Cost of Living in Zanzibar - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $312 (excluding rent), and $449 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $858 (excluding rent), and $981 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.78 TZS 11.6K

$3.83 TZS 9,270

$5.74 TZS 13.9K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$22.04 TZS 53.3K

$19.16 TZS 46.4K

$24.91 TZS 60.3K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.88 TZS 14.2K

Cappuccino

$2.19 TZS 5,294

$1.53 TZS 3,697

$2.86 TZS 6,916

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

$0.65 TZS 1,574

$0.48 TZS 1,168

$0.81 TZS 1,955

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.31 TZS 739

$0.18 TZS 439

$0.37 TZS 901

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.95 TZS 4,715

$2.74 TZS 6,620

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.65 TZS 6,399

$1.32 TZS 3,188

$4.53 TZS 11K

Milk (1 liter)

$1.75 TZS 4,243

$0.78 TZS 1,878

$2.53 TZS 6,121

White Bread (500g)

$0.77 TZS 1,854

$0.59 TZS 1,434

$0.95 TZS 2,299

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.87 TZS 2,099

$0.8 TZS 1,924

$1 TZS 2,423

Eggs

$2.98 TZS 7,213

$1.89 TZS 4,563

$3.76 TZS 9,102

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.27 TZS 5,494

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.61 TZS 11.2K

Apples (1kg)

$2.92 TZS 7,056

$2.73 TZS 6,594

$3.11 TZS 7,519

Banana (1kg)

$1.18 TZS 2,864

Oranges (1kg)

$0.79 TZS 1,922

Tomato (1kg)

$0.59 TZS 1,433

Potato (1kg)

$0.98 TZS 2,379

Onion (1kg)

$1.58 TZS 3,831

$0.79 TZS 1,903

$2.37 TZS 5,734

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.75 TZS 1,804

$0.38 TZS 913

$1.12 TZS 2,717

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.46 TZS 1,107

$0.22 TZS 531

$0.73 TZS 1,776

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.09 TZS 5,057

$1.58 TZS 3,824

$3.15 TZS 7,623

Wine (Bottle)

$9.98 TZS 24.1K

$4.79 TZS 11.6K

$15.95 TZS 38.6K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.76 TZS 4,262

$0.98 TZS 2,376

$2.35 TZS 5,683

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.31 TZS 3,180

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.63 TZS 1,528

$0.28 TZS 666

$0.99 TZS 2,391

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.64 TZS 6,386

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.16 TZS 2,794

$1.13 TZS 2,724

$1.2 TZS 2,912

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

$10.42 TZS 25.2K

$8.1 TZS 19.6K

$13.5 TZS 32.7K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$23.54 TZS 57K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$21 TZS 50.8K

Cinema Ticket

$9.58 TZS 23.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$13.37 TZS 32.3K

$3.49 TZS 8,435

$23.25 TZS 56.2K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$17.57 TZS 42.5K

$15.61 TZS 37.8K

$19.52 TZS 47.2K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$15.52 TZS 37.5K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$13.63 TZS 33K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$149 TZS 360.4K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$99.8 TZS 241.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$198 TZS 479K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$148 TZS 357.6K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$40.6K TZS 98.3M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$12.2K TZS 29.5M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$337 TZS 816.4K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update: November 22, 2025

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.