😐Monthly costs for one person with rent: $350 in Malindi versus $260 in Bungoma.
😐Estimated couple costs with rent: $573 in Malindi versus $375 in Bungoma.
😐Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $796 in Malindi versus $490 in Bungoma.
😐Living in Malindi is roughly 35% more expensive than Bungoma, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
📊Both cities sit below the global median: Malindi74% lower, Bungoma81% lower.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Malindi
Bungoma
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.14KES 277
-
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$31.23KES 4,030
-
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.59KES 205
-
-
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.90KES 117
-
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$3.50KES 451
$1.57KES 203
122.93%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$3.55KES 458
$1.68KES 216
111.31%
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Malindi
Bungoma
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$0.98KES 127
$1.04KES 134
-5.77%
White Bread(500g)
-
$0.48KES 62.6
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
$1.21KES 156
$1.33KES 172
-9.02%
Eggs
$2.99KES 386
$1.30KES 167
130.00%
Local Cheese(1kg)
$11.40KES 1,471
-
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$6.20KES 800
-
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$4.94KES 637
$3.66KES 473
34.97%
Apples(1kg)
$3.16KES 407
$3.12KES 402
1.28%
Banana(1kg)
$0.78KES 101
-
-
Oranges(1kg)
$2.63KES 340
-
-
Tomato(1kg)
$0.72KES 93.2
-
-
Potato(1kg)
$0.75KES 96.5
-
-
Onion(1kg)
$0.71KES 92.3
-
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$0.52KES 66.8
$1.15KES 148
-54.78%
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
-
$1.58KES 204
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$1.69KES 218
-
🚌 Getting Around
Malindi
Bungoma
Difference
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
-
$1.57KES 203
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
-
$0.75KES 96.9
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
$1.42KES 184
$1.42KES 184
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Malindi
Bungoma
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$77.1KES 9,947
-
-
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$30.93KES 3,992
$29.68KES 3,831
4.21%
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Malindi
Bungoma
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$38.39KES 4,955
-
-
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
-
$19.26KES 2,486
-
Cinema Ticket
-
$3.82KES 493
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Malindi
Bungoma
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
-
$61.7KES 7,957
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Malindi
Bungoma
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
-
$11.84KES 1,528
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
-
$38.59KES 4,980
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
-
$19.00KES 2,452
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Malindi
Bungoma
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
-
$116KES 15.0K
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
-
$92.7KES 12.0K
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$386KES 49.9K
$270KES 34.8K
43.36%
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
-
$147KES 19.0K
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Malindi: April 27, 2026
Last update for Bungoma: April 27, 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
Malindi vs Bungoma: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bungoma cheaper than Malindi?
Bungoma is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Eating Out, Sport & Entertainment, Monthly Utilities & Internet. The 35% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.
What income do you need for each city?
You'd need roughly $525 in Malindi and $390 in Bungoma 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.
How do food prices compare in Malindi and Bungoma?
Supermarket bills run roughly 95% higher in Malindi. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.
What are total monthly expenses in Malindi vs Bungoma?
All in, you'll spend $350 per month in Malindi versus $260 in Bungoma – a 35% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.
Is $1,000 enough for either Malindi or Bungoma?
Either city works on $1,000 a month, though Bungoma gives you more room to save. At this income level, the choice is more about lifestyle than financial pressure.
Is it better to live in Malindi or Bungoma?
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.
Which city is safer, Malindi or Bungoma?
Safety-wise, Malindi and Bungoma are on par. Petty crime is typical for cities this size, and most residents feel comfortable going about their daily routines in either place.
Which city is easier to live in as a foreigner?
Expats usually find Bungoma gentler on the wallet – expenses run 35% less than in Malindi. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.