Cost of living in Tanzania compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 52% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Tanzania is 52% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Tanzania | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 18,115 Shilling ($7) | $20 | - 63% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 18,328 Shilling ($7) | $10 | - 29% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 12,456 Shilling ($4.97) | $5.78 | - 14% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 3,007 Shilling ($1.20) | $1.09 | + 10% | |
12 eggs, large | 4,612 Shilling ($1.84) | $4.96 | - 63% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 4,009 Shilling ($1.60) | $4.65 | - 66% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 13,854 Shilling ($5.53) | $7 | - 21% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 3,395 Shilling ($1.36) | $4.52 | - 70% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 4,439 Shilling ($1.77) | $2.36 | - 25% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 3,258 Shilling ($1.30) | $3.29 | - 61% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 21,391 Shilling ($9) | $16 | - 46% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 3,082 Shilling ($1.23) | $2.91 | - 58% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 1,710 Shilling ($0.68) | $2.84 | - 76% | |
Housing | - 67% | |||
Housing in Tanzania is 67% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Tanzania | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | 1,619,710 Shilling ($647) | $2,969 | - 78% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | 1,382,090 Shilling ($552) | $2,268 | - 76% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | 238,279 Shilling ($95) | $223 | - 57% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | 2,207,460 Shilling ($881) | $2,001 | - 56% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | 531,422 Shilling ($212) | $1,513 | - 86% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | 151,280 Shilling ($60) | $150 | - 60% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 44,322 Shilling ($18) | $64 | - 72% | |
40” flat screen tv | 1,041,640 Shilling ($416) | $292 | + 43% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 311,381 Shilling ($124) | $142 | - 12% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 30,887 Shilling ($12) | $14 | - 12% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | - | $32 | - | |
Clothes | - 22% | |||
Clothes in Tanzania is 22% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Tanzania | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 7,000 Shilling ($2.79) | $56 | - 95% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 150,000 Shilling ($60) | $48 | + 25% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | 139,650 Shilling ($56) | $95 | - 41% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 97,164 Shilling ($39) | $125 | - 69% | |
Transportation | - 67% | |||
Transportation in Tanzania is 67% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Tanzania | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | 42,500,700 Shilling ($16,966) | $27,698 | - 39% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 2,755 Shilling ($1.10) | $1.03 | + 7% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 26,840 Shilling ($11) | $83 | - 87% | |
Personal Care | - 74% | |||
Personal Care in Tanzania is 74% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Tanzania | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 6,000 Shilling ($2.40) | $9 | - 73% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 10,000 Shilling ($3.99) | $24 | - 83% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 43,647 Shilling ($17) | $152 | - 89% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | 4,402 Shilling ($1.76) | $9 | - 80% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 7,488 Shilling ($2.99) | $4.89 | - 39% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 6,309 Shilling ($2.52) | $7 | - 64% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 4,000 Shilling ($1.60) | $4.88 | - 67% | |
Tube of toothpaste | 3,299 Shilling ($1.32) | $2.20 | - 40% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | 13,971 Shilling ($5.58) | $29 | - 81% | |
Entertainment | - 58% | |||
Entertainment in Tanzania is 58% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Tanzania | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 40,000 Shilling ($16) | $57 | - 72% | |
2 tickets to the movies | 15,881 Shilling ($6) | $29 | - 78% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | - | $234 | - | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 72,855 Shilling ($29) | $92 | - 68% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 6,784 Shilling ($2.71) | $14 | - 81% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 6,891 Shilling ($2.75) | $5.40 | - 49% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 2,598 Shilling ($1.04) | $7 | - 84% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | 300,000 Shilling ($120) | $558 | - 79% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | 628 Shilling ($0.25) | $0.20 | + 27% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 38,039 Shilling ($15) | $61 | - 75% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | 4,350 Shilling ($1.74) | $10 | - 83% | |
TOTAL | - 62% |

These prices were last updated on September 30, 2023.
Exchange rate:
0.00040
USD
/
TZS
Cost of living in Tanzania is 62% cheaper than in United States
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