | Best For [source] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detox | 3-10 days | $121,000/episode | 10,000+ assessment | Withdrawal mgmt |
| Inpatient Residential | 30 days | $12,500-$20,000 | 45,000-150,000/mo | Severe addiction |
| 60-90 Days Inpatient | 60-90 days | $36,000-$60,000 | 120,000-500,000 | Long-term recovery |
| Intensive Outpatient (IOP) | 3-5x/week | $3,500-$5,000/mo | Varies, outpatient | Working individuals |
| Outpatient/Methadone | Ongoing | $1,600-$8,000/episode | 150,000/3 mo | Maintenance |
| Luxury | 30+ days | $25,000-$100,000/mo | Rare, higher-end private | High-end amenities |
Insurance and Funding
US insurance (ACA, Medicaid) covers 50-100% for many, slashing out-of-pocket costs to $0-$5,000. In Kenya, SHIF (formerly NHIF) now includes rehab, covering outpatient/cessation; counties subsidize rest.
Free/low-cost: US state-funded (waitlists); Kenya public/NACADA-supported centers. Cash-pay discounts or sliding scales are common; nonprofits like AA/NA add no-cost support.
Hidden Expenses
Beyond base fees: Admission ($3,000-$4,000), meds, transport, post-discharge housing (~$5,000-$10,000/year). Lost wages, family therapy, or dual-diagnosis care add 20-50%. Kenya: Lab tests, family counseling extras.
Global Comparisons
US leads in expense; Europe/Asia: $5,000-$30,000/30 days. Kenya’s affordability draws medical tourists, but quality varies—vet NACADA-approved spots.
Long-Term Value
Investing $12,500-$50,000 yields 50-90% better outcomes vs. untreated relapse costs ($1M lifetime). Free options prevent impoverishment (Kenya’s average income is $100/mo). Seek assessments first; many centers offer payment plans.