Cost of Living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tanzania · Africa
$750
Monthly Cost
avg/person
28
Cost Index
NYC=100
24
Rent Index
NYC=100
46
Quality of Life
Below Average
50
Safety Index
Moderate
6.7M
Population
TZS
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $3 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $12 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $4 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.4 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.25 |
| Monthly Pass | $12 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.4 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.4 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $32000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $26000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $55 |
| Mobile Plan | $7 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $28 |
| Fitness Club/month | $22 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $320/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $180/mo |
| 3BR Center | $750/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $420/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,200/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $650/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $400 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 17% |
View Cost of Living in Tanzania
Cost of Living in Dar es Salaam — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is approximately $750 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Dar es Salaam has a cost index of 28, making it around 72% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Dar es Salaam costs around $180/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $320/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $750/month. The rent index is 24 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Dar es Salaam scores 46/100 on the quality of life index and 50/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 42/100. The climate index is 62/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Dar es Salaam is approximately $400/month. With a purchasing power index of 34/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is TZS, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Dar es Salaam
The average monthly salary in Dar es Salaam is approximately $400. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $750, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 34/100.
Healthcare Costs in Dar es Salaam
Healthcare quality in Dar es Salaam is rated 42/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam has a quality of life score of 46/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Dar es Salaam
Students living in Dar es Salaam should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Dar es Salaam
Expats moving to Dar es Salaam often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is approximately $750 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 28 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Dar es Salaam
Living in Dar es Salaam offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 28 and a quality of life score of 46/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $400 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Dar es Salaam provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Tanzania and around the world.
Key Facts About Dar es Salaam
- Average Monthly Cost: $750
- Cost Index: 28
- Rent Index: 24
- Average Salary: $400
- Quality of Life: 46/100
- Safety Score: 50/100
- Country: Tanzania
- Currency: TZS
Is Dar es Salaam Expensive?
Dar es Salaam has a cost index of 28 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Dar es Salaam compare to other cities?
Dar es Salaam is located in Africa with a population of approximately 6.7M. At a cost index of 28 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Dar es Salaam stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dar es Salaam?
The average cost of living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is approximately $750 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 28 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Dar es Salaam?
Rent in Dar es Salaam varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 24 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Dar es Salaam alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Dar es Salaam expensive to live in?
Dar es Salaam has a cost index of 28 compared to New York City (100). At 28, Dar es Salaam is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $750.
What is the quality of life in Dar es Salaam?
Dar es Salaam has a quality of life index of 46/100 and a safety index of 50/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Dar es Salaam compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Dar es Salaam with any city worldwide. Dar es Salaam's cost index is 28 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Dar es Salaam?
Many residents live comfortably in Dar es Salaam with a monthly budget of around $750 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Dar es Salaam good for expats?
Dar es Salaam is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Dar es Salaam?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $750 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Dar es Salaam.
Is Dar es Salaam cheaper than New York?
Yes, Dar es Salaam has a cost index of 28 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Dar es Salaam?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Dar es Salaam.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Dar es Salaam
Cheapest Ways to Live in Dar es Salaam
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Dar es Salaam typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $180/month compared to $320/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Is Dar es Salaam Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 34/100 and a quality of life score of 46/100, Dar es Salaam is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 28 relative to New York City, Dar es Salaam remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Tanzania has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Dar es Salaam Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Dar es Salaam", "Dar es Salaam monthly expenses 2026", and "is Dar es Salaam affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $750, a safety score of 50/100, and healthcare rated 42/100, Dar es Salaam offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Tanzania.
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