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

Monthly Cost of Living

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

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

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

Living in Malindi is roughly 462% more expensive than in Kisii, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

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

$1.52 KES 196

$1.30 KES 168

16.92%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.94 KES 122

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.47 KES 448

$1.79 KES 231

93.85%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.58 KES 462

$2.26 KES 292

58.41%

Milk (1 liter)

$0.91 KES 118

White Bread (500g)

$0.52 KES 66.7

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.23 KES 158

Eggs

$2.96 KES 382

$1.88 KES 243

57.45%

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)

$1.44 KES 186

$1.57 KES 203

-8.28%

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 Malindi: July 13, 2026

Last update for Kisii: July 11, 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 Kisii: 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 $544 in Malindi and $96.8 in Kisii 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 $363 per month in Malindi versus $64.5 in Kisii – 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.