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Dar es Salaam cityscape

Dar es Salaam🇹🇿

Tanzania · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Photo by Peter Mitchell on Unsplash

Who this suits

Budget nomad
Population
5,383,728
Nomad community
Small

What it's actually like here

Living in Dar es Salaam offers a unique experience for digital nomads seeking genuine affordability, especially when it comes to housing in central areas. It's particularly suited for those who appreciate a slower pace, vibrant local culture, and being off the main nomad circuit. The community of international remote workers here is relatively small, meaning you won't find a huge expat bubble, but rather opportunities to connect more deeply with locals. Internet connectivity is generally reliable and quite capable for most remote work needs, though you might encounter occasional hiccups as with anywhere. The city offers a good balance of modern amenities and traditional Tanzanian life. However, while generally safe during the day, it's wise to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly after dark, as is typical in many large cities. If you're looking for an authentic East African experience without breaking the bank, Dar es Salaam could be a compelling option.

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City metrics

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)US$480/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)US$300/mo
Cost of living (national avg)26 (US=100, World Bank ICP)
Cheap mealUS$4.00
Mid-range meal for 2US$12.00
Monthly groceries~US$220

Infrastructure

Internet speed35 Mbps
Connectivity score54/100
Coworking spaces~6

Lifestyle

Safety index62/100
English proficiencyGood
Source: OpenAQ · Global Peace Index · regional statistical agencies · Updated Live + annual

Nomad

Nomad communitySmall
Overall nomad score
48/100
Source: World Bank ICP (cost of living, US=100), Ookla (internet), OpenAQ (air quality) · Updated Quarterly

📍 Dar es Salaam on the map

A quick look at where in the world this city sits.

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Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Dar es Salaam.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Dar es Salaam as a digital nomad?+

As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Dar es Salaam averages around $480 per month. The national cost-of-living index for Tanzania sits at 26 (US=100) — sourced from World Bank ICP. City-level detail is coming as we gather it; for now this is a national figure. Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.

Is Dar es Salaam safe for digital nomads?+

Dar es Salaam scores 62/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most central neighbourhoods are fine with normal big-city awareness.

How fast is the internet in Dar es Salaam?+

Headline average internet speed in Dar es Salaam is around 35 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.

Community data for this city
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