Cost of Living Comparison Between Malindi and Bungoma Cost of Living Comparison Between Malindi and Bungoma

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $345 in Malindi versus $256 in Bungoma.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $578 in Malindi versus $372 in Bungoma.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $811 in Malindi versus $488 in Bungoma.

Living in Malindi is roughly 35% more expensive than Bungoma, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Malindi 74% lower, Bungoma 81% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.14 KES 278

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$31.28 KES 4,047

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

$1.54 KES 199

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.89 KES 115

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.53 KES 457

$1.58 KES 204

123.42%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.40 KES 439

$1.74 KES 225

95.40%

Milk (1 liter)

$0.92 KES 119

$0.99 KES 128

-7.07%

White Bread (500g)

$0.48 KES 62.5

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.25 KES 162

$1.35 KES 175

-7.41%

Eggs

$2.99 KES 387

$1.29 KES 166

131.78%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.71 KES 1,515

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.05 KES 783

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.07 KES 656

$3.76 KES 486

34.84%

Apples (1kg)

$3.05 KES 394

$3.03 KES 393

0.66%

Banana (1kg)

$0.75 KES 96.9

Oranges (1kg)

$2.76 KES 357

Tomato (1kg)

$0.67 KES 86.6

Potato (1kg)

$0.75 KES 97.0

Onion (1kg)

$0.67 KES 86.4

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.48 KES 61.7

$1.13 KES 146

-57.52%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.51 KES 196

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.74 KES 226

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.57 KES 203

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$0.74 KES 95.5

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.41 KES 183

$1.37 KES 178

2.92%

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

$78.7 KES 10.2K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$30.99 KES 4,010

$29.36 KES 3,799

5.55%

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$38.52 KES 4,985

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$19.09 KES 2,470

Cinema Ticket

$3.89 KES 503

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$62.4 KES 8,077

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$11.81 KES 1,529

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$38.26 KES 4,950

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$19.64 KES 2,542

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$116 KES 15.0K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$91.8 KES 11.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$392 KES 50.8K

$266 KES 34.4K

47.54%

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$147 KES 19.1K

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

Last update for Malindi: June 15, 2026

Last update for Bungoma: June 15, 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

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.

You'd need roughly $518 in Malindi and $383 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.

Supermarket bills run roughly 97% higher in Malindi. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $345 per month in Malindi versus $256 in Bungoma – a 35% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.

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.

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.

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.

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.