Is Tanzania Expensive?

Is Tanzania expensive to visit?

Tanzania is known as both a well-liked and moderately priced destination. It falls roughly in the middle range for overall travel costs. When compared to the rest of Africa, it is a moderately priced country. It places in the top 50% of countries in Africa for its travel costs. This puts it on par with destinations such as South Africa and Uganda.

Tanzania is not frequented by travelers as much as other countries, but it still offers destinations that attract plenty of visitors. One of the most expensive places to visit in Tanzania is Arusha. For more affordability, you can visit Moshi.


Average daily price of selected cities in Tanzania, by affordability
City Average Daily Cost
Dar es Salaam $466
Arusha $178
Serengeti National Park $125
Moshi $71
Zanzibar $52


Zanzibar, Tanzania

How expensive is Tanzania?

The average daily spending amount for tourists in Tanzania tends to be around $97 (U.S. Dollars). Keep in mind that your travel style, spending habits, and trip length will influence these costs. However, you can keep fairly close to this budget if you opt for moderately priced hotels, dine at economical restaurants, and make use of public transportation when available. See more travel costs for Tanzania here.

How expensive is a one week trip to Tanzania?

On average, a one week trip to Tanzania costs about $678 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one week trip costs $1,357.

How expensive is a two week trip to Tanzania?

A two week trip to Tanzania costs about $1,357 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a two week trip costs $2,713.

How expensive is a month long trip to Tanzania?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one month trip to Tanzania costs around $2,907 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one month trip costs $5,815.



The Beach of Zanzibar, Tanzania

Is it expensive to backpack in Tanzania?

Tanzania is a somewhat popular destination for backpackers, offering over 40 hostels around the country. The average cost for a dorm room in one of these hostels is around $13 per night. (See details on hostel prices in Tanzania here.) Backpackers often head first to hostels in Arusha and Zanzibar. For budget-friendly options, Moshi offer some of the most affordable hostels, averaging $10 per night. Conversely, you'll find the most expensive hostels on average in Zanzibar with an average cost of $15 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Tanzania.

  • $10 for a dorm bed at The Greenhouse Arusha Tanzania in Arusha
  • $24 for a dorm bed at Your Zanzibar Place in Zanzibar
  • $10 for a dorm bed at We Travel Hostel in Moshi

Where to find affordable hostels in Tanzania
City Number of Hostels Average Price for a Dorm
Arusha 19 $13
Zanzibar 9 $15
Moshi 6 $10

Are hotels expensive in Tanzania?

When considering the analysis of hotel prices in Tanzania, we can see that they are fairly moderate and evenly priced compared to other countries. The average nightly price for a hotel room is around $102. However, within Tanzania, be aware of varying prices across cities, with destinations like Karatu commanding a higher average of $346 per night. For those looking for more economical choices, Moshi offers a budget-friendly alternative, with hotel prices averaging $47 per night.


Where to find affordable hotels in Tanzania
City Average Hotel Price
Karatu $346
Mwanza $103
Arusha $74
Zanzibar $63
Morogoro $57
Dar es Salaam $48
Moshi $47

Uhuru Street, Central Rail Station, Dar es Salaam
Overall Rating 9.7
44 / 1 Serengeti Road, Arusha
Overall Rating 8.5


Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Tanzania?

Activities and things to do in Tanzania can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $42 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.

    • Mamas of Zanzibar - A Unique Cultural & Culinary Experience: $109
    • Day Trip Coffee Tour and Materuni Waterfalls: $100
    • Dar es Salaam History and Architectural Tours: $150
    • Private Tour to Materuni waterfalls, coffee tour & Kikuletwa hot- springs: $99
    • Zanzibar Stone Town Historical City Tour: $20
    • Stonetown Private Half-day Walking Tour: $35
    • 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $30
    • Zanzibar Tour: $65

    Is food expensive in Tanzania?

    Food in Tanzania can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $24 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

    • Full-Day Private Tour in Zanzibar with Cooking Class: $150
    • Cooking Class Tour: $77
    • Spice tour and cooking class (local food): $155
    • Cooking and Sewing & Jewelry Workshops in Arusha: $27
    • Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
    • Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $77


    Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

    Is transportation expensive in Tanzania?

    Local transportation in Tanzania can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $15 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

    Intercity transportation in Tanzania can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $38 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.

    More for Tanzania

    If you're planning a trip to Tanzania, check out these other informative travel guides.



    We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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