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

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $130 per month in Siaya vs $348 in Malindi, rent included.

A couple spends around $220 per month in Siaya vs $571 in Malindi, rent included.

A family of three spends $309 per month in Siaya vs $794 in Malindi, rent included.

Siaya is about 63% cheaper than Malindi, driven mainly by Eating Out.

Both Siaya and Malindi are more affordable than the global median – Siaya 90% lower, Malindi 74% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.12 KES 274

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$30.55 KES 3,962

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

$1.60 KES 207

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.91 KES 119

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.57 KES 463

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.56 KES 461

Milk (1 liter)

$0.76 KES 98.4

$0.97 KES 126

-21.65%

White Bread (500g)

$0.45 KES 58.1

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.26 KES 163

$1.27 KES 164

-0.79%

Eggs

$1.69 KES 220

$2.92 KES 379

-42.12%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.42 KES 1,221

$11.84 KES 1,535

-20.44%

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.49 KES 712

$6.05 KES 785

-9.26%

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.90 KES 506

$5.11 KES 662

-23.68%

Apples (1kg)

$1.83 KES 237

$3.03 KES 393

-39.60%

Banana (1kg)

$1.04 KES 135

$0.78 KES 101

33.33%

Oranges (1kg)

$1.58 KES 205

$2.67 KES 347

-40.82%

Tomato (1kg)

$0.94 KES 122

$0.67 KES 87.3

40.30%

Potato (1kg)

$0.80 KES 103

$0.75 KES 97.4

6.67%

Onion (1kg)

$0.84 KES 108

$0.70 KES 91.0

20.00%

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.51 KES 66.4

$0.48 KES 62.0

6.25%

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.36 KES 176

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

$76.8 KES 9,957

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$30.80 KES 3,993

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$38.73 KES 5,021

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$392 KES 50.8K

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

Last update for Siaya: June 9, 2026

Last update for Malindi: June 7, 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

Siaya vs Malindi: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Malindi costs about 168% 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 $195 per month in Siaya and $522 in Malindi. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.

Monthly expenses with rent come to $130 in Siaya and $348 in Malindi. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.

Groceries cost about 18% 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 $130 in Siaya and $348 in Malindi, 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.