The cost of living in Tanzania in 2026 is about TSh 1.1–1.5 million (~$420–$570) a month for a single person living simply outside central Dar es Salaam, and about TSh 2.7–3.7 million (~$1,025–$1,405) for a comfortable single life in a better part of the city. A couple should plan on roughly TSh 2.6–4.3 million (~$990–$1,630), and a family of four about TSh 4.3–8.0 million (~$1,630–$3,040) before international school fees. Dollar figures use the Bank of Tanzania mean rate of about TSh 2,634 per US dollar (early October 2026). Rent is the biggest variable. A one-bedroom outside central Dar es Salaam averages about TSh 516,000 (~$196), while one in the center averages about TSh 1.48 million (~$563). Local food and city buses stay cheap, but fuel, transport fares, and private schooling have risen. Below you’ll find city rents, utilities, food prices, transport costs, healthcare, taxes, wages, visa fees, and sample budgets.
Quick Answer
- Single person: TSh 1.1–1.5 million (~$420–$570) on a lean budget; TSh 2.7–3.7 million (~$1,025–$1,405) for a comfortable one in Dar es Salaam.
- Couple: TSh 2.6–4.3 million (~$990–$1,630) a month.
- Family of four: TSh 4.3–8.0 million (~$1,630–$3,040) before international school fees.
- Rent, one-bedroom in Dar es Salaam: about TSh 516,000 (~$196) outside the center; about TSh 1.48 million (~$563) in the center.
- Utilities: about TSh 143,000–150,000 (~$54–$57) a month for an 85 m² apartment; home internet adds about TSh 90,000–100,000 (~$34–$38).
- Transport: TSh 1,000 (~$0.38) per BRT bus ride in Dar es Salaam; petrol about TSh 3,800 (~$1.44) a liter.
- Minimum wage 2026: set by sector, from TSh 80,000 to TSh 765,900 a month; TSh 175,000 (~$66) for sectors not listed separately.
Exchange Rate, Inflation, and Key Numbers for 2026
Three numbers shape what Tanzania costs you this year.
The exchange rate. The Bank of Tanzania mean rate was about TSh 2,634 per US dollar in early October 2026. That is close to the TSh 2,637 rate of mid-2026, so the shilling has been fairly stable this year. Every dollar figure in this guide uses TSh 2,634. At that rate, $100 buys about TSh 263,400.
Inflation. Annual headline inflation was 4.3% in August 2026, up from 4.2% in July, according to National Bureau of Statistics data reported by TanzaniaInvest. Food inflation eased to 3.7%. Transport is the problem area, with prices up 13.8% from a year earlier after fuel spikes in spring 2026.
Fuel. The energy regulator EWURA sets monthly cap prices. Under the September 2026 caps, petrol cost TSh 3,796 (~$1.44) a liter in Dar es Salaam and diesel TSh 3,877 (~$1.47), as reported by the Daily News. Prices are higher inland, for example TSh 4,024 for petrol in Kigoma. EWURA’s October 2026 caps, effective October 7, raised petrol, diesel, and kerosene prices slightly again.
At about TSh 2,634 per dollar, the average reported net salary in Dar es Salaam (about TSh 740,000) equals roughly $281 a month. That is less than the rent on many central one-bedroom apartments.
Cost of Living in Tanzania by City
Dar es Salaam is the most expensive city for housing. The table uses crowd-sourced averages from Numbeo, mostly updated in early October 2026. Dar es Salaam has about 500 recent price entries. Arusha, Zanzibar, Dodoma, and Mwanza have only a few dozen each, so treat those figures as rough guides and check current listings.
| City | 1-Bed, City Center | 1-Bed, Outside Center | Basic Utilities (85 m²) | Inexpensive Meal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | TSh 1,483,000 (~$563) | TSh 516,000 (~$196) | TSh 150,000 (~$57) | TSh 5,000 (~$1.90) |
| Arusha* | TSh 750,000 (~$285) | TSh 625,000 (~$237) | TSh 75,000 (~$28) | TSh 9,100 (~$3.45) |
| Zanzibar* | TSh 394,000 (~$150) | TSh 263,000 (~$100) | TSh 196,000 (~$74) | TSh 12,500 (~$4.75) |
| Dodoma* | — | TSh 250,000 (~$95) | — | TSh 7,000 (~$2.65) |
| Mwanza* | — | — | TSh 175,000 (~$66) | TSh 6,500 (~$2.45) |
| Tanzania average | TSh 1,108,000 (~$421) | TSh 403,000 (~$153) | TSh 143,000 (~$54) | TSh 6,000 (~$2.28) |
*Based on very few reports. Arusha’s figures date from June 2026. Zanzibar’s low rents reflect local housing; furnished homes near tourist beaches and in Stone Town cost much more.
A few patterns stand out:
- Dar es Salaam has the widest gap between central and outer rents. Masaki, Oyster Bay, and Mikocheni command the highest prices, while outer districts are far cheaper. Traffic makes location a money decision, not just a lifestyle one.
- Arusha has a strong safari, tourism, and international-organization market. Local housing is affordable, but furnished homes in expat-favored areas cost much more than the averages.
- Zanzibar prices split sharply between local neighborhoods and the tourist economy. Restaurant meals and imported goods cost more than on the mainland.
- Dodoma and Mwanza usually offer cheaper housing, but fewer international schools, private hospitals, and imported goods.
Housing and Rent
Housing is the largest swing factor in any Tanzania budget. The national average mixes cities and towns with very different markets, so anyone moving to Dar es Salaam should use Dar-specific figures.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent (TSh) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam, 1-bed, city center | 1,483,000 | $563 |
| Dar es Salaam, 1-bed, outside center | 516,000 | $196 |
| Dar es Salaam, 3-bed, city center | 3,521,000 | $1,337 |
| Dar es Salaam, 3-bed, outside center | 1,158,000 | $440 |
| Tanzania average, 3-bed, city center | 1,924,000 | $730 |
| Tanzania average, 3-bed, outside center | 737,000 | $280 |
Some landlords in expat areas quote rent in US dollars. If you earn shillings, ask for a TSh price so your rent doesn’t rise when the exchange rate moves.
Buying is expensive relative to local incomes. Crowd-sourced data put apartment prices at about TSh 4.1 million (~$1,550) per square meter in city centers. Reported 20-year mortgage rates average about 14.5%, so most residents rent.
Questions to Ask Before Renting
Many landlords ask for 6 to 12 months of rent in advance, and an agent fee of about one month’s rent is common. Before you sign, ask:
- How many months must be paid up front, and is there a refundable deposit?
- Is the rent fixed in shillings or tied to the dollar?
- Which utilities, security, and waste collection are included?
- Is there a water tank, a backup generator, or solar power for outages?
- Who pays for repairs?
- How long is the commute at rush hour?
- Is fiber internet available in the building?
Utilities, Internet, and Phone
Basic utilities (electricity, water, and garbage) for an 85 m² apartment average about TSh 143,000 (~$54) a month nationwide and about TSh 150,000 (~$57) in Dar es Salaam. Most homes use prepaid LUKU electricity meters from TANESCO, so you buy units in advance by mobile money. Air conditioning is the main thing that pushes bills up in hot, humid Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
Power cuts and water interruptions still happen in some areas. Many households pay extra for water storage tanks, water delivery, or a generator or solar backup. Ask the landlord for recent bills before you sign.
Other monthly connections:
- Home internet (60+ Mbps): about TSh 100,000 (~$38) on average; about TSh 90,000 (~$34) in Dar es Salaam.
- Mobile plan with calls and 10 GB+ of data: about TSh 24,000–26,000 (~$9–$10).
- Mobile money: M-Pesa, Mixx by Yas, and Airtel Money are used for rent, utilities, and shopping. Transfer and withdrawal fees add up, so compare them.
Food: Groceries and Dining Out
A single person who cooks mostly local food spends about TSh 300,000–400,000 (~$115–$150) a month on groceries. Imported cereal, cheese, wine, and packaged snacks can double that. Prices are lowest at local markets such as Kariakoo in Dar es Salaam and highest at upscale supermarkets.
Average national prices in October 2026:
| Item | Typical Cost (TSh) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 liter) | 2,286 | $0.87 |
| Bread (1 lb loaf) | 1,640 | $0.62 |
| Rice (1 lb) | 1,240 | $0.47 |
| Eggs (12) | 5,451 | $2.07 |
| Chicken fillets (1 lb) | 5,297 | $2.01 |
| Beef (1 lb) | 4,709 | $1.79 |
| Bananas (1 lb) | 1,264 | $0.48 |
| Tomatoes (1 lb) | 1,104 | $0.42 |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | 15,000 | $5.69 |
Eating out at local places is very cheap. A plate of rice, beans, and stew, or chips mayai (a fries omelet), costs a few thousand shillings at a mama lishe food stall. Other common prices:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: about TSh 6,000 (~$2.28)
- Three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: about TSh 50,000 (~$19)
- Fast-food combo meal: about TSh 20,000 (~$7.60)
- Cappuccino: about TSh 5,100 (~$1.93)
- Domestic beer (pint): about TSh 2,600 (~$0.98)
Transportation and Getting Around
Public transport is cheap, but travel times in Dar es Salaam can be long. Most people use daladala minibuses, the BRT rapid bus system, bajaji (three-wheel taxis), and bodaboda motorcycle taxis.
| Item | Typical Cost (TSh) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| BRT bus ride, Dar es Salaam | 1,000 | $0.38 |
| Daladala or local bus, one way | about 650 | $0.25 |
| Monthly transport pass (reported average) | 39,000 | $15 |
| Taxi start | about 4,400 | $1.66 |
| Petrol (1 liter, Dar es Salaam, Sept. cap) | 3,796 | $1.44 |
| Diesel (1 liter, Dar es Salaam, Sept. cap) | 3,877 | $1.47 |
| New Toyota Corolla (or similar) | about 65.5 million | $24,850 |
The BRT fare rose from TSh 750 to TSh 1,000 in August 2025. The transport regulator LATRA describes it as an interim fare while new fare proposals are prepared, so it may change. A daily BRT commuter spends about TSh 44,000 (~$17) a month on 22 workdays.
Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Uber are widely used in Dar es Salaam and Arusha and are usually cheaper than street taxis. Owning a car is expensive. Fuel, insurance, repairs, parking, and import duty on used cars make car-based living far costlier than a transit budget.
Healthcare and Insurance
Tanzania has public hospitals, faith-based hospitals, and private clinics. Public care is cheap but often crowded. Most expats use private hospitals in Dar es Salaam, such as Aga Khan Hospital, or in Arusha, and pay cash or use insurance.
The U.S. State Department’s Tanzania page notes that ambulance service is limited, that clinics generally expect cash, and that hospitals may ask for payment or proof of insurance before treatment. It strongly recommends insurance that covers medical evacuation, because serious cases are often flown to Nairobi or South Africa.
Budget guidance:
- Local workers: the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) covers formal-sector employees through payroll contributions.
- Private local insurance: plans for one adult often run in the low hundreds of thousands of shillings a month, depending on age and hospital network.
- International health insurance with evacuation: usually the largest health cost for foreigners, often $100–$300 or more a month depending on age and coverage.
- Malaria prevention: budget for mosquito nets, repellent, and prescribed antimalarials.
Schools and Childcare
Families face the widest cost range. Crowd-sourced averages for Dar es Salaam show:
- International primary school: about TSh 35.1 million (~$13,330) a year per child. Top schools charge more, plus registration fees, capital levies, buses, and uniforms.
- Private full-day preschool: about TSh 1.5 million (~$569) a month per child.
- Public schools: primary teaching is in Swahili, and fees are low, but most expat families choose private English-medium schools.
For a family with two children in international school, tuition alone adds about TSh 5.85 million (~$2,220) a month.
Taxes: VAT and Income Tax
- VAT: 18% on mainland Tanzania and 15% in Zanzibar for most goods and services, according to PwC’s Tanzania tax summary. It is included in shelf prices.
- Social security: 20% of gross salary, usually split 10% employee and 10% employer.
- Income tax (PAYE): residents pay progressive rates from 0% to 30% on monthly income. Non-residents pay a flat 15% on employment income.
Resident monthly PAYE bands, per PwC (reviewed September 2026):
| Monthly Taxable Income (TSh) | Tax |
|---|---|
| 0–270,000 (~$103) | 0% |
| 270,000–520,000 | 8% of the amount over 270,000 |
| 520,000–760,000 | 20,000 + 20% of the amount over 520,000 |
| 760,000–1,000,000 | 68,000 + 25% of the amount over 760,000 |
| Over 1,000,000 (~$380) | 128,000 + 30% of the amount over 1,000,000 |
Example: on a gross salary of TSh 1.5 million, the employee pays TSh 150,000 in social security and about TSh 233,000 in PAYE, leaving roughly TSh 1.12 million (~$424) take-home pay.
Salaries and Minimum Wage
Crowd-sourced data put the average net salary at about TSh 647,000 (~$246) a month nationwide and about TSh 740,000 (~$281) in Dar es Salaam. These are not official statistics, and pay varies widely by sector and employer. Many local households share housing, live far from the center, or pool several incomes.
Tanzania has no single national minimum wage. The Minimum Wage for Private Sector Order, 2025 set new sector rates from January 1, 2026:
| Sector or Category | Monthly Minimum (TSh) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic workers (general) | 80,000 | $30 |
| Domestic workers for diplomats or major business owners | 328,000 | $125 |
| Agriculture (crops and livestock); sectors not listed | 175,000 | $66 |
| Small hotels, bars, and restaurants | 195,000 | $74 |
| Trade and business | 200,500 | $76 |
| Tour guides | 320,000 | $121 |
| Telecommunication services | 644,000 | $245 |
| Commercial banks | 733,000 | $278 |
These are legal floors, not typical pay. If you hire household help, the general domestic-worker minimum is TSh 80,000, but many employers in Dar es Salaam pay more.
Visas and Residence Permits
Tourist entry is not permission to live or work in Tanzania. According to the Tanzania eVisa guidelines, an ordinary visa costs $50 and allows up to 90 days. US citizens can’t get an ordinary visa and must buy the $100 multiple-entry visa, valid up to 12 months but with no more than 90 days per visit.
Stays longer than 90 days need a residence permit. Fees from the Immigration Department’s permit guidelines for most non-East African applicants:
| Permit | Fee | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| Class A-3 (investor) | $3,000 | self-employed investors and business owners |
| Class B-1 (employment) | $2,000 | employees of a specific employer; a work permit is also needed |
| Class B-3 (short-term) | $500 | employment of up to 6 months |
| Class C-2 (retiree) | $500 | age 55+, with assured income to support yourself and dependents |
| Class C-5 (volunteer) | $200 | volunteers with registered organizations |
Fees and documents change, so confirm them on the official portal before paying. Work permits from the Labour Commissioner carry separate fees.
One-Time Setup Costs
Budget for these before your first month:
- Visa or permit: $100 for a US multiple-entry visa; $500–$3,000 for most residence permits.
- Rent in advance: often 6–12 months up front. For a TSh 516,000 apartment, six months is about TSh 3.1 million (~$1,175).
- Agent fee: commonly one month’s rent.
- Furnishing an unfurnished place: beds, fridge, stove, fans, and water storage can run several million shillings.
- Backup power and water: a water tank or small solar or inverter setup if the building lacks one.
- Health insurance: international coverage with evacuation should start the day you arrive.
Sample Monthly Budgets
These budgets combine the Dar es Salaam averages above. They are planning estimates, not official figures. Smaller cities cost less; furnished homes in Masaki or Oyster Bay cost more.
| Expense (TSh) | Single, Lean | Single, Comfortable | Couple | Family of Four |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | 400,000–515,000 | 1,000,000–1,480,000 | 700,000–1,480,000 | 1,160,000–3,520,000 |
| Utilities | 100,000–150,000 | 150,000–200,000 | 150,000–200,000 | 200,000–300,000 |
| Internet + mobile | 25,000–50,000 | 115,000–125,000 | 140,000–150,000 | 150,000 |
| Groceries | 300,000–380,000 | 450,000–550,000 | 700,000–850,000 | 1,400,000–1,700,000 |
| Eating out + leisure | 80,000–120,000 | 300,000–400,000 | 300,000–500,000 | 300,000–500,000 |
| Transport | 50,000–80,000 | 200,000–300,000 | 200,000–350,000 | 300,000–500,000 |
| Health coverage | 40,000–60,000 | 150,000–250,000 | 250,000–450,000 | 400,000–700,000 |
| Gym or household help | — | 170,000 | — | 80,000–265,000 |
| Personal + other | 100,000–150,000 | 150,000–200,000 | 200,000–300,000 | 300,000–400,000 |
| Total (TSh) | 1.1–1.5 million | 2.7–3.7 million | 2.6–4.3 million | 4.3–8.0 million |
| Total (USD) | $420–$570 | $1,025–$1,405 | $990–$1,630 | $1,630–$3,040 |
Family of four: Numbeo’s estimate for a family of four in Dar es Salaam is about TSh 4.5 million (~$1,705) a month before rent, which sits inside the range above once you add a three-bedroom outside the center. International school for two children pushes the total to roughly TSh 10.2–13.9 million (~$3,855–$5,260).
Salary vs. costs: the lean single budget is 1.5 to 2 times the average reported net salary in Dar es Salaam. Foreigners on local contracts should negotiate housing, health insurance, and school fees as part of the package.
Money-Saving Tips
- Live near work or a BRT line. A cheaper apartment far out can cost more once you add taxis and hours in traffic.
- Shop at local markets. Seasonal produce, rice, beans, and local meat cost far less than imported supermarket goods.
- Negotiate the advance. Some landlords accept 3–6 months up front instead of 12, especially on longer leases.
- Ask for rent in shillings. Dollar-linked rent rises whenever the shilling weakens.
- Use ride-hailing over street taxis for short trips, and the BRT for regular commutes.
- Watch the air conditioning. Prepaid electricity runs out fast in the coastal heat.
- Negotiate benefits. Employer-paid housing, insurance, and school fees can be worth more than a salary raise.
Safety Notes
The US State Department has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory for Tanzania, citing unrest, crime, terrorism, and the targeting of LGBTQ+ people. Petty theft and bag snatching are common in busy parts of Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Many expats budget for a security guard or a gated building, which raises rent. Read the latest advisory before you move.
How Tanzania Compares With Nearby Countries
Tanzania is one of the cheaper places to live in East Africa, especially on rent outside the center. The cost of living in Kenya is a little higher, with a lean single budget of about $445–$645 a month and a comfortable Nairobi life around $1,015–$1,370. The cost of living in Rwanda runs higher still in Kigali, at about $710–$825 for a simple single budget. To the south, compare the cost of living in Mozambique, where Maputo is notably pricier, and the cost of living in Malawi, which is similar on a lean budget but has much higher inflation. Our guide to the cost of living in Uganda covers Kampala, another common comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need to live in Tanzania per month?
A single person needs about TSh 1.1–1.5 million (~$420–$570) a month for a simple life outside central Dar es Salaam, and about TSh 2.7–3.7 million (~$1,025–$1,405) for a comfortable one. A couple should budget about TSh 2.6–4.3 million (~$990–$1,630), and a family of four about TSh 4.3–8.0 million (~$1,630–$3,040) before international school fees.
Is $500 a month enough to live in Tanzania?
Yes, for a lean local lifestyle. At about TSh 2,634 per dollar, $500 is roughly TSh 1.32 million. That covers a simple one-bedroom outside central Dar es Salaam or in a smaller city, local food, and buses. It does not cover a central apartment, imported groceries, or international health insurance.
How much is rent in Dar es Salaam in 2026?
A one-bedroom apartment averages about TSh 1.48 million (~$563) a month in the city center and about TSh 516,000 (~$196) outside it. A three-bedroom averages about TSh 3.52 million (~$1,337) in the center and TSh 1.16 million (~$440) outside. Many landlords ask for 6 to 12 months of rent in advance.
Which city in Tanzania is cheapest to live in?
Dodoma and Mwanza usually have lower rents than Dar es Salaam, with one-bedrooms outside the center in Dodoma reported at about TSh 250,000 (~$95). Dar es Salaam is the most expensive city for housing. Local neighborhoods in Zanzibar can be cheap, but tourist areas cost more.
What is the minimum wage in Tanzania in 2026?
Tanzania sets minimum wages by sector. Since January 1, 2026, they range from TSh 80,000 a month for general domestic workers to TSh 765,900 for international energy companies. The rate for sectors not listed separately is TSh 175,000 (~$66).
How much does a Tanzania visa or residence permit cost?
An ordinary tourist visa costs $50, but US citizens must buy the $100 multiple-entry visa, which allows up to 90 days per visit. Residence permits for most non-East African applicants cost $500 for retirees, $2,000 for employees, and $3,000 for investors.
Is Tanzania cheaper than Kenya?
Generally yes, by a small margin. A lean single budget in Tanzania is about $420–$570 a month, compared with about $445–$645 in Kenya. Rents outside central Dar es Salaam are lower than outside central Nairobi, but imported goods and international schools cost about the same.
Conclusion
Tanzania is affordable by US and European standards, especially if you live like a local. A single person can manage on about $420–$570 a month outside central Dar es Salaam, while a comfortable expat-style life costs closer to $1,025–$1,405. Rent, rent paid in advance, health insurance, and school fees drive most of the difference. Fuel and transport have been the fastest-rising costs in 2026, so leave room in your budget. Pick your city and neighborhood first, plan in shillings, and check the exchange rate before you commit.
Sources
- Bank of Tanzania – exchange rates
- TanzaniaInvest – NBS inflation, August 2026
- Daily News – EWURA fuel caps, September 2026
- EWURA – October 2026 petroleum caps
- The Guardian (Tanzania) – BRT interim fare
- Labour Institutions (Minimum Wage for Private Sector) Order, 2025
- PwC – Tanzania personal income tax
- PwC – Tanzania VAT and other taxes
- Tanzania Immigration – eVisa guidelines
- Tanzania Immigration – residence permit guidelines
- U.S. Department of State – Tanzania country information
- Numbeo – Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, Dodoma, Mwanza (crowd-sourced averages, October 2026)
