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: $344 in Malindi versus $64.9 in Kisii.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $574 in Malindi versus $101 in Kisii.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $804 in Malindi versus $137 in Kisii.

Living in Malindi is roughly 430% more expensive than Kisii, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Malindi 74% lower, Kisii 95% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.18 KES 283

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$31.16 KES 4,037

Cappuccino

$1.43 KES 185

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

$1.58 KES 205

$1.34 KES 174

17.91%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.89 KES 115

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.40 KES 441

$1.81 KES 234

87.85%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.55 KES 460

$2.37 KES 307

49.79%

Milk (1 liter)

$0.91 KES 118

White Bread (500g)

$0.48 KES 62.6

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.27 KES 165

Eggs

$2.98 KES 387

$1.88 KES 243

58.51%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.55 KES 1,496

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.17 KES 799

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.09 KES 659

Apples (1kg)

$3.18 KES 412

Banana (1kg)

$0.79 KES 102

Oranges (1kg)

$2.77 KES 359

Tomato (1kg)

$0.71 KES 91.8

Potato (1kg)

$0.81 KES 105

Onion (1kg)

$0.66 KES 86.1

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.49 KES 63.5

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.38 KES 49.01

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$15.43 KES 1,999

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.75 KES 97.0

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.41 KES 183

$1.62 KES 210

-12.96%

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$11.5K KES 1.5M

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

$77.3 KES 10.0K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$31.26 KES 4,049

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$38.10 KES 4,935

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$380 KES 49.3K

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

Last update for Malindi: June 1, 2026

Last update for Kisii: June 1, 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 430% 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 $516 in Malindi and $97.3 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 1128% higher in Malindi. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $344 per month in Malindi versus $64.9 in Kisii – a 430% 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 430% less than in Malindi. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.