Sub-Saharan Africa Updated
Average Cost of Living in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania
The average cost of living in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania, Tanzania is $390 per month for a single person, and $1,760 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $610 per month. The local average net salary is $284 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 8.9 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $390 / month
- Family of 4
- $1,760 / mo
- Student
- $234 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$283.62 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania. |
Rent & Property Prices in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $610 | $307 – $1,000 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $203 | $96 – $350 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,368 | $690 – $2,510 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $442 | $268 – $780 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $1,532 | $1,400 – $1,664 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,085 | $884 – $1,200 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $610$307 – $1,000
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $203$96 – $350
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,368$690 – $2,510
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $442$268 – $780
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $1,532$1,400 – $1,664
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $1,085$884 – $1,200
Grocery Prices in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $0.94 | $0.65 – $1.34 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $0.68 | $0.38 – $1.15 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.08 | $0.88 – $1.15 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $1.95 | $1.07 – $2.76 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $8.94 | $6.90 – $12 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $4.98 | $2.30 – $6.90 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $4.07 | $3.26 – $5.75 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $2.68 | $1.53 – $3.83 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.05 | $0.57 – $2.68 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $0.99 | $0.38 – $2.68 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $1.03 | $0.57 – $1.92 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $0.91 | $0.46 – $1.15 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.05 | $0.38 – $1.92 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $0.87 | $0.19 – $1.53 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.41 | $0.27 – $0.57 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $6.90 | $5.75 – $7.67 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $0.88 | $0.77 – $0.96 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.56 | $0.96 – $1.92 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $2.30 | $1.92 – $3.83 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $0.94$0.65 – $1.34
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $0.68$0.38 – $1.15
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.08$0.88 – $1.15
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $1.95$1.07 – $2.76
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $8.94$6.90 – $12
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $4.98$2.30 – $6.90
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $4.07$3.26 – $5.75
- Apples (1 kg) $2.68$1.53 – $3.83
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.05$0.57 – $2.68
- Oranges (1 kg) $0.99$0.38 – $2.68
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $1.03$0.57 – $1.92
- Potatoes (1 kg) $0.91$0.46 – $1.15
- Onions (1 kg) $1.05$0.38 – $1.92
- Lettuce (1 Head) $0.87$0.19 – $1.53
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.41$0.27 – $0.57
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $6.90$5.75 – $7.67
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $0.88$0.77 – $0.96
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.56$0.96 – $1.92
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $2.30$1.92 – $3.83
Public Transport & Car Costs in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.25 | $0.19 – $0.25 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $15 | $15 – $15 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $1.68 | $1.44 – $1.92 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.53 | $1.15 – $1.53 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $13 | $13 – $13 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.18 | $1.05 – $1.46 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $16,979 | $16,979 – $24,915 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $26,485 | $16,979 – $50,251 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.25$0.19 – $0.25
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $15$15 – $15
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $1.68$1.44 – $1.92
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.53$1.15 – $1.53
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $13$13 – $13
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.18$1.05 – $1.46
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $16,979$16,979 – $24,915
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $26,485$16,979 – $50,251
Utility & Internet Costs in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $58 | $46 – $153 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $9.10 | $3.83 – $12 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $36 | $27 – $46 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $58$46 – $153
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $9.10$3.83 – $12
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $36$27 – $46
Childcare & Preschool in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $573 | $144 – $1,111 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $13,462 | $10,349 – $19,778 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $573$144 – $1,111
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $13,462$10,349 – $19,778
Clothing Prices in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $14 | $7.67 – $31 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $27 | $13 – $46 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $45 | $27 – $77 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $66 | $19 – $115 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $14$7.67 – $31
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $27$13 – $46
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $45$27 – $77
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $66$19 – $115
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $83 | $58 – $115 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $8.30 | $5.75 – $8.30 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $5.17 | $3.83 – $5.75 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $83$58 – $115
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $8.30$5.75 – $8.30
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $5.17$3.83 – $5.75
Restaurant Prices in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $3.07 | $0.96 – $5.75 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $18 | $12 – $46 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $8.62 | $6.13 – $11 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $0.96 | $0.77 – $1.92 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.92 | $1.34 – $1.92 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $1.95 | $0.77 – $2.68 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $0.38 | $0.38 – $0.38 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.22 | $0.19 – $0.38 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $3.07$0.96 – $5.75
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $18$12 – $46
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $8.62$6.13 – $11
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $0.96$0.77 – $1.92
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.92$1.34 – $1.92
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $1.95$0.77 – $2.68
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $0.38$0.38 – $0.38
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.22$0.19 – $0.38
Salaries & Mortgages in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $284 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 18.25% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $284
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 18.25%
Compare Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Tanzania
Zanzibar-Tanzania
Monthly / 1 person
$318
vs NYC
7.2/100
Mauritius
Centre-de-Flacq-Mauritius
Monthly / 1 person
$402
vs NYC
9.1/100
Nigeria
Kano-Nigeria
Monthly / 1 person
$356
vs NYC
8.1/100
Kenya
Mombasa-Kenya
Monthly / 1 person
$351
vs NYC
8/100
Nigeria
Ikorodu-Nigeria
Monthly / 1 person
$351
vs NYC
8/100
Kenya
Kilifi-Kenya
Monthly / 1 person
$440
vs NYC
10/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania?
- An estimated $390 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania. A family of four needs around $1,760 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $234.
- How much money do I need to live in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania?
- Plan for at least $390 per month as a single person, $1,760 per month for a family of four, or $234 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania.
- What is the average rent in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania rents for around $610 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,368 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania?
- The average monthly net salary in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania is around $284. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 215% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania costs around $3.07. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $36 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($0.94/L) and bread ($0.68/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania?
- A monthly public transport pass in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania costs around $15. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania costs around $36 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.