Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Cost of living · 2026 · Africa · Rent +4.5% vs 2025
Rent trend in Dar es Salaam (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Dar es Salaam (2026)
Estimated monthly budget in Dar es Salaam
Based on 2026 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in Tanzania (2026)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Dar es Salaam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | TZS 553,850 | TZS 221,540 | TZS 33,231 | TZS 88,616 | — |
| Arusha | TZS 443,080 | TZS 193,848 | TZS 27,693 | TZS 77,539 | -20% |
Other Africa cities (2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Dar es Salaam in 2026?
In 2026, a single person living in Dar es Salaam needs approximately TZS 954,837/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around TZS 1,929,613/month. Dar es Salaam is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.
How much is rent in Dar es Salaam in 2026?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Dar es Salaam costs approximately TZS 553,850/month in 2026. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around TZS 1,107,700/month. Rent has changed +4.5% vs 2025.
How much do groceries cost in Dar es Salaam?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Dar es Salaam are approximately TZS 221,540 in 2026. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.
What does public transport cost in Dar es Salaam?
A monthly public transport pass in Dar es Salaam costs TZS 33,231 in 2026, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Dar es Salaam?
Monthly utility costs in Dar es Salaam average TZS 88,616 in 2026, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.
Is Dar es Salaam expensive to live in?
Dar es Salaam is located in Tanzania (Africa). With a 1-bed rent of TZS 553,850/month and total single-person expenses around TZS 954,837/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.
How much does eating out cost in Dar es Salaam?
A typical restaurant meal for one person in Dar es Salaam costs approximately TZS 7,200 in 2026. Budget around TZS 57,600/month if dining out a few times a week.
How have living costs in Dar es Salaam changed over time?
LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Dar es Salaam from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 25.9% over this period (from TZS 440,000 in 2022 to TZS 553,850 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.
What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Dar es Salaam?
To live comfortably in Dar es Salaam in 2026, a single person needs approximately TZS 954,837/month. This covers rent (TZS 553,850), groceries (TZS 221,540), transport (TZS 33,231), utilities (TZS 88,616) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around TZS 1,929,613/month.