Are you considering a move to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and wondering about the cost of living? Dar es Salaam is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Dar es Salaam and help you understand whether $1223 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $259.48.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
21.96 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
7.98 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
1.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.8 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.91 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.4 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.26 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.1 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.7 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.01 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.67 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
8.85 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
4.26 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
3.99 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
4.38 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.24 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.72 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.12 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.71 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.14 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.78 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.35 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
5.99 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.02 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.82 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.26 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
16.97 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.6 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.6 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
6.79 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.11 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
16966.07 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
6254.16 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
59.88 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
37.43 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
50.15 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
9.98 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
3.99 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
334.58 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
14646.21 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
11.31 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
23.45 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
69.19 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
53.23 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
386.74 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
245.29 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
860.23 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
639.11 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
3664.78 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
6786.43 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
259.48 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
13.1 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Dar es Salaam come to a total of approximately $1223. This includes an average monthly rent of around $386 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $78 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $435 per month.
Living in Dar es Salaam appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $259.48. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Dar es Salaam, you would likely need an income exceeding $259.48.
In Dar es Salaam, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $259.48, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Dar es Salaam is approximately $386. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $245.29 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Dar es Salaam can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $330 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Tanzania can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Tanzania.
If you go and visit Dar es Salaam, chances are you will have no negative experiences or incidents. However, it is a city where you should be vigilant and take all possible precautions measures to minimize the risk of something going wrong.
Public transportation is not the safest or the most convenient option: you are highly advised to call your reliable taxi driver instead of hailing one on the streets, and public transport is where the pickpockets and thieves operate.
There is an extreme threat to petty crime. Pickpockets are practically an everyday occurrence. You should be extremely careful when handling your valuables and never carry your money in a purse or a pocket. Never carry all your money in the same place, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Dar es Salaam city was subjected to massive flooding, and landslides are also a common natural disaster in Dar es Salaam.
There is also a risk of getting mugged and violent crimes aren't really rare in Dar es Salaam. Avoid traveling alone. It’s generally recommended not to resist armed attack.
Tanzania has been targeted for terrorist attacks, so caution is advised in Dar es Salaam. Most recently, on April 2017, several police officers were ambushed and killed in an attack in the Pwani coastal region, about 100km south of Dar es Salaam.
When it comes to scams, there is a high risk of getting scammed in Dar es Salaam: children might try and fool you just to steal from you in the end, and others might try to distract you. There are also scammers impersonating officials or authorities and trying to extort money from you. Apart from that, double check your change and negotiate everything in advance.
Dar es Salaam isn't exactly the safest place for a woman to be visiting alone. If you do, be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public. Stay out of the streets at night and be vigilant for any possible dangers at all times.
All visitors to Dar es Salaam require a valid Visa each time they enter the Republic, and the visa you receive is valid for up to 3 months from the date of issue. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Tanzanian embassy for further information.
The Tanzanian shilling is the official currency in Dar es Salaam. You are recommended to collect your money directly from an ATM since that's your safest option.
Dar es Salaam has a tropical wet and dry climate with dry winters. It has two rainy seasons; the short rains that last from October to December, and the long rains lasting from March to June.
Julius Nyerere International Airport is the biggest international airport in Dar es Salaam. The airport is located about 12 km southwest of the city center.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Dar es Salaam, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 89°F | 89°F | 89°F | 87°F | 85°F | 84°F | 83°F | 84°F | 85°F | 86°F | 87°F | 88°F |
| Temp | 83°F | 83°F | 82°F | 80°F | 79°F | 76°F | 75°F | 75°F | 76°F | 78°F | 80°F | 82°F |
| Low | 78°F | 77°F | 76°F | 75°F | 73°F | 70°F | 68°F | 68°F | 68°F | 71°F | 74°F | 77°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 30°C | 29°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C | 31°C |
| Temp | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C | 24°C | 23°C | 23°C | 24°C | 25°C | 26°C | 27°C |
| Low | 25°C | 25°C | 24°C | 23°C | 22°C | 21°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 21°C | 23°C | 25°C |