Cost of Living in Zanzibar - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $348 (excluding rent), and $438 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $943 (excluding rent), and $963 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.71 TZS 11.6K

$3.77 TZS 9,324

$5.65 TZS 14.0K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$21.83 TZS 54.0K

$18.98 TZS 46.9K

$24.68 TZS 61.0K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.73 TZS 14.2K

Cappuccino

$2.28 TZS 5,625

$1.59 TZS 3,927

$2.97 TZS 7,348

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

$0.64 TZS 1,576

$0.47 TZS 1,169

$0.79 TZS 1,957

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.33 TZS 821

$0.20 TZS 488

$0.40 TZS 1,001

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.96 TZS 4,848

$2.75 TZS 6,807

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.63 TZS 6,505

$1.31 TZS 3,240

$4.50 TZS 11.1K

Milk (1 liter)

$1.70 TZS 4,192

$0.75 TZS 1,855

$2.45 TZS 6,048

White Bread (500g)

$0.78 TZS 1,937

$0.61 TZS 1,498

$0.97 TZS 2,402

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.86 TZS 2,120

$0.79 TZS 1,944

$0.99 TZS 2,449

Eggs

$2.99 TZS 7,398

$1.89 TZS 4,681

$3.78 TZS 9,336

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.35 TZS 5,809

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.71 TZS 11.6K

Apples (1kg)

$2.83 TZS 6,992

$2.64 TZS 6,533

$3.01 TZS 7,450

Banana (1kg)

$1.17 TZS 2,899

Oranges (1kg)

$0.80 TZS 1,971

Tomato (1kg)

$0.59 TZS 1,467

Potato (1kg)

$0.98 TZS 2,428

Onion (1kg)

$1.59 TZS 3,923

$0.79 TZS 1,949

$2.37 TZS 5,872

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.79 TZS 1,963

$0.40 TZS 994

$1.20 TZS 2,957

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.46 TZS 1,132

$0.22 TZS 542

$0.73 TZS 1,816

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.08 TZS 5,133

$1.57 TZS 3,881

$3.13 TZS 7,737

Wine (Bottle)

$9.87 TZS 24.4K

$4.74 TZS 11.7K

$15.79 TZS 39.0K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.78 TZS 4,406

$0.99 TZS 2,456

$2.38 TZS 5,875

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.31 TZS 3,247

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.60 TZS 1,481

$0.26 TZS 645

$0.94 TZS 2,317

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.64 TZS 6,520

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.21 TZS 2,984

$1.18 TZS 2,908

$1.26 TZS 3,109

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

$10.64 TZS 26.3K

$8.28 TZS 20.5K

$13.79 TZS 34.1K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$23.04 TZS 57.0K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$21.39 TZS 52.9K

Cinema Ticket

$9.60 TZS 23.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$13.14 TZS 32.5K

$3.43 TZS 8,478

$22.86 TZS 56.5K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$17.23 TZS 42.6K

$15.31 TZS 37.8K

$19.14 TZS 47.3K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$15.30 TZS 37.8K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$13.47 TZS 33.3K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$151 TZS 373.3K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$99.9 TZS 247.0K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$202 TZS 498.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$149 TZS 368.2K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$40.2K TZS 99.3M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$12.0K TZS 29.8M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$332 TZS 819.8K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update: January 11, 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.