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Malindi, Kenya

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$710
Retiree Score
47.0
Safety Index
52.0
Healthcare
2 facilities

Tourism may be Malindi's bread and butter, but the reality is a population of just 54,000 people - far smaller than the 119,859 reported in the 2019 census. While the town boasts historic sites like the Vasco da Gama Pillar, the climate is a tropical dry savanna, and bureaucracy has been a persistent headache since the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century. Malindi may appeal to those seeking a quieter, more traditional Swahili experience, but it's no bustling metropolis.

Can I afford Malindi?

$

Malindi

You could save

2,290/mo

Savings Rate76%

Monthly Costs

Rent $290
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$420

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
76/100
Retiree Score
(i)
47/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
60/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Kenya Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
52
Safety
2
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $3
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$6

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$2
Meal (Mid-range) $31
Cappuccino *$2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $77
Mobile Plan (mo) *$9
Gym (mo) *$39
Cinema Ticket *$5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $174
1BR Outside (mo) *$84
3BR Center (mo) $333
3BR Outside (mo) *$231

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Casuarina, Silversands, Marine Park
Best For
retirees, marine enthusiasts

Expat Life Notes

A coastal town with a heavy Italian influence. It offers a relaxed lifestyle popular with retirees and marine conservationists.

Pros

  • ✓ Beautiful white sand beaches
  • ✓ Excellent Italian food
  • ✓ Affordable coastal living

Cons

  • ✗ Safety issues after dark
  • ✗ High humidity
  • ✗ Tourist-centric economic divide

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1410 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Malindi

Click any question to expand the answer.

Malindi has a population of approximately 54,000 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $725 per month in Malindi, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $290/month.

The nearest airport to Malindi is MBA, approximately 108km away.

Malindi is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 52.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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