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: $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: Malindi 74% lower, Bungoma 81% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.14 KES 277

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$31.23 KES 4,030

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

$1.59 KES 205

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.90 KES 117

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.50 KES 451

$1.57 KES 203

122.93%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.55 KES 458

$1.68 KES 216

111.31%

Milk (1 liter)

$0.98 KES 127

$1.04 KES 134

-5.77%

White Bread (500g)

$0.48 KES 62.6

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.21 KES 156

$1.33 KES 172

-9.02%

Eggs

$2.99 KES 386

$1.30 KES 167

130.00%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.40 KES 1,471

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.20 KES 800

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.94 KES 637

$3.66 KES 473

34.97%

Apples (1kg)

$3.16 KES 407

$3.12 KES 402

1.28%

Banana (1kg)

$0.78 KES 101

Oranges (1kg)

$2.63 KES 340

Tomato (1kg)

$0.72 KES 93.2

Potato (1kg)

$0.75 KES 96.5

Onion (1kg)

$0.71 KES 92.3

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.52 KES 66.8

$1.15 KES 148

-54.78%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.58 KES 204

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.69 KES 218

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.57 KES 203

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$0.75 KES 96.9

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.42 KES 184

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

$77.1 KES 9,947

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$30.93 KES 3,992

$29.68 KES 3,831

4.21%

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$38.39 KES 4,955

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$19.26 KES 2,486

Cinema Ticket

$3.82 KES 493

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

$61.7 KES 7,957

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$11.84 KES 1,528

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$38.59 KES 4,980

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$19.00 KES 2,452

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$116 KES 15.0K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$92.7 KES 12.0K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$386 KES 49.9K

$270 KES 34.8K

43.36%

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$147 KES 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

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 $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.

Supermarket bills run roughly 95% higher in Malindi. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

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.

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.