City in Dar es Salaam Region, Tanzania
Cost of living in Dar es Salaam
How much a month costs in Dar es Salaam
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $944–1,700 (TSh2.5M–4.5M).
Prices in Dar es Salaam
Typical 2026 ranges in TZS, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | TZS | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | TSh1M–2.5M | $378–944 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | TSh500,000–1.2M | $189–453 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | TSh20,000–45,000 | $7.6–17.0 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | TSh90,000–250,000 | $34–94 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | TSh3,500–9,000 | $1.3–3.4 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | TSh20,000–45,000 | $7.6–17.0 |
| Cappuccino | TSh4,000–9,000 | $1.5–3.4 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | TSh3,000–7,000 | $1.1–2.6 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | TSh500–1,000 | $0.19–0.38 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | TSh8,000–20,000 | $3.0–7.6 |
| Work and life | ||
| Gym membership (month) | TSh80,000–200,000 | $30–76 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | TSh15,000–40,000 | $5.7–15.1 |
Value for money: 55/100
A value score of 55/100 means Dar es Salaam gives more quality of life per dollar than 54% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 49/100. It's the 3rd most affordable of 7 places we cover in Tanzania.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across Tanzania
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
Cheaper alternatives to Dar es Salaam
Similar safety, lower cost, in Africa.
| Place | Country | Comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| Aswan | Egypt | $478–803 |
| Dahab | Egypt | $536–861 |
| Djerba | Tunisia | $674–1,080 |
| Sousse | Tunisia | $674–1,080 |
| Addis Ababa | Ethiopia | $553–921 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Dar es Salaam?
About $378–642 on a lean budget, $944–1,700 for a comfortable month and $2,450–4,530 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Dar es Salaam?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs TSh1M–2.5M ($378–944) a month in the center and TSh500,000–1.2M ($189–453) outside it.
How much does food cost in Dar es Salaam?
A local meal is TSh3,500–9,000 ($1.3–3.4); a mid-range restaurant is TSh20,000–45,000 ($7.6–17.0) per person.
Is Tanzania expensive?
Prices in Tanzania are about 29% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Dar es Salaam
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Tanzania Airports Authority
- Tanzania Railways Corporation (SGR)
- Tanzania Immigration
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.