Cost of Living in Zanzibar - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $294 (excluding rent), and $450 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $901 (excluding rent), and $974 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.86 TZS 12.3K

$3.90 TZS 9,870

$5.84 TZS 14.8K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$21.91 TZS 55.5K

$19.05 TZS 48.3K

$24.77 TZS 62.7K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.67 TZS 14.4K

Cappuccino

$2.17 TZS 5,495

$1.51 TZS 3,837

$2.83 TZS 7,178

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

$0.64 TZS 1,609

$0.47 TZS 1,194

$0.79 TZS 1,998

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.31 TZS 784

$0.18 TZS 465

$0.38 TZS 955

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.92 TZS 4,852

$2.69 TZS 6,813

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.68 TZS 6,793

$1.34 TZS 3,384

$4.59 TZS 11.6K

Milk (1 liter)

$1.78 TZS 4,499

$0.79 TZS 1,991

$2.56 TZS 6,490

White Bread (500g)

$0.73 TZS 1,848

$0.56 TZS 1,429

$0.90 TZS 2,291

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.82 TZS 2,075

$0.75 TZS 1,902

$0.95 TZS 2,396

Eggs

$2.98 TZS 7,539

$1.88 TZS 4,770

$3.76 TZS 9,514

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.26 TZS 5,729

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.63 TZS 11.7K

Apples (1kg)

$2.88 TZS 7,301

$2.69 TZS 6,823

$3.07 TZS 7,779

Banana (1kg)

$1.18 TZS 2,999

Oranges (1kg)

$0.74 TZS 1,868

Tomato (1kg)

$0.56 TZS 1,415

Potato (1kg)

$0.93 TZS 2,364

Onion (1kg)

$1.52 TZS 3,851

$0.76 TZS 1,913

$2.28 TZS 5,764

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.80 TZS 2,036

$0.41 TZS 1,031

$1.21 TZS 3,067

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.49 TZS 1,254

$0.24 TZS 601

$0.79 TZS 2,011

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.09 TZS 5,296

$1.58 TZS 4,004

$3.15 TZS 7,983

Wine (Bottle)

$9.88 TZS 25.0K

$4.74 TZS 12.0K

$15.80 TZS 40.0K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.73 TZS 4,372

$0.96 TZS 2,437

$2.30 TZS 5,830

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.39 TZS 3,509

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.60 TZS 1,530

$0.26 TZS 666

$0.94 TZS 2,393

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.64 TZS 6,679

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.22 TZS 3,096

$1.19 TZS 3,018

$1.27 TZS 3,226

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

$10.32 TZS 26.2K

$8.03 TZS 20.3K

$13.38 TZS 33.9K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$23.32 TZS 59.1K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$21.42 TZS 54.3K

Cinema Ticket

$9.70 TZS 24.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$13.14 TZS 33.3K

$3.43 TZS 8,687

$22.86 TZS 57.9K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$17.21 TZS 43.6K

$15.29 TZS 38.7K

$19.11 TZS 48.4K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$15.24 TZS 38.6K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$13.56 TZS 34.3K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$149 TZS 377.4K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$101 TZS 254.6K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$200 TZS 505.6K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$147 TZS 371.6K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$38.8K TZS 98.3M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$11.7K TZS 29.6M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$329 TZS 834.3K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update: March 2, 2026

Zanzibar Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

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

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌍 Africa

Cost of Living in Zanzibar - Frequently Asked Questions

Zanzibar offers a favorable balance for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who value beach access and a relaxed tempo without chasing luxury. Cost of Living in Zanzibar varies by area and season, with lower prices for locally sourced food and utilities in residential districts compared with tourist hubs. Housing spans affordable local rooms to modest apartments near town centers; you will pay more for prime seafronts. For longer stays, plan a flexible budget and use neighborhood hubs for errands, co-working, and social life. Tip: outline a weekly routine to equate price-per-use rather than sticker prices.

Daily life hinges on choosing a neighborhood that balances access, safety, and pace. For housing, start with guesthouses, small apartments, or shared spaces a short ride from Stone Town markets or coastal towns; prices trend by proximity to the water and amenities, not just size. Food options range from street plates and market stalls to casual cafés; you will notice a noticeable contrast between tourist zones and inland neighborhoods. Transport is practical and affordable: buses, shared taxis, and bike rentals cover most routes. Zanzibar living cost scales with lifestyle choices, so tailor your routines to keep essentials predictable. Tip: map a weekly shopping route to avoid repeat trips and save time.

Quality of life depends on rhythm and community fit, from quiet residential lanes to lively harborfronts. A practical budgeting framework is to treat essentials separately: housing, food, transport; estimate a monthly envelope for each category, then leave a cushion for unexpected costs. Seasonality matters: rainy seasons affect travel and connectivity, and peak tourist periods push prices and crowds, especially near water or attractions. Neighborhood-wise, look for areas with local markets, bakeries, and easy access to public transport or co-working spaces; these reduce errands and save time. Tip: join local groups or expat forums to learn safe routes and seasonal events.