Cost of Living in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar has a cost of living index of 38/100 (New York = 100). It is 62% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

38/100
Cost Index
$550/mo
Median Income
62/100
Safety Index
tropical monsoon
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 50/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$550/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$350/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$950/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 35/100
Milk (1 liter)$0.5/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.2/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$0.8/kg
Dining OutScore: 40/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$5.66/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$30/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$4.15/meal
TransportationScore: 25/100
Monthly Transit Pass$25/month
One-Way Ticket$1.17/trip
Taxi (1 km)$1.5/km
UtilitiesScore: 40/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$75/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$30/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$15/month
HealthcareScore: 50/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$50/visit
Dentist Visit$60/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$10/course
EntertainmentScore: 45/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$8/ticket
Theater Ticket$25/ticket
Museum Entry$10/ticket
FitnessScore: 45/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$30/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$12/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$5/entry
Personal CareScore: 40/100
Haircut (Men)$10/cut
Haircut (Women)$20/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$3.5/bottle
ClothingScore: 50/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$45/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$30/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$70/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

15 Mbps
Internet Speed
$150
Coworking/Month
fair
Café WiFi
moderate
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
60/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Stone Town, Paje, Nungwi

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zanzibar cheap to live in?

Zanzibar has a cost of living index of 38/100, where New York = 100. It is 62% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $760–$1,064 per month.

How much does rent cost in Zanzibar?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Zanzibar costs approximately $550/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $350/month.

Is Zanzibar good for digital nomads?

Zanzibar has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 15 Mbps, café wifi reliability is fair, and coworking spaces run about $150/month. English proficiency is moderate.

What is the average salary in Zanzibar?

The median net monthly salary in Zanzibar is approximately $550 USD. The income tax rate is around 20%.

How does Zanzibar compare to New York for cost of living?

Zanzibar (cost index 38) is 62% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,550/month by moving from New York to Zanzibar.

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