Island, Tanzania
Cost of living in Zanzibar
How much a month costs in Zanzibar
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $1,060–1,810 (TSh2.8M–4.8M).
Prices in Zanzibar
Typical 2026 ranges in TZS, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | TZS | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | TSh900,000–1.8M | $340–680 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | TSh500,000–1M | $189–378 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | TSh20,000–50,000 | $7.6–18.9 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | TSh90,000–260,000 | $34–98 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | TSh4,000–12,000 | $1.5–4.5 |
| 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 | TSh4,000–8,000 | $1.5–3.0 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | TSh1,000–3,000 | $0.4–1.1 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | TSh10,000–25,000 | $3.8–9.4 |
| 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: 46/100
A value score of 46/100 means Zanzibar gives more quality of life per dollar than 45% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 48/100. It's the 5th 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.
| Place | Comfortable month | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Moshi | $680–1,210 | 86/100 |
| Arusha | $831–1,430 | 67/100 |
| Dar es Salaam | $944–1,700 | 55/100 |
| Paje | $944–1,700 | 53/100 |
| Zanzibar | $1,060–1,810 | 46/100 |
| Stone Town | $1,060–1,810 | 46/100 |
| Nungwi | $1,060–1,810 | 46/100 |
Cheaper alternatives to Zanzibar
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 Zanzibar?
About $453–717 on a lean budget, $1,060–1,810 for a comfortable month and $2,640–4,910 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Zanzibar?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs TSh900,000–1.8M ($340–680) a month in the center and TSh500,000–1M ($189–378) outside it.
How much does food cost in Zanzibar?
A local meal is TSh4,000–12,000 ($1.5–4.5); 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 Zanzibar
Going to Zanzibar solo?
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Zanzibar Tourism Commission
- Tanzania Immigration
- Azam Marine
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.