102 cities covered · Currency: TZS (TSh) · Capital: Dar es Salaam
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | TSh10,112 ($3.82) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | TSh40,450 ($15.26) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | TSh3,034 ($1.14) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | TSh229,214 ($86.50) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | TSh37,079 ($13.99) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | TSh97,753 ($36.89) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | TSh28,315 ($10.68) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | TSh28,315 ($10.68) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | TSh7,416 ($2.80) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | TSh426,108 ($161) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | TSh296,423 ($112) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | TSh889,268 ($336) | per month |
Dar es Salaam · pop. 7,962,000
Mwanza · pop. 1,104,521
Dar es Salaam · pop. 1,086,912
Mbeya · pop. 541,603
Morogoro · pop. 471,409
Arusha · pop. 416,442
Geita · pop. 361,671
Tabora · pop. 308,741
Rukwa · pop. 303,986
Ruvuma · pop. 286,285
Coast · pop. 265,360
Simiyu · pop. 260,927
Shinyanga · pop. 242,208
Kigoma · pop. 238,321
Kigoma · pop. 232,388
Tanga · pop. 221,127
Zanzibar Urban/West · pop. 219,007
Dodoma · pop. 213,636
Morogoro · pop. 205,843
Katavi · pop. 204,338
Iringa · pop. 202,490
Singida · pop. 165,492
Mara · pop. 164,172
Kagera · pop. 144,938
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Tanzania
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Tanzania
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Tanzania
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Tanzania
Living costs in Tanzania vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of TSh970,583 ($366) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.