Top 10 Cheapest Areas to Rent in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is an expensive city by Tanzanian standards, but affordable housing exists if you know where to look. This guide ranks the 10 cheapest neighborhoods for renters, with real price ranges, transport links, and honest assessments of what to expect. Whether you are a student, a fresh graduate starting your career, or a family watching the budget, one of these areas could be your next home.
How We Chose These Areas
We ranked neighborhoods based on:
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment (lowest to highest)
- Availability of housing stock (are there actually units available?)
- Basic livability — water, electricity, transport, security
- Value for money — what you get relative to what you pay
1. Mbagala — From 80,000 TZS/month
One-bedroom range: 150,000 – 250,000 TZS
Studio/bedsitter range: 80,000 – 150,000 TZS
Mbagala is the most affordable major neighborhood in Dar es Salaam. Located in the Temeke district south of the city, it offers incredibly low rents but comes with trade-offs. Infrastructure is still developing, and roads can be challenging during the rainy season. The BRT extension towards Mbagala is improving connectivity significantly.
Pros: Lowest rents in Dar, large housing stock, BRT coming
Cons: Far from CBD, infrastructure gaps, congestion on main roads
Best for: Budget-conscious renters, families, workers in Temeke industrial areas
Transport
- Daladala to CBD: 45–90 minutes (1,000 TZS)
- BRT planned extension will cut this to 30–45 minutes
- Bajaji available for local trips (2,000–3,000 TZS)
2. Kimara — From 100,000 TZS/month
One-bedroom range: 180,000 – 300,000 TZS
Studio/bedsitter range: 100,000 – 180,000 TZS
Kimara is one of Dar's western suburbs with a major advantage — the BRT terminus is here. This means reliable, affordable public transport to the CBD in 30–40 minutes. The area has grown rapidly and offers a mix of older affordable housing and newer developments.
Pros: BRT access, growing amenities, decent housing stock
Cons: Congested main road, some areas far from BRT stops
Best for: Commuters, young professionals, small families
Transport
- BRT to CBD: 30–40 minutes (650 TZS)
- Daladala options throughout the area
- Good road connections to Kibamba and Ubungo
3. Kibamba — From 80,000 TZS/month
One-bedroom range: 150,000 – 250,000 TZS
Studio/bedsitter range: 80,000 – 150,000 TZS
Beyond Kimara heading west, Kibamba offers a semi-rural feel with very affordable rents. It is one of the fastest-growing areas in Dar, with new construction opening up quality housing at budget prices. The trade-off is distance — it is far from the city center.
Pros: Very low rents, new construction, quiet environment
Cons: Far from CBD (60+ minutes), limited nightlife, developing infrastructure
Best for: Families seeking space, remote workers, those with personal transport
4. Temeke — From 100,000 TZS/month
One-bedroom range: 180,000 – 280,000 TZS
Studio/bedsitter range: 100,000 – 170,000 TZS
Temeke proper (not to be confused with Temeke district which includes Mbagala) is an established working-class neighborhood. Close to the port and industrial areas, it provides affordable housing with reasonable access to the CBD via Kilwa Road.
Pros: Established infrastructure, market access, close to industrial jobs
Cons: Dense, can be noisy, older housing stock
Best for: Port workers, factory employees, budget renters who want central access
5. Tabata — From 120,000 TZS/month
One-bedroom range: 200,000 – 300,000 TZS
Studio/bedsitter range: 120,000 – 200,000 TZS
Tabata sits between Ilala and Kinondoni, offering surprisingly affordable rents for its relatively central location. The area has good daladala connections and a lively market scene. Housing quality varies considerably — inspect carefully before committing.
Pros: Central-ish location, good transport, affordable
Cons: Mixed housing quality, some areas flood, congested
Best for: Workers in Ilala and Kinondoni districts
6. Segerea — From 120,000 TZS/month
One-bedroom range: 200,000 – 320,000 TZS
Studio/bedsitter range: 120,000 – 200,000 TZS
Next to Tabata, Segerea offers similar affordability with a slightly more residential feel. The area is well-connected by daladala routes and has several local markets for daily shopping.
Pros: Affordable, residential character, decent transport
Cons: Limited modern amenities, variable housing quality
Best for: Families, workers seeking quiet affordable areas
7. Manzese — From 100,000 TZS/month
One-bedroom range: 180,000 – 280,000 TZS
Studio/bedsitter range: 100,000 – 170,000 TZS
Manzese is one of Dar's most densely populated neighborhoods. It is loud, busy, and chaotic — but incredibly affordable and well-connected. Multiple daladala routes pass through, and the bustling Manzese market is one of the city's largest.
Pros: Very affordable, excellent transport links, vibrant market
Cons: Very dense, noisy, some areas flood, narrow streets
Best for: Budget renters who want connectivity over comfort
8. Chanika — From 80,000 TZS/month
One-bedroom range: 150,000 – 250,000 TZS
Studio/bedsitter range: 80,000 – 150,000 TZS
Further out towards the west, Chanika is a rapidly developing area with rural charm and urban ambition. New housing developments are making it an attractive option for those willing to commute. Prices are rock-bottom, and you get more space for your money.
Pros: Very cheap, spacious units, quiet, new construction
Cons: Far from CBD, limited public transport, developing infrastructure
Best for: Large families, car owners, those who work from home
9. Goba — From 150,000 TZS/month
One-bedroom range: 200,000 – 350,000 TZS
Studio/bedsitter range: 150,000 – 230,000 TZS
Goba sits along the Bagamoyo Road corridor, offering better connectivity than other budget areas. It is between Mbezi Beach and the city center, with reasonable access via daladala. New developments are springing up, offering modern units at affordable prices.
Pros: Growing area, new construction, better connectivity than most budget areas
Cons: Traffic on Bagamoyo Road, some areas still undeveloped
Best for: Young professionals, couples looking for modern units on a budget
10. Bunju — From 100,000 TZS/month
One-bedroom range: 180,000 – 300,000 TZS
Studio/bedsitter range: 100,000 – 180,000 TZS
Bunju is a northern suburb with a beach-adjacent location and surprisingly low rents. The area is less developed than Mbezi Beach but benefits from coastal breezes and a quieter environment. It is a good choice for those who want affordability without being stuck in a dense urban area.
Pros: Affordable, near beach, quiet, spacious
Cons: Limited amenities, far from CBD, limited public transport
Best for: Beach lovers on a budget, remote workers, families
Budget Comparison Table
| Area | Studio Min | 1-BR Min | Transport to CBD | Livability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mbagala | 80,000 | 150,000 | 45–90 min | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Kimara | 100,000 | 180,000 | 30–40 min (BRT) | ★★★☆☆ |
| Kibamba | 80,000 | 150,000 | 60+ min | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Temeke | 100,000 | 180,000 | 30–45 min | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tabata | 120,000 | 200,000 | 20–35 min | ★★★☆☆ |
| Segerea | 120,000 | 200,000 | 25–40 min | ★★★☆☆ |
| Manzese | 100,000 | 180,000 | 20–30 min | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Chanika | 80,000 | 150,000 | 60+ min | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Goba | 150,000 | 200,000 | 35–50 min | ★★★☆☆ |
| Bunju | 100,000 | 180,000 | 50–70 min | ★★☆☆☆ |
Tips for Renting on a Budget
- 1Consider roommates — sharing a 2-bedroom is often cheaper than a solo studio
- 2Negotiate hard — budget areas have more negotiation room
- 3Check water situation — some cheap areas have serious water supply issues
- 4Visit during rain — see if the area floods before committing
- 5Factor in transport costs — a cheaper area far from work might cost more overall
- 6Use Makazi — search listings by price range to find verified affordable options
Find Affordable Rentals Today
Browse Dar es Salaam listings on Makazi — set your maximum budget and find verified, affordable rentals in these neighborhoods and more.