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

Monthly Cost of Living

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

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

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

Siaya is about 65% cheaper than Malindi, driven mainly by Eating Out.

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

$0.74 KES 95.6

$0.98 KES 127

-24.49%

White Bread (500g)

$0.44 KES 57.1

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.20 KES 156

$1.26 KES 163

-4.76%

Eggs

$1.71 KES 221

$2.91 KES 376

-41.24%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.54 KES 1,233

$11.44 KES 1,479

-16.61%

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.55 KES 717

$6.05 KES 781

-8.26%

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.07 KES 526

$5.15 KES 665

-20.97%

Apples (1kg)

$1.81 KES 234

$3.05 KES 395

-40.66%

Banana (1kg)

$1.07 KES 138

$0.76 KES 97.9

40.79%

Oranges (1kg)

$1.54 KES 199

$2.64 KES 341

-41.67%

Tomato (1kg)

$0.88 KES 113

$0.71 KES 91.3

23.94%

Potato (1kg)

$0.77 KES 99.7

$0.75 KES 96.4

2.67%

Onion (1kg)

$0.85 KES 110

$0.71 KES 92.2

19.72%

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.55 KES 70.8

$0.52 KES 67.4

5.77%

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 Siaya: July 25, 2026

Last update for Malindi: July 26, 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 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 $191 per month in Siaya and $546 in Malindi. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.

Monthly expenses with rent come to $128 in Siaya and $364 in Malindi. 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 $128 in Siaya and $364 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.