Cost of Living Comparison Between Tanga and Zanzibar Cost of Living Comparison Between Tanga and Zanzibar

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $40.49 in Tanga versus $441 in Zanzibar.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $58.0 in Tanga versus $713 in Zanzibar.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $74.6 in Tanga versus $985 in Zanzibar.

Living in Tanga costs roughly 91% less than in Zanzibar, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Tanga 97% lower, Zanzibar 67% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.51 TZS 3,946

$4.95 TZS 12.9K

-69.49%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$22.32 TZS 58.2K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.40 TZS 8,882

$5.87 TZS 15.3K

-42.08%

Cappuccino

$0.57 TZS 1,476

$2.20 TZS 5,733

-74.09%

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.30 TZS 775

$0.59 TZS 1,549

-49.15%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.37 TZS 976

$0.33 TZS 869

12.12%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.93 TZS 2,434

$1.89 TZS 4,938

-50.79%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.13 TZS 2,955

$2.78 TZS 7,262

-59.35%

Milk (1 liter)

$1.77 TZS 4,614

White Bread (500g)

$0.74 TZS 1,926

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.86 TZS 2,253

Eggs

$2.88 TZS 7,517

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.30 TZS 5,995

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.72 TZS 12.3K

Apples (1kg)

$2.93 TZS 7,657

Banana (1kg)

$1.13 TZS 2,937

Oranges (1kg)

$0.75 TZS 1,948

Tomato (1kg)

$0.55 TZS 1,442

Potato (1kg)

$0.93 TZS 2,427

Onion (1kg)

$1.52 TZS 3,954

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.74 TZS 1,939

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.50 TZS 1,310

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.10 TZS 5,490

Wine (Bottle)

$9.36 TZS 24.4K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.70 TZS 4,432

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.37 TZS 3,575

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.64 TZS 1,683

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.70 TZS 7,037

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.22 TZS 3,194

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$10.35 TZS 27.0K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$23.52 TZS 61.4K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$21.17 TZS 55.2K

Cinema Ticket

$9.41 TZS 24.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$13.28 TZS 34.7K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$17.60 TZS 45.9K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$15.44 TZS 40.3K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$13.66 TZS 35.6K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$147 TZS 384.6K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$98.1 TZS 255.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$198 TZS 516.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$148 TZS 385.9K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$38.1K TZS 99.4M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$11.3K TZS 29.4M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$317 TZS 826.4K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update for Tanga: June 8, 2026

Last update for Zanzibar: June 7, 2026

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Tanga vs Zanzibar: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Tanga is cheaper overall, especially in Eating Out, Groceries & Markets, Getting Around, Monthly Utilities & Internet, Clothing & Footwear. The 988% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $60.7 in Tanga and $661 in Zanzibar to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.

Either city works on $1,000 a month, though Tanga gives you more room to save. At this income level, the choice is more about lifestyle than financial pressure.

Both cities offer a good standard of living with different trade-offs. Neither is objectively better – the right pick depends on what matters most: affordability, career, cultural scene, or climate.

Expats usually find Tanga gentler on the wallet – expenses run 988% less than in Zanzibar. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.