Daily costs per person in US dollars. Dar es Salaam is one of East Africa's most affordable cities — street food and local transport are remarkably cheap, while island trips and nightlife can push costs higher.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: TZS (Tanzanian Shilling) (USD widely accepted, carry small bills)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8–20 | $25–60 | $80+ | Guesthouses → mid-range hotels → beachfront resorts |
| Food | $3–8 | $10–25 | $30+ | Street food → local restaurants → upscale dining |
| Transport | $1–5 | $5–15 | $20+ | Dala-dalas → Bolt/Uber → private taxi |
| Activities | $2–10 | $10–30 | $50+ | Self-guided → group tours → private guides |
| Entry Fees | $2–5 | $5–15 | $15–25 | Museums and sites are inexpensive |
| Daily Total | $20–50 | $55–145 | $195+ | Budget backpacker → comfortable mid → upscale |
Money-saving tips
Use dala-dalas
Local minibuses (dala-dalas) are the cheapest way to get around Dar — fares are typically 400–700 TZS ($0.15–0.30). Routes cover the entire city. They are crowded but efficient and a genuine local experience.
Eat street food
Street food in Dar es Salaam is excellent, safe (at busy stalls), and incredibly cheap — a full meal costs $1–2. Chipsi mayai, mishkaki, pilau, and grilled fish are all reliable choices.
Negotiate everything
Prices for taxis, market goods, and boat trips are negotiable. Always agree on a price before getting in a taxi or boat. Ask locals what the fair price should be and negotiate from there.
Stay in Kariakoo or Kinondoni
Accommodation in Msasani and Oyster Bay is pricier. Budget guesthouses in Kariakoo or Kinondoni offer clean rooms from $10–20 per night, closer to the real city energy.
Use Bolt or Uber
Ride-hailing apps offer transparent pricing and are often cheaper than negotiating with taxi drivers. Both Bolt and Uber operate reliably in Dar es Salaam.
Bring USD for big purchases
US dollars are widely accepted for larger transactions (hotels, island boats, tours) and sometimes get a better rate than paying in TZS. Carry clean, post-2006 bills.
