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Cost of Living in Malindi

Malindi, Kilifi, Kenya · Population 54,000

▼ -6% vs Kenya average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)KSh51,600 ($400)
Couple, monthlyKSh91,913 ($713)
Family of four, monthlyKSh119,186 ($924)

Estimated Prices in Malindi

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantKSh542 ($4.20)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeKSh2,167 ($16.80)per meal
CappuccinoKSh163 ($1.26)each
Monthly groceries (single person)KSh12,281 ($95.20)per month
Monthly public transport passKSh1,987 ($15.40)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentKSh5,237 ($40.60)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)KSh1,517 ($11.76)per month
Fitness club membershipKSh1,517 ($11.76)per month
Cinema ticketKSh397 ($3.08)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreKSh22,253 ($173)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreKSh15,480 ($120)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreKSh46,440 ($360)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Malindi is KSh51,600 ($400) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of KSh51,600 ($400) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly KSh67,080 ($520) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (KSh15,480 ($120)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Malindi

Malindi vs NairobiMalindi vs MombasaMalindi vs NakuruMalindi vs EldoretMalindi vs KisumuMalindi vs Dadaab

Nearby Cities

Kilifi

55 km away · Kilifi

Witu

99 km away · Lamu

Mombasa

105 km away · Mombasa

Kwale

129 km away · Kwale

Ukunda

133 km away · Kwale

Lamu

137 km away · Lamu

Msambweni

156 km away · Kwale

Voi

173 km away · Taita/Taveta

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malindi expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated KSh51,600 ($400) per month in Malindi including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Kenya.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Malindi?
A net salary of around KSh67,080 ($520) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Malindi with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Malindi is KSh51,600 ($400).
How much is rent in Malindi?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated KSh22,253 ($173) per month in the city centre and KSh15,480 ($120) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about KSh46,440 ($360).
Is Malindi cheaper than Kenya on average?
Yes — Malindi is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Kenya average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
Figures for Malindi are estimates based on Kenya national averages adjusted for city size (population 54,000). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.