Cost of Living in Malindi - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $274 (excluding rent), and $356 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $737 (excluding rent), and $811 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.14 KES 277
$1.56 KES 202
$2.73 KES 352
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$30.45 KES 3,935
$22.83 KES 2,951
$38.05 KES 4,918
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.53 KES 198
-
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.91 KES 117
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.41 KES 440
-
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.58 KES 463
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.95 KES 123
-
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.25 KES 162
-
Eggs
$2.91 KES 375
-
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.59 KES 1,498
-
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6 KES 775
-
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$5.11 KES 660
-
Apples (1kg)
$3.18 KES 410
-
Banana (1kg)
$0.75 KES 96.9
-
Oranges (1kg)
$2.74 KES 354
-
Tomato (1kg)
$0.72 KES 92.7
-
Potato (1kg)
$0.79 KES 103
-
Onion (1kg)
$0.7 KES 90.9
-
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.48 KES 62.4
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🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.37 KES 177
$1.29 KES 167
$1.46 KES 189
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$76.5 KES 9,890
-
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$30.47 KES 3,939
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$38.62 KES 4,991
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$394 KES 51K
-
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Malindi - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability in Malindi compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find good value here?
Malindi offers a balance of affordability and lifestyle that serves travelers, expats, and digital nomads who value sun and sea without overpaying. You’ll find everyday expenses and casual dining reasonable when compared with larger cities or more touristy spots along the coast. A mix of traditional markets, laid‑back cafés, and modest housing options gives you room to budget thoughtfully or treat yourself now and then. Costs vary by neighborhood and season, so you can tailor your stay from quieter inland streets to lively beachfront lanes. Understanding Cost of Living in Malindi, Kenya helps you frame your plan as you settle in. Tip: Start with a simple monthly plan that covers housing, groceries, transport, and occasional leisure.
What does daily life look like in Malindi for housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Daily life in Malindi blends beachside charm with practical routines. Start your housing search by looking at a range of options – from simple houses near the Old Town to newer setups inland that may offer more space for work or family. For food, you’ll enjoy vibrant markets, fish stalls, and casual eateries with local flavors. Transport is flexible: tuk-tuks and shared taxis handle short trips, while walking or cycling fits the slower pace on many streets. When you run errands, plan to visit different markets to balance freshness and price. Malindi living cost can guide where you base your routine and budget. Tip: map a weekly route to minimize backtracking and save time.
What strategies help you optimize quality of life, budgeting, seasonal patterns, and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Malindi hinges on choosing a neighborhood that fits your rhythm and pace. If you value quick access to beaches and a social scene, a waterfront zone can be rewarding yet busier, while inland pockets offer quieter mornings and easier long‑term housing deals. A practical budgeting framework blends fixed costs like rent with flexible daily spending for markets, utilities, and occasional outings. Embrace seasonality: some months bring better accommodation deals and more open local markets, while peak periods draw visitors and crowds. For remote work, seek co‑working spots with dependable power and a community that matches your culture. Tip: try a couple of months in a chosen area before committing.
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