Dar es Salaam vs Lagos

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Dar es Salaam is roughly 13% more affordable than Lagos (index 16 vs 18, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Dar es Salaam
More affordable overall
13% cheaper than Lagos · Cost index: 16 vs 18

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

16Cost Index18
515Median Income /mo261
45Safety Index45
18Income Tax %11
28Internet (Mbps)28
150Coworking /mo150

Price Breakdown

Dar es SalaamCategoryLagos
$400/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
40% cheaper →
$670/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
74% cheaper →
$4.2/liter
$3/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
60% cheaper →
$7.5/meal
$20/month
Monthly Transit Pass
10% ← cheaper
$18/month
$75/month
Utilities (Monthly)
41% ← cheaper
$44/month
$30/visit
Doctor Visit
33% cheaper →
$45/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Dar es Salaam

Internet28 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishmoderate
Communitysmall
Walkability55/100

Lagos

Internet28 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability45/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dar es Salaam cheaper than Lagos?

Dar es Salaam is cheaper than Lagos. Dar es Salaam has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 18/100 for Lagos (New York = 100), making it roughly 13% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Dar es Salaam than Lagos?

Dar es Salaam is approximately 13% cheaper than Lagos based on cost index scores (16 vs 18, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Lagos could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,625/month in Dar es Salaam.

What is the rent comparison between Dar es Salaam and Lagos?

In Dar es Salaam, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $400/month. In Lagos, the equivalent is around $670/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Dar es Salaam or Lagos?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Dar es Salaam offers 28 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Lagos offers 28 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Dar es Salaam has a cost advantage of 13%.

What is the average income in Dar es Salaam vs Lagos?

The median net monthly salary in Dar es Salaam is approximately $515 USD, compared to $261 USD in Lagos.

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