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: $364 in Malindi versus $253 in Bungoma.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $596 in Malindi versus $373 in Bungoma.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $829 in Malindi versus $493 in Bungoma.

Living in Malindi is roughly 44% more expensive than in Bungoma, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Malindi 73% lower, Bungoma 81% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.11 KES 272

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$31.20 KES 4,033

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

$1.53 KES 198

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.89 KES 115

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.54 KES 457

$1.58 KES 204

124.05%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.40 KES 439

$1.75 KES 226

94.29%

Milk (1 liter)

$0.98 KES 127

$1.04 KES 134

-5.77%

White Bread (500g)

$0.51 KES 66.3

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.26 KES 163

$1.29 KES 166

-2.33%

Eggs

$2.91 KES 376

$1.31 KES 169

122.14%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.44 KES 1,479

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.05 KES 781

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.15 KES 665

$3.80 KES 491

35.53%

Apples (1kg)

$3.05 KES 395

$3.00 KES 388

1.67%

Banana (1kg)

$0.76 KES 97.9

Oranges (1kg)

$2.64 KES 341

Tomato (1kg)

$0.71 KES 91.3

Potato (1kg)

$0.75 KES 96.4

Onion (1kg)

$0.71 KES 92.2

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.52 KES 67.4

$1.13 KES 146

-53.98%

Wine (Bottle)

$7.65 KES 989

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.59 KES 205

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.66 KES 215

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.53 KES 197

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$0.79 KES 103

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.37 KES 177

$1.36 KES 176

0.74%

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

$78.4 KES 10.1K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$31.23 KES 4,037

$28.98 KES 3,746

7.76%

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$38.06 KES 4,919

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$19.59 KES 2,532

Cinema Ticket

$3.89 KES 502

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

$61.3 KES 7,925

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$11.53 KES 1,490

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$38.77 KES 5,010

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$19.44 KES 2,512

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$117 KES 15.1K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$94.5 KES 12.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$382 KES 49.3K

$275 KES 35.6K

38.71%

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$148 KES 19.1K

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

Last update for Malindi: July 26, 2026

Last update for Bungoma: July 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

Bungoma is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Eating Out, Sport & Entertainment, Monthly Utilities & Internet. The 44% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $546 in Malindi and $380 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 115% higher in Malindi. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $364 per month in Malindi versus $253 in Bungoma – a 44% 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 44% less than in Malindi. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.