City Guide 2026
Tanzania
Living in Dar es Salaam
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,495
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
44.7/100
Use caution
Avg Temperature
26°C
79°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
No DN visa
Internet Speed
25 Mbps
Basic
Cost of Living in Dar es Salaam
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $900 | $585 |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,250 | $1,463 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$275/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in Dar es Salaam
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
28°
Feb
28.2°
Mar
27.8°
Apr
27°
May
25.8°
Jun
24.5°
Jul
23.8°
Aug
24°
Sep
24.8°
Oct
26°
Nov
27°
Dec
27.5°
Air Quality (AQI)
72
Moderate
Avg Rain Days/mo
9
days per month
Beach Distance
0 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
85 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Dar es Salaam
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
25 Mbps
Cultural Score
65/100
Nightlife
50/100
Outdoor Activities
48/100
English Proficiency
80/100
Expat Community
medium
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
3+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Visa & Immigration in Tanzania
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 90 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | N/A | Not available | — |
| Investment Visa | Available | Available | Min $50,000 investment |
Residency Pathway
Typically 5-10 years of continuous legal residence.
Tax Overview in Tanzania
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 20% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 20% |
| Dividend Tax | 20% |
| Interest Income | 20% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 20% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) Incentives
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Dar es Salaam?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Dar es Salaam costs approximately $1,495-2,392/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $900/month.
Is Dar es Salaam safe for expats?
Dar es Salaam has a safety index of 44.7/100 (higher is safer). Dar es Salaam requires heightened awareness. Stick to well-known neighborhoods, avoid walking alone at night, and take standard urban safety precautions. Healthcare quality is rated 53/100.
What is the weather like in Dar es Salaam?
Dar es Salaam has an average annual temperature of 26°C (79°F). The warmest months reach 28.2°C and the coolest drop to 23.8°C. Air quality is moderate with an average AQI of 72.
What is the internet speed in Dar es Salaam?
Average internet speed in Dar es Salaam is 25 Mbps, which is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with large uploads. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Tanzania?
Tanzania uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 20% (long-term) and dividends at 20%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) Incentives) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a visa to live in Dar es Salaam long-term?
Tanzania does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 90 days. The typical residency pathway is: Typically 5-10 years of continuous legal residence..
Is Dar es Salaam good for digital nomads?
Dar es Salaam has decent internet at 25 Mbps, a medium expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 80/100. The cost of living index is 37/100 (NYC = 100), making it moderately priced for remote workers.
Compare Dar es Salaam with other cities
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