Cost of Living Comparison Between Kisii and Malindi Cost of Living Comparison Between Kisii and Malindi

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $64.5 in Kisii versus $363 in Malindi.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $98.0 in Kisii versus $592 in Malindi.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $132 in Kisii versus $821 in Malindi.

Living in Kisii costs roughly 82% less than in Malindi, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Kisii 95% lower, Malindi 73% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.19 KES 283

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$31.56 KES 4,078

Cappuccino

$1.36 KES 176

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.30 KES 168

$1.52 KES 196

-14.47%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.94 KES 122

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.79 KES 231

$3.47 KES 448

-48.41%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.26 KES 292

$3.58 KES 462

-36.87%

Milk (1 liter)

$0.91 KES 118

White Bread (500g)

$0.52 KES 66.7

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.23 KES 158

Eggs

$1.88 KES 243

$2.96 KES 382

-36.49%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.60 KES 1,498

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.27 KES 810

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.06 KES 654

Apples (1kg)

$3.07 KES 397

Banana (1kg)

$0.75 KES 96.7

Oranges (1kg)

$2.63 KES 340

Tomato (1kg)

$0.70 KES 91.1

Potato (1kg)

$0.79 KES 102

Onion (1kg)

$0.66 KES 85.4

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.52 KES 66.6

Wine (Bottle)

$7.66 KES 989

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.37 KES 48.22

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$15.17 KES 1,961

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.81 KES 104

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.57 KES 203

$1.44 KES 186

9.03%

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$11.8K KES 1.5M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$77.5 KES 10.0K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$31.55 KES 4,077

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$38.14 KES 4,928

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$386 KES 49.9K

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update for Kisii: July 11, 2026

Last update for Malindi: July 13, 2026

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Kisii vs Malindi: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Kisii wins on cost – living expenses run 462% lower than in Malindi. Housing and daily spending are where you'll feel the difference most, making Kisii the obvious pick if budget is a priority.

You'd need roughly $96.8 in Kisii and $544 in Malindi to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.

Supermarket bills run roughly 1209% higher in Malindi. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $64.5 per month in Kisii versus $363 in Malindi – a 462% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.

Either city works on $800 a month, though Kisii gives you more room to save. At this income level, the choice is more about lifestyle than financial pressure.

Both cities offer a good standard of living with different trade-offs. Neither is objectively better – the right pick depends on what matters most: affordability, career, cultural scene, or climate.

Expats usually find Kisii gentler on the wallet – expenses run 462% less than in Malindi. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.