Cost of Living in Zanzibar - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $370 (excluding rent), and $449 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $937 (excluding rent), and $987 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.92 TZS 12.7K

$3.94 TZS 10.2K

$5.91 TZS 15.3K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$22.56 TZS 58.3K

$19.62 TZS 50.7K

$25.51 TZS 65.9K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.90 TZS 15.2K

Cappuccino

$2.24 TZS 5,778

$1.56 TZS 4,034

$2.92 TZS 7,548

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

$0.63 TZS 1,629

$0.47 TZS 1,209

$0.78 TZS 2,023

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.33 TZS 854

$0.20 TZS 507

$0.40 TZS 1,040

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.89 TZS 4,879

$2.65 TZS 6,851

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.79 TZS 7,199

$1.39 TZS 3,586

$4.77 TZS 12.3K

Milk (1 liter)

$1.73 TZS 4,460

$0.76 TZS 1,974

$2.49 TZS 6,434

White Bread (500g)

$0.78 TZS 2,020

$0.61 TZS 1,562

$0.97 TZS 2,505

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.81 TZS 2,085

$0.74 TZS 1,911

$0.93 TZS 2,408

Eggs

$2.87 TZS 7,408

$1.82 TZS 4,687

$3.62 TZS 9,348

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.34 TZS 6,043

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.68 TZS 12.1K

Apples (1kg)

$2.98 TZS 7,687

$2.78 TZS 7,184

$3.17 TZS 8,191

Banana (1kg)

$1.14 TZS 2,937

Oranges (1kg)

$0.78 TZS 2,025

Tomato (1kg)

$0.55 TZS 1,424

Potato (1kg)

$0.95 TZS 2,464

Onion (1kg)

$1.51 TZS 3,899

$0.75 TZS 1,937

$2.26 TZS 5,836

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.74 TZS 1,901

$0.37 TZS 963

$1.11 TZS 2,864

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.50 TZS 1,290

$0.24 TZS 618

$0.80 TZS 2,070

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.03 TZS 5,245

$1.54 TZS 3,965

$3.06 TZS 7,905

Wine (Bottle)

$9.59 TZS 24.8K

$4.60 TZS 11.9K

$15.34 TZS 39.6K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.78 TZS 4,607

$0.99 TZS 2,568

$2.38 TZS 6,143

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.32 TZS 3,415

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.59 TZS 1,527

$0.26 TZS 665

$0.93 TZS 2,389

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.77 TZS 7,150

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.21 TZS 3,113

$1.18 TZS 3,035

$1.26 TZS 3,244

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

$10.33 TZS 26.7K

$8.04 TZS 20.7K

$13.39 TZS 34.6K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$23.06 TZS 59.5K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$21.37 TZS 55.2K

Cinema Ticket

$9.82 TZS 25.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$13.13 TZS 33.9K

$3.43 TZS 8,846

$22.84 TZS 59.0K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$17.66 TZS 45.6K

$15.69 TZS 40.5K

$19.62 TZS 50.7K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$15.17 TZS 39.2K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$13.41 TZS 34.6K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$147 TZS 380.7K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$98.3 TZS 253.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$197 TZS 509.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$147 TZS 380.1K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$39.2K TZS 101.2M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$11.8K TZS 30.5M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$318 TZS 820.3K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update: March 8, 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.