Cost of Living in Zanzibar - Updated Prices & Insights

23.73

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $344 (excluding rent), and $445 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $807 (excluding rent), and $978 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.78 TZS 12.2K

$3.83 TZS 9,793

$5.74 TZS 14.7K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$21.96 TZS 56.2K

$19.1 TZS 48.9K

$24.83 TZS 63.5K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.91 TZS 15.1K

Cappuccino

$2.27 TZS 5,815

$1.59 TZS 4,060

$2.97 TZS 7,596

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

$0.61 TZS 1,561

$0.45 TZS 1,158

$0.76 TZS 1,938

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.31 TZS 783

$0.18 TZS 465

$0.37 TZS 955

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.89 TZS 4,837

$2.65 TZS 6,792

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.67 TZS 6,824

$1.33 TZS 3,400

$4.57 TZS 11.7K

Milk (1 liter)

$1.76 TZS 4,502

$0.78 TZS 1,992

$2.54 TZS 6,494

White Bread (500g)

$0.78 TZS 2,008

$0.61 TZS 1,553

$0.97 TZS 2,490

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.8 TZS 2,059

$0.74 TZS 1,887

$0.93 TZS 2,377

Eggs

$2.88 TZS 7,381

$1.82 TZS 4,670

$3.64 TZS 9,314

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.36 TZS 6,027

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.59 TZS 11.7K

Apples (1kg)

$2.92 TZS 7,481

$2.73 TZS 6,991

$3.11 TZS 7,971

Banana (1kg)

$1.13 TZS 2,883

Oranges (1kg)

$0.75 TZS 1,928

Tomato (1kg)

$0.59 TZS 1,519

Potato (1kg)

$0.94 TZS 2,417

Onion (1kg)

$1.54 TZS 3,933

$0.76 TZS 1,954

$2.3 TZS 5,887

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.74 TZS 1,896

$0.38 TZS 960

$1.12 TZS 2,856

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.5 TZS 1,276

$0.24 TZS 611

$0.8 TZS 2,046

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.08 TZS 5,335

$1.58 TZS 4,034

$3.14 TZS 8,042

Wine (Bottle)

$9.4 TZS 24.1K

$4.52 TZS 11.6K

$15.05 TZS 38.5K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.78 TZS 4,562

$0.99 TZS 2,543

$2.38 TZS 6,083

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.39 TZS 3,552

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.6 TZS 1,543

$0.26 TZS 672

$0.94 TZS 2,414

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.65 TZS 6,774

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.2 TZS 3,077

$1.17 TZS 2,999

$1.25 TZS 3,206

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

$10.38 TZS 26.6K

$8.07 TZS 20.7K

$13.45 TZS 34.4K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$22.91 TZS 58.6K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$21.66 TZS 55.4K

Cinema Ticket

$9.75 TZS 24.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$13.29 TZS 34K

$3.47 TZS 8,873

$23.12 TZS 59.2K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$17.06 TZS 43.6K

$15.16 TZS 38.8K

$18.95 TZS 48.5K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$15.47 TZS 39.6K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$13.64 TZS 34.9K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$152 TZS 389.9K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$101 TZS 257.6K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$195 TZS 500.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$149 TZS 381.2K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$38.4K TZS 98.3M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$11.6K TZS 29.7M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$58 TZS 148.3K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

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.