Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Tanzania Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Republic of the Congo Property Pack
If you're looking to rent or invest in Zanzibar, you probably want to know what rents actually cost right now.
We constantly update this blog post to give you the freshest data on Zanzibar rental prices, neighborhood trends, and tenant demand.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Zanzibar.
Insights
- Zanzibar rents in January 2026 are growing faster than the island's 3.3% inflation rate, with prime coastal areas seeing increases of 8% to 12% year-over-year due to strong tourism demand.
- A typical 1-bedroom apartment in Zanzibar costs around TZS 1,350,000 per month (about $550), but prices in Nungwi or Paje can run 40% higher than in local neighborhoods like Michenzani.
- Furnished rentals dominate Zanzibar's listings because expats and remote workers, who strongly prefer move-in-ready units, drive much of the demand in coastal areas.
- Power backup systems (solar or inverter setups) are one of the top rent boosters in Zanzibar, as electricity reliability remains a key concern for tenants.
- Zanzibar's estimated vacancy rate sits around 7% overall, but drops to just 4% to 6% in high-demand zones like Stone Town, Paje, and Fumba.
- Properties near the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) campuses in Tunguu and Vuga rent faster due to steady demand from students and academic staff year-round.
- December through February and June through August are peak rental months in Zanzibar, closely tied to tourism high seasons and expat relocations.
- Landlords in Zanzibar should budget 2.5% to 4% of property value per year for maintenance on beachfront properties, compared to 1.5% to 2.5% for inland homes.
- Rental income in Zanzibar is often taxed via a 10% withholding mechanism, where tenants remit this portion directly to the Tanzania Revenue Authority.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Grace Makoye 🇹🇿
Manager of Operations, Zinza Real Estate
What are typical rents in Zanzibar as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Zanzibar as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Zanzibar is around TZS 1,000,000, which works out to roughly $410 or €375.
Most studios in Zanzibar rent between TZS 700,000 and TZS 1,300,000 per month (about $285 to $530, or €260 to €485), depending on location and condition.
The main factors that push Zanzibar studio rents up or down include proximity to the beach, whether the unit is furnished, and how reliable the power and water supply is in that building.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Zanzibar as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Zanzibar is around TZS 1,350,000, which is approximately $550 or €505.
Most 1-bedroom apartments in Zanzibar rent between TZS 900,000 and TZS 1,500,000 per month (about $370 to $610, or €340 to €560), covering the bulk of available listings.
In Zanzibar, the cheapest 1-bedroom rents tend to be in local neighborhoods like Michenzani and Ng'ambo, while the highest prices show up in coastal hotspots like Nungwi, Paje, and Stone Town.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Zanzibar as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Zanzibar is around TZS 1,900,000, which is approximately $775 or €710.
Most 2-bedroom apartments in Zanzibar rent between TZS 1,500,000 and TZS 2,700,000 per month (about $610 to $1,100, or €560 to €1,010), depending on finish level and location.
The cheapest 2-bedroom rents in Zanzibar are typically found in areas like Mwera or Chukwani, while premium prices appear in beachfront zones such as Kendwa, Jambiani, and Fumba.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Zanzibar.
What's the average rent per square meter in Zanzibar as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Zanzibar is around TZS 25,000 to TZS 30,000 per month, which is roughly $10 to $12 or €9 to €11.
Across different neighborhoods in Zanzibar, rent per square meter ranges from TZS 20,000 in local areas to TZS 35,000 or more in prime coastal zones (about $8 to $14, or €7 to €13).
Compared to Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar's rent per square meter tends to be slightly higher in tourist-heavy areas, though more affordable in purely residential neighborhoods away from the beach.
In Zanzibar, properties with reliable power backup, air conditioning, fast internet, and beachfront views typically command rents well above the average per square meter.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Zanzibar have increased by an estimated 4% to 8% year-over-year overall, with prime coastal neighborhoods seeing gains of 8% to 12%.
The main factors driving Zanzibar rent changes this year are strong tourism growth (up about 8.6% year-over-year) and steady demand from expats and remote workers in beachfront areas.
This year's rent increase in Zanzibar is somewhat higher than 2025's trend, which tracked closer to inflation, because tourism demand has accelerated and new supply remains limited in premium zones.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, we project Zanzibar rents to grow by 5% to 9% over the year, with prime coastal areas potentially rising 8% to 12% if tourism stays strong.
The key factors likely to drive Zanzibar rent growth in 2026 include sustained international visitor arrivals, continued demand from remote workers, and relatively moderate inflation keeping costs predictable.
Neighborhoods like Paje, Nungwi, Kendwa, and Stone Town are expected to see the strongest rent growth in Zanzibar because they attract the most expat and tourist-linked long-stay demand.
The main risks that could cause Zanzibar rent growth to differ from projections include power and water reliability issues, new rental supply coming online, and any tightening of tax compliance enforcement on landlords.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Tanzania. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Zanzibar as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Zanzibar as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Zanzibar are Nungwi, Paje, and Stone Town, where 2-bedroom apartments can reach TZS 2,500,000 to TZS 3,000,000 per month (about $1,000 to $1,225, or €920 to €1,125).
These Zanzibar neighborhoods command premium rents because they offer beachfront access, established expat communities, walkable amenities, and strong short-stay spillover demand from tourism.
The tenants who typically rent in these high-rent Zanzibar neighborhoods include expats, remote workers, hospitality managers, and international visitors transitioning from short stays to longer arrangements.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Zanzibar.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Zanzibar right now?
The top neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Zanzibar are Stone Town, Ng'ambo, and Paje, which offer a mix of city energy, cafes, and beach lifestyle.
Young professionals in these Zanzibar neighborhoods typically pay between TZS 900,000 and TZS 1,500,000 per month (about $370 to $610, or €340 to €560) for a 1-bedroom apartment.
What attracts young professionals to these Zanzibar neighborhoods includes walkable streets, reliable internet, coworking spaces, restaurants, and easy access to the ferry terminal or airport road.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Zanzibar.
Where do families prefer to rent in Zanzibar right now?
The top neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Zanzibar are Fumba, Mbweni, and Mtoni, which offer quieter residential settings with more space.
Families in these Zanzibar neighborhoods typically pay between TZS 1,800,000 and TZS 2,800,000 per month (about $735 to $1,140, or €675 to €1,050) for a 2-3 bedroom house or apartment.
What makes these Zanzibar neighborhoods attractive to families includes larger compounds, better security, reliable utilities, and a calmer environment away from tourist traffic.
Families in Zanzibar often look for proximity to international schools and established educational options, with areas like Fumba and Mbweni offering reasonable access to Stone Town's school offerings.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the areas near transit or universities that rent fastest in Zanzibar are Tunguu (near the main SUZA campus), Vuga in Stone Town, and the Kisauni/Chukwani corridor along the airport road.
Properties in these high-demand Zanzibar areas typically stay listed for just 15 to 30 days, compared to 30 to 45 days in less connected neighborhoods.
The rent premium for properties within walking distance of SUZA campuses or the airport road in Zanzibar is around TZS 100,000 to TZS 200,000 per month (about $40 to $80, or €35 to €75) above comparable units farther away.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Zanzibar right now?
The top neighborhoods most popular with expats in Zanzibar are Stone Town, Fumba, and Paje, each offering a distinct lifestyle that appeals to international residents.
Expats in these Zanzibar neighborhoods typically pay between TZS 1,500,000 and TZS 2,500,000 per month (about $610 to $1,020, or €560 to €940) for a furnished 1-2 bedroom apartment.
What attracts expats to these Zanzibar neighborhoods includes walkability, established international communities, reliable internet, proximity to restaurants and services, and beach access.
The expat communities most represented in these Zanzibar neighborhoods include Europeans (especially from the UK, Germany, and Italy), Americans, and South Africans, along with a growing number of digital nomads from various countries.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Zanzibar.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Zanzibar right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Zanzibar?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate the rental market in Zanzibar are local working households, hospitality and tourism workers, and international long-stayers (expats, NGO staff, and remote workers).
In Zanzibar, local working households represent roughly 50% to 60% of rental demand, while tourism-linked workers account for about 20% to 25%, and international long-stayers make up around 15% to 20%.
Local households in Zanzibar typically seek unfurnished 2-3 bedroom apartments, while tourism workers often need furnished 1-bedroom units near coastal hotels, and expats look for furnished, move-in-ready apartments with reliable utilities.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Zanzibar.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Zanzibar?
In Zanzibar, the rental market is roughly split 55% furnished to 45% unfurnished, with furnished units dominating advertised listings because they target higher-paying expat and tourism-linked tenants.
The typical rent premium for furnished apartments in Zanzibar is around TZS 300,000 to TZS 500,000 per month (about $120 to $200, or €110 to €185) compared to similar unfurnished units.
In Zanzibar, expats, remote workers, and hospitality professionals tend to prefer furnished rentals, while local families usually opt for unfurnished apartments to reduce costs and bring their own belongings.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Zanzibar?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Zanzibar are reliable power backup (solar/inverter), water security (tank and pump), air conditioning, fast Wi-Fi, and compound security (wall, guard, safe parking).
In Zanzibar, a reliable power backup setup can add TZS 200,000 to TZS 400,000 per month ($80 to $165, or €75 to €150) to rent, while air conditioning adds about TZS 100,000 to TZS 200,000 ($40 to $80, or €35 to €75), and fast Wi-Fi adds around TZS 50,000 to TZS 100,000 ($20 to $40, or €18 to €37).
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Zanzibar, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Zanzibar?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Zanzibar are power backup installation, water system upgrades, bathroom and kitchen refresh, durable coastal-resistant fixtures, and furnishing packages for expat-targeted units.
In Zanzibar, a basic solar/inverter power backup costs around TZS 2,000,000 to TZS 5,000,000 ($815 to $2,040, or €750 to €1,875) and can increase rent by TZS 200,000 to TZS 400,000 per month, while a bathroom refresh at TZS 1,500,000 to TZS 3,000,000 ($610 to $1,225, or €560 to €1,125) typically adds TZS 100,000 to TZS 150,000 monthly.
Renovations with poor ROI in Zanzibar include luxury finishes that exceed what the local market will pay, overly customized designs that don't appeal broadly, and outdoor landscaping in areas where tenants prioritize indoor reliability over aesthetics.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Tanzania versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Zanzibar as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Zanzibar as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated overall vacancy rate for rental properties in Zanzibar is around 7%.
Across different Zanzibar neighborhoods, vacancy rates range from about 4% to 6% in prime coastal and expat zones like Stone Town, Paje, and Fumba, up to 8% to 12% in more local-market areas farther from tourist hotspots.
The current Zanzibar vacancy rate of 7% is relatively stable compared to historical averages, reflecting steady demand from tourism and expat flows that have kept the market tight in desirable areas.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Zanzibar.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Zanzibar as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rental property in Zanzibar stays listed for about 20 to 45 days before finding a tenant.
Across Zanzibar, well-priced 1-2 bedroom apartments near town or university areas often rent within 15 to 30 days, while premium villas and high-priced beachfront properties can take 30 to 60 days or longer due to a smaller pool of qualified tenants.
Compared to one year ago, days-on-market in Zanzibar have remained relatively stable, with strong tourism demand keeping turnover quick in popular neighborhoods.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Zanzibar?
The peak months for tenant demand in Zanzibar are December through February and June through August, which align with the island's high tourism seasons.
The main factor driving these seasonal demand patterns in Zanzibar is international tourism, as many long-stay tenants (remote workers, hospitality staff, expats) arrive or renew leases around these busy periods.
The lowest tenant demand in Zanzibar typically occurs during the long rainy season from March through May, when tourism slows and fewer new tenants are searching for rentals.
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An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What will my monthly costs be in Zanzibar as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Zanzibar as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Zanzibar should expect to pay an annual property tax of around 0.1% of the property's assessed value, which for a home valued at TZS 300,000,000 works out to about TZS 300,000 per year ($120 or €110).
Depending on property value and location in Zanzibar, annual property taxes can range from around TZS 100,000 to TZS 1,000,000 per year (about $40 to $410, or €35 to €375) for typical residential properties.
Property taxes in Zanzibar are calculated based on the assessed value of the property, with the rate set under the Zanzibar Property Tax Act, and the Zanzibar Revenue Authority handles collection.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Zanzibar, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Zanzibar right now?
For a typical rental property in Zanzibar, landlords should budget around 1.5% to 2.5% of the property value per year for maintenance, or roughly 1.5 to 3 months of rent annually.
Beachfront and coastal properties in Zanzibar require a higher maintenance budget of 2.5% to 4% per year because salt air and humidity cause faster wear on fixtures, paint, and appliances.
Investing in reliable power and water systems upfront can reduce emergency maintenance costs and tenant turnover in Zanzibar, making these upgrades worthwhile for landlords targeting premium tenants.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Zanzibar right now?
The utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants in Zanzibar are internet/Wi-Fi (especially for furnished expat-targeted units) and sometimes generator or solar fuel and servicing when power backup is provided as an amenity.
For landlord-paid utilities in Zanzibar, internet costs around TZS 50,000 to TZS 150,000 per month ($20 to $60, or €18 to €55), while generator fuel and servicing can add TZS 100,000 to TZS 300,000 per month ($40 to $120, or €35 to €110) depending on usage.
The common practice in Zanzibar is for electricity and water to be tenant-paid (often via prepaid meters), while furnished rentals aimed at expats frequently include internet in the rent to justify higher pricing.
How is rental income taxed in Zanzibar as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Zanzibar is often taxed via a 10% withholding mechanism, where tenants are expected to withhold this amount from rent payments and remit it directly to the Tanzania Revenue Authority.
Landlords in Zanzibar can typically deduct expenses like maintenance, utilities they pay, property taxes, and depreciation against their rental income, though the withholding system often serves as the final tax for many individual landlords.
A common tax mistake landlords in Zanzibar make is assuming the withholding tax does not apply to them or failing to ensure tenants actually remit the withheld amount, which can create compliance issues during audits.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Zanzibar.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Tanzania compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Zanzibar, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS), Zanzibar | This is Zanzibar's official government statistics office and the primary publisher of economic data for the island. | We used OCGS data to anchor our understanding of inflation and tourism trends that drive rental demand. We also used it to sanity-check our rent growth assumptions against current economic conditions. |
| OCGS Zanzibar Consumer Price Index (November 2025) | This is the official inflation release for Zanzibar, published monthly by the government statistics office. | We used it to quantify Zanzibar's latest inflation rate as a baseline for realistic rent increases. We then compared our rent estimates against inflation to avoid projecting unrealistic jumps. |
| OCGS Tourism Statistical Release (November 2025) | This is an official tourism arrivals report produced by Zanzibar's government statistics office. | We used it to measure inbound tourism demand, which strongly affects long-term rents in coastal and expat-heavy areas. We used the year-over-year visitor change as a signal for 2026 rent growth. |
| Bank of Tanzania Exchange Rates | This is the official central bank reference for Tanzanian shilling exchange rates. | We used the mean USD/TZS rate from late December 2025 to convert all rent figures consistently. We also used it to present rent in both local currency and US dollars for easy comparison. |
| Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority (ZURA) | This is Zanzibar's official regulator for electricity, water, and petroleum utility services. | We used ZURA to ground our utility cost assumptions, which are a major part of monthly costs for landlords and tenants. We referenced their tariff schedules to estimate realistic electricity and water bills. |
| ZURA Electricity Tariffs (January 2025) | This is the official published electricity tariff schedule from Zanzibar's utility regulator. | We used it to estimate typical landlord and tenant electricity bills for common apartment usage. We then translated those into practical monthly budget ranges. |
| ZURA Water Tariff Page | This is published by Zanzibar's official utility regulator, providing official water pricing. | We used it as a conservative anchor for water cost estimates. We then cross-checked with local practice to understand who typically pays water bills in rental arrangements. |
| Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) Tax Overview | This is the official Zanzibar tax authority's list of all taxes and levies that apply on the island. | We used it to map which property-related taxes exist in Zanzibar. We then focused on the items that typically affect residential landlords. |
| Zanzibar Property Tax Act (No.14 of 2008) | This is the primary law that sets property tax rules and rates in Zanzibar. | We used it to cite the property tax rate for residential property. We then translated the rate into a practical example of what landlords actually pay. |
| Tanzania Revenue Authority Withholding Tax Overview | This is the national tax authority's official guidance page on withholding tax. | We used it to explain how withholding tax works and how it typically applies to rent payments. We then explained the compliance basics landlords need to know. |
| Tanzania Income Tax Act (Cap. 332) | This is the primary legislation for income tax in Tanzania, including rental income. | We used it as the legal backbone for rental income taxation concepts. We then paired it with simpler guidance sources to keep the explanation easy to understand. |
| PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (Tanzania) | This is a widely used secondary summary from a major international audit and tax firm. | We used it to simplify how rental income is often treated via withholding in practice. We then cross-checked the concepts against official TRA communications. |
| Jiji Tanzania Zanzibar Rentals | This is a large classifieds marketplace with visible asking rents and location details for Zanzibar properties. | We used it to build a January 2026 asking rent snapshot by bedroom count and area. We then triangulated our final rent estimates against inflation and tourism trends. |
| State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) Campus Information | This is the official website of Zanzibar's main public university, showing campus locations. | We used it to identify which neighborhoods have steady rental demand from students and academic staff. We then factored this into our analysis of fast-renting areas near universities. |
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