Cost of Living in Zanzibar - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $315 (excluding rent), and $450 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $885 (excluding rent), and $952 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.80 TZS 12.5K

$3.84 TZS 10.0K

$5.76 TZS 15.0K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$22.36 TZS 58.3K

$19.44 TZS 50.7K

$25.27 TZS 65.9K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.67 TZS 14.8K

Cappuccino

$2.25 TZS 5,859

$1.57 TZS 4,091

$2.94 TZS 7,654

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

$0.60 TZS 1,566

$0.45 TZS 1,162

$0.75 TZS 1,945

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.33 TZS 862

$0.20 TZS 512

$0.40 TZS 1,050

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.96 TZS 5,096

$2.75 TZS 7,156

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.64 TZS 6,874

$1.31 TZS 3,424

$4.52 TZS 11.8K

Milk (1 liter)

$1.79 TZS 4,668

$0.79 TZS 2,066

$2.58 TZS 6,734

White Bread (500g)

$0.73 TZS 1,894

$0.56 TZS 1,465

$0.90 TZS 2,349

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.88 TZS 2,287

$0.80 TZS 2,096

$1.01 TZS 2,641

Eggs

$2.88 TZS 7,514

$1.82 TZS 4,754

$3.64 TZS 9,482

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.28 TZS 5,947

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.67 TZS 12.2K

Apples (1kg)

$2.83 TZS 7,375

$2.64 TZS 6,892

$3.02 TZS 7,858

Banana (1kg)

$1.19 TZS 3,110

Oranges (1kg)

$0.79 TZS 2,053

Tomato (1kg)

$0.61 TZS 1,584

Potato (1kg)

$1.02 TZS 2,646

Onion (1kg)

$1.56 TZS 4,078

$0.78 TZS 2,026

$2.34 TZS 6,103

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.74 TZS 1,921

$0.37 TZS 973

$1.11 TZS 2,894

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.49 TZS 1,287

$0.24 TZS 617

$0.79 TZS 2,064

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.02 TZS 5,263

$1.53 TZS 3,980

$3.04 TZS 7,934

Wine (Bottle)

$9.48 TZS 24.7K

$4.55 TZS 11.8K

$15.16 TZS 39.5K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.75 TZS 4,563

$0.98 TZS 2,544

$2.33 TZS 6,084

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.33 TZS 3,465

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.61 TZS 1,589

$0.27 TZS 692

$0.95 TZS 2,486

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.79 TZS 7,263

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.16 TZS 3,017

$1.13 TZS 2,941

$1.21 TZS 3,144

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

$10.46 TZS 27.3K

$8.14 TZS 21.2K

$13.56 TZS 35.3K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$23.01 TZS 60.0K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$21.50 TZS 56.0K

Cinema Ticket

$9.58 TZS 25.0K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$13.56 TZS 35.3K

$3.54 TZS 9,219

$23.58 TZS 61.5K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$17.17 TZS 44.7K

$15.25 TZS 39.7K

$19.07 TZS 49.7K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$15.27 TZS 39.8K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$13.50 TZS 35.2K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$149 TZS 389.0K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$99.8 TZS 260.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$200 TZS 521.7K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$147 TZS 383.2K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$37.8K TZS 98.4M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$11.5K TZS 30.1M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$321 TZS 836.7K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update: April 12, 2026

Zanzibar Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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.