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

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $350 per month in Malindi vs $166 in Siaya, rent included.

A couple spends around $573 per month in Malindi vs $267 in Siaya, rent included.

A family of three spends $796 per month in Malindi vs $368 in Siaya, rent included.

Malindi costs about 111% more than Siaya, driven mainly by Eating Out.

Both Malindi and Siaya are more affordable than the global median – Malindi 74% lower, Siaya 88% 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

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.55 KES 458

Milk (1 liter)

$0.98 KES 127

$0.79 KES 103

24.05%

White Bread (500g)

$0.44 KES 57.4

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.21 KES 156

$1.26 KES 163

-3.97%

Eggs

$2.99 KES 386

$1.66 KES 214

80.12%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.40 KES 1,471

$9.32 KES 1,203

22.32%

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.20 KES 800

$5.30 KES 684

16.98%

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.94 KES 637

$4.06 KES 524

21.67%

Apples (1kg)

$3.16 KES 407

$1.88 KES 243

68.09%

Banana (1kg)

$0.78 KES 101

$1.02 KES 132

-23.53%

Oranges (1kg)

$2.63 KES 340

$1.54 KES 198

70.78%

Tomato (1kg)

$0.72 KES 93.2

$0.92 KES 119

-21.74%

Potato (1kg)

$0.75 KES 96.5

$0.79 KES 102

-5.06%

Onion (1kg)

$0.71 KES 92.3

$0.83 KES 107

-14.46%

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.52 KES 66.8

$0.55 KES 70.7

-5.45%

Wine (Bottle)

$19.39 KES 2,503

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

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$38.39 KES 4,955

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: April 27, 2026

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

Malindi costs about 111% 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 $525 per month in Malindi and $249 in Siaya. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.

Monthly expenses with rent come to $350 in Malindi and $166 in Siaya. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.

Interestingly, groceries are about 10% cheaper in Malindi – one category where the pricier city actually offers better value, probably thanks to stronger retail competition or local farming.

$1,000 covers both cities comfortably – all-in costs are $350 in Malindi and $166 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.