Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Cost of living · 2025 · Africa · Rent +6% vs 2024
Rent trend in Dar es Salaam (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Dar es Salaam (2025)
Estimated monthly budget in Dar es Salaam
Based on 2025 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in Tanzania (2025)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Dar es Salaam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | TZS 530,000 | TZS 212,000 | TZS 31,800 | TZS 84,800 | — |
| Arusha | TZS 424,000 | TZS 185,500 | TZS 26,500 | TZS 74,200 | -20% |
Other Africa cities (2025)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Dar es Salaam in 2025?
In 2025, a single person living in Dar es Salaam needs approximately TZS 913,720/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around TZS 1,846,520/month. Dar es Salaam is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.
How much is rent in Dar es Salaam in 2025?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Dar es Salaam costs approximately TZS 530,000/month in 2025. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around TZS 1,060,000/month. Rent has changed +6% vs 2024.
How much do groceries cost in Dar es Salaam?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Dar es Salaam are approximately TZS 212,000 in 2025. 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 31,800 in 2025, 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 84,800 in 2025, 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 530,000/month and total single-person expenses around TZS 913,720/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 6,890 in 2025. Budget around TZS 55,120/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 2025, a single person needs approximately TZS 913,720/month. This covers rent (TZS 530,000), groceries (TZS 212,000), transport (TZS 31,800), utilities (TZS 84,800) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around TZS 1,846,520/month.