Cost of Living Comparison Between Malindi and Siaya Cost of Living Comparison Between Malindi and Siaya

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $364 per month in Malindi vs $128 in Siaya, rent included.

A couple spends around $596 per month in Malindi vs $221 in Siaya, rent included.

A family of three spends $829 per month in Malindi vs $315 in Siaya, rent included.

Malindi costs about 185% more than Siaya, driven mainly by Eating Out.

Both Malindi and Siaya are more affordable than the global median – Malindi 73% lower, Siaya 90% 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

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.40 KES 439

Milk (1 liter)

$0.98 KES 127

$0.74 KES 95.6

32.43%

White Bread (500g)

$0.44 KES 57.1

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.26 KES 163

$1.20 KES 156

5.00%

Eggs

$2.91 KES 376

$1.71 KES 221

70.18%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.44 KES 1,479

$9.54 KES 1,233

19.92%

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.05 KES 781

$5.55 KES 717

9.01%

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.15 KES 665

$4.07 KES 526

26.54%

Apples (1kg)

$3.05 KES 395

$1.81 KES 234

68.51%

Banana (1kg)

$0.76 KES 97.9

$1.07 KES 138

-28.97%

Oranges (1kg)

$2.64 KES 341

$1.54 KES 199

71.43%

Tomato (1kg)

$0.71 KES 91.3

$0.88 KES 113

-19.32%

Potato (1kg)

$0.75 KES 96.4

$0.77 KES 99.7

-2.60%

Onion (1kg)

$0.71 KES 92.2

$0.85 KES 110

-16.47%

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.52 KES 67.4

$0.55 KES 70.8

-5.45%

Wine (Bottle)

$7.65 KES 989

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.37 KES 177

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

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$38.06 KES 4,919

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$382 KES 49.3K

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

Last update for Malindi: July 26, 2026

Last update for Siaya: July 25, 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 Siaya: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Malindi costs about 185% more than Siaya, with the gap driven mainly by Eating Out. That's enough to noticeably affect everyday spending and lifestyle for anyone choosing between the two.

For a comfortable life, plan on about $546 per month in Malindi and $191 in Siaya. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.

Monthly expenses with rent come to $364 in Malindi and $128 in Siaya. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.

Groceries cost about 29% more in Malindi, though it depends on what you buy. Local produce may be comparable; imported and premium items show the biggest price gap.

$1,000 covers both cities comfortably – all-in costs are $364 in Malindi and $128 in Siaya, leaving budget for savings and extras in both cases.

Families tend to lean toward Siaya – lower housing and cheaper childcare make a real difference, especially on a single income or when paying for private education.

If budget matters most, go with Siaya. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Malindi makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.