Cost Of Living in Dodoma 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Dodoma

Whether you're living in Dodoma or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

450,000 TZS

per month
$180

35,000 TZS   $14
$1,800   4.5M TZS

Single

310,000 TZS

per month
$120

100,000 TZS   $41
$820   2.1M TZS

Couple

520,000 TZS

per month
$210

170,000 TZS   $68
$1,100   2.8M TZS

Family

700,000 TZS

per month
$270

240,000 TZS   $96
$1,500   3.8M TZS

Student

200,000 TZS

per month
$79

81,000 TZS   $32
$140   360,000 TZS
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Dodoma is 310,000 TZS. Expenses can range from 100,000 TZS at the minimum level to 2.1M TZS at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Dodoma is 520,000 TZS. Expenditure can range from 170,000 TZS to 2.8M TZS per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Dodoma is 700,000 TZS per month. Families spend anywhere from 240,000 TZS to 3.8M TZS.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Dodoma is 200,000 TZS. Students spend from 81,000 TZS to 360,000 TZS per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Dodoma


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
58 TZS 66 TZS 76 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.02 $0.03 $0.03
Fast food combo meal
490 TZS 990 TZS 1,600 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.19 $0.39 $0.64
Restaurant meal for one
1,600 TZS 2,400 TZS 4,700 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.61 $0.92 $1.8
Fine dining meal for one
3,100 TZS 4,700 TZS 19,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.8 $7.4
Soda or Soft Drink
70 TZS 82 TZS 99 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.03 $0.03 $0.04
Cappuccino or latte
410 TZS 660 TZS 990 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.26 $0.39

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
330 TZS 390 TZS 490 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.15 $0.19
Loaf of bread
59 TZS 67 TZS 78 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.02 $0.03 $0.03
12 eggs
250 TZS 330 TZS 490 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.10 $0.13 $0.19
Fresh whole chicken
560 TZS 720 TZS 1,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.22 $0.28 $0.40
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
660 TZS 990 TZS 2,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.26 $0.39 $0.77
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
260 TZS 360 TZS 510 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.10 $0.14 $0.20
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
99 TZS 130 TZS 250 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.04 $0.05 $0.10
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
180 TZS 230 TZS 380 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.07 $0.09 $0.15

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
390 TZS 470 TZS 940 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.15 $0.18 $0.37
Average car full tank
2,500 TZS 3,300 TZS 6,600 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.97 $1.3 $2.6
Average car 1-day rental
2,200 TZS 3,000 TZS 4,500 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.88 $1.2 $1.8
Average car price
1.2M TZS 2.5M TZS 3.3M TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$480 $970 $1,300
Bus ticket one way
75 TZS 110 TZS 220 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.03 $0.04 $0.09
Car Service
3,000 TZS 4,500 TZS 9,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.8 $3.5

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
6,300 TZS 19,000 TZS 130,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $7.4 $49
Utility Bill - Couple
8,700 TZS 26,000 TZS 140,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $10 $55
Utility Bill - Family
7,300 TZS 21,000 TZS 120,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $8.2 $45
Internet and cable
2,500 TZS 4,900 TZS 6,600 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.97 $1.9 $2.6
Mobile phone charges
2,000 TZS 3,300 TZS 9,900 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.77 $1.3 $3.9

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
1,200 TZS 1,600 TZS 2,500 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.48 $0.64 $0.97
One month gym membership
3,600 TZS 4,500 TZS 9,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.8 $3.5

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
2,600 TZS 3,700 TZS 5,600 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.5 $2.2
Woman dress
2,500 TZS 3,400 TZS 11,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.97 $1.3 $4.4
Woman shoes
2,400 TZS 3,200 TZS 7,500 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.92 $1.3 $2.9
Men's shoes
2,000 TZS 2,500 TZS 5,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.80 $0.97 $1.9
Men suit
2,200 TZS 2,800 TZS 15,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.88 $1.1 $5.8
Regular t-shirt
1,100 TZS 1,500 TZS 4,500 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.44 $0.58 $1.8

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
37,000 TZS 56,000 TZS 150,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $22 $58
1-bedroom apartment
56,000 TZS 90,000 TZS 220,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $35 $88
2-bedroom apartment
75,000 TZS 110,000 TZS 300,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29 $44 $120

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
7.5M TZS 11M TZS 22M TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,900 $4,400 $8,800
1-bedroom apartment
9M TZS 15M TZS 56M TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,500 $5,800 $22,000
2-bedroom apartment
15M TZS 45M TZS 90M TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5,800 $18,000 $35,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
49,000 TZS 62,000 TZS 82,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $24 $32
Double Bed
33,000 TZS 49,000 TZS 62,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $24
Single Bed
29,000 TZS 38,000 TZS 49,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $19
Living Room
55,000 TZS 70,000 TZS 250,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $28 $97
Dining Table
25,000 TZS 33,000 TZS 62,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.7 $13 $24
Sofa or Couch
33,000 TZS 45,000 TZS 99,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $18 $39

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
33,000 TZS 49,000 TZS 99,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $39
Fridge or Freezer
29,000 TZS 45,000 TZS 62,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $18 $24
Washing Machine
38,000 TZS 55,000 TZS 99,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $21 $39
Stove or Cooker
35,000 TZS 45,000 TZS 62,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $18 $24
Mobile Phone
41,000 TZS 49,000 TZS 70,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $19 $28
Laptop or Computer
45,000 TZS 55,000 TZS 99,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $21 $39

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Dodoma

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

79%

73% to 87%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%3%
50% - 60%7%
60% - 70%13%
70% - 80%24%
80% - 90%23%
90% - 100%12%
100% - 110%7%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%3%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Dodoma is 79% This means that on average, people spend around 79% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 13% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
71%
Spending-Income-Ratio
66%
78%

Couple
75%
Spending-Income-Ratio
70%
83%

Family
83%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
91%

How do people spend their money in Dodoma?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure22%

22% of total expenses on average (11% to 30%)

LOW$4.1   10,000 TZS
AVERAGE$53   140,000 TZS
HIGH$530   1.4M TZS
Per Month

People living in Dodoma typically spend from 11% to 30% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 22% being the average. The average spend on housing is 140,000 TZS with expenditure ranging from 10,000 TZS to 1.4M TZS. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$0.68   1,700 TZS
AVERAGE$8.9   23,000 TZS
HIGH$89   230,000 TZS
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Dodoma ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 23,000 TZS with 1,700 TZS and 230,000 TZS being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute6%

6% of total expenses on average (2% to 10%)

LOW$1.4   3,500 TZS
AVERAGE$18   45,000 TZS
HIGH$180   450,000 TZS
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 3,500 TZS to 450,000 TZS on commuting with 45,000 TZS being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 2% or as high as 10%.

Food and Groceries Cost29%

29% of total expenses on average (21% to 35%)

LOW$3.4   8,700 TZS
AVERAGE$44   110,000 TZS
HIGH$440   1.1M TZS
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Dodoma is 110,000 TZS. The cost of groceries can range between 8,700 TZS to 1.1M TZS. People spend on average about 29% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 21% and 35% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services11%

11% of total expenses on average (6% to 14%)

LOW$0.96   2,400 TZS
AVERAGE$12   32,000 TZS
HIGH$120   320,000 TZS
Per Month

People in Dodoma allocate 6% to 14% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 2,400 TZS to 320,000 TZS with 32,000 TZS being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$0.55   1,400 TZS
AVERAGE$7.1   18,000 TZS
HIGH$71   180,000 TZS
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 1,400 TZS to 180,000 TZS with 18,000 TZS being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$0.82   2,100 TZS
AVERAGE$11   27,000 TZS
HIGH$110   270,000 TZS
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 27,000 TZS per month with 2,100 TZS being the minimum spent amount and 270,000 TZS being the maximum.

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW$1.8   4,500 TZS
AVERAGE$23   59,000 TZS
HIGH$230   590,000 TZS
Per Month

How much money can you save in Dodoma every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Dodoma manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
40%
Not Saving
60%

Almost 40% of the surveyed people in Dodoma said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 60% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Dodoma

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles49%51%
Couples44%56%
Families40%60%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

6.3% 12% of income 24%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

9,800 TZS
$3.9
130,000 TZS
$50
1.3M TZS
$500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 6.3% to 24% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 12% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 130,000 TZS on average with savings ranging from 9,800 TZS to 1.3M TZS.

49% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 44% of couples said the same. 40% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Dodoma?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

9% 15% of income 26%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

30,000 TZS
$12
89,000 TZS
$35
590,000 TZS
$230
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%17%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%8%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 9% to 26% of their monthly income to savings, with 15% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 89,000 TZS with 30,000 TZS and 590,000 TZS being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

7.2% 13% of income 25%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

49,000 TZS
$19
150,000 TZS
$58
790,000 TZS
$310
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%29%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%5%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 7.2% to 25% of their monthly income, with 13% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 150,000 TZS with 49,000 TZS and 790,000 TZS being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

6.3% 12% of income 23%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

69,000 TZS
$27
200,000 TZS
$77
1.1M TZS
$420
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%41%
10% - 20%32%
20% - 30%21%
30% - 40%3%
40% - 50%2%
> 50%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Dodoma can save anywhere between 6.3% to 23% of their monthly income, with 12% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 200,000 TZS with 69,000 TZS and 1.1M TZS being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Dodoma

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Dodoma?


Yes
36%
No
64%

Around 36% of surveyed residents think that living in Dodoma is affordable with proper budgeting while 64% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Dodoma

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options45%

Few low-cost options55%


Based on the survey, 45% of the people living in Dodoma have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 55% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Dodoma whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes31%

No69%


Based on the survey, 69% of the people living in Dodoma said that they don't have an emergency fund while 31% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Tanzania

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy35%


We asked residents of Tanzania whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 65% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 35% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Tanzania have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 69% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 31% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance69%

Easily manages finances31%

Financial goals of people in Dodoma

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Dodoma, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund9%
Debt Reduction48%
Retirement Savings12%
Education Funding6%
Homeownership19%
Investing5%
Travel or Lifestyle4%
Healthcare Expenses17%
Financial Independence3%

Around 9% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 48% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 12% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 6% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 19% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 5% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 4% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 17% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Dodoma

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Dodoma. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income4%
High Expenses7%
Debt and Loans10%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending13%
Financial Emergencies8%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later23%
Inflation15%
Social Pressure2%
Market Instability1%

Around 4% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 7% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 10% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 13% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 8% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 23% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 15% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 2% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 1% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Dodoma

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds13%
Gold15%
Savings Accounts16%
Retirement Accounts9%
Cash Savings24%
Real Estate8%
Investment4%
Stocks3%
Bonds4%
Mutual Funds1%
Certificates of Deposit2%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Dodoma

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Dodoma and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Tanzania is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Dodoma:
AgeAmount
251.2M TZS
302.3M TZS
354.1M TZS
405.8M TZS
458.7M TZS
5012M TZS
5515M TZS
6018M TZS
6522M TZS

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Dodoma about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions11%
Savings24%
Investments11%
Social Security6%
Annuities6%
Part-time Job18%
Real Estate19%
Dividends and Interest6%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Dodoma

78,000 TZS
$31
230,000 TZS
$92
1.6M TZS
$610
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Dodoma


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
34%
Debt Free
66%

According to the survey, 34% of the people in Dodoma have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 66% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Dodoma

Debt to income ratio

30%

23% to 38%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 30% of the people's monthly income in Dodoma goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%4%
50% - 60%22%
40% - 50%16%
30% - 40%18%
20% - 30%7%
10% - 20%8%
0% - 10%24%

According to our data, 4% of the debtors in Dodoma pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 22% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 16% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 18% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 7% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Dodoma

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage5%
Auto Loan11%
Student Loan5%
Credit Card33%
Personal Loan47%

5% of debtors in Dodoma confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 33% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 11% of people and personal loans rose at 47%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 5% of debtors in Dodoma.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Dodoma

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Dodoma how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never47%
Once a year25%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year10%
Four times a year5%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Dodoma

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Dodoma

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
37,000 TZS 56,000 TZS 150,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $22 $58
1-bedroom apartment
56,000 TZS 90,000 TZS 220,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $35 $88
2-bedroom apartment
75,000 TZS 110,000 TZS 300,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29 $44 $120
3-bedroom apartment
90,000 TZS 150,000 TZS 410,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35 $58 $160
Furnished apartment
180,000 TZS 450,000 TZS 900,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$70 $180 $350
Townhouse
150,000 TZS 220,000 TZS 640,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $88 $250
House
180,000 TZS 450,000 TZS 900,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$70 $180 $350
Villa
220,000 TZS 560,000 TZS 900,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$88 $220 $350

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Dodoma ranges between 37,000 TZS and 150,000 TZS, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 56,000 TZS to 220,000 TZS. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 75,000 TZS and 300,000 TZS per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 90,000 TZS to 410,000 TZS. The average rent of a townhouse in Dodoma is around 220,000 TZS while house rental costs can be as high as 450,000 TZS per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 220,000 TZS to 900,000 TZS per month.



Apartment and house prices in Dodoma

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
7.5M TZS 11M TZS 22M TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,900 $4,400 $8,800
1-bedroom apartment
9M TZS 15M TZS 56M TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,500 $5,800 $22,000
2-bedroom apartment
15M TZS 45M TZS 90M TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5,800 $18,000 $35,000
3-bedroom apartment
50M TZS 75M TZS 220M TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19,000 $29,000 $88,000
Townhouse
64M TZS 150M TZS 560M TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25,000 $58,000 $220,000
House
75M TZS 450M TZS 640M TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29,000 $180,000 $250,000
Villa
90M TZS 500M TZS 750M TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35,000 $190,000 $290,000

The average price of a studio apartment in Dodoma can range from 7.5M TZS to 22M TZS depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 9M TZS to 56M TZS. A villa can cost you 500M TZS on average with prices ranging from 90M TZS to 750M TZS.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Dodoma will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


24 x65 monthly income 165
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Dodoma can be x65 to x165 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x65 multiples of the average monthly salary in Dodoma.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


15% 24% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Dodoma is around 24%. This means that people pay 24% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 15% to 33% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
22%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
1.7%
AVERAGE
2.7%
TO
3.6%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


700 TZS 9,100 TZS 91,000 TZS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Dodoma

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (16% to 40%)

LOW$15   38,000 TZS
AVERAGE$44   110,000 TZS
HIGH$300   750,000 TZS
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$2.5   6,300 TZS
AVERAGE$7.4   19,000 TZS
HIGH$49   130,000 TZS
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 10%)

LOW$3.3   8,400 TZS
AVERAGE$9.9   25,000 TZS
HIGH$66   170,000 TZS
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)

LOW$6.6   17,000 TZS
AVERAGE$20   50,000 TZS
HIGH$130   340,000 TZS
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$3.7   9,400 TZS
AVERAGE$11   28,000 TZS
HIGH$74   190,000 TZS
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 5%)

LOW$2.1   5,200 TZS
AVERAGE$6.2   16,000 TZS
HIGH$41   100,000 TZS
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$0.82   2,100 TZS
AVERAGE$2.5   6,300 TZS
HIGH$16   42,000 TZS
Per Month

Other Expenses23%

23% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$7.4   19,000 TZS
AVERAGE$22   57,000 TZS
HIGH$150   380,000 TZS
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Dodoma

Housing25%

25% of total expenses on average (18% to 35%)

LOW$23   58,000 TZS
AVERAGE$68   170,000 TZS
HIGH$360   920,000 TZS
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$3.4   8,700 TZS
AVERAGE$10   26,000 TZS
HIGH$55   140,000 TZS
Per Month

Transport, Fuel8%

8% of total expenses on average (2% to 13%)

LOW$8.2   21,000 TZS
AVERAGE$25   63,000 TZS
HIGH$130   340,000 TZS
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 23%)

LOW$9.6   24,000 TZS
AVERAGE$29   73,000 TZS
HIGH$150   390,000 TZS
Per Month

Healthcare15%

15% of total expenses on average (9% to 19%)

LOW$7.5   19,000 TZS
AVERAGE$23   58,000 TZS
HIGH$120   310,000 TZS
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 6%)

LOW$4.1   10,000 TZS
AVERAGE$12   31,000 TZS
HIGH$66   170,000 TZS
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$1.4   3,500 TZS
AVERAGE$4.1   10,000 TZS
HIGH$22   56,000 TZS
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 28%)

LOW$12   30,000 TZS
AVERAGE$35   89,000 TZS
HIGH$190   470,000 TZS
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Dodoma

Housing24%

24% of total expenses on average (19% to 34%)

LOW$31   78,000 TZS
AVERAGE$88   220,000 TZS
HIGH$480   1.2M TZS
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$7.7   20,000 TZS
AVERAGE$22   56,000 TZS
HIGH$120   310,000 TZS
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (15% to 28%)

LOW$17   44,000 TZS
AVERAGE$49   130,000 TZS
HIGH$270   690,000 TZS
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (8% to 17%)

LOW$7.7   20,000 TZS
AVERAGE$22   56,000 TZS
HIGH$120   310,000 TZS
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 6%)

LOW$4.8   12,000 TZS
AVERAGE$14   35,000 TZS
HIGH$75   190,000 TZS
Per Month

Education13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$13   34,000 TZS
AVERAGE$38   98,000 TZS
HIGH$210   540,000 TZS
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW$11   29,000 TZS
AVERAGE$33   84,000 TZS
HIGH$180   460,000 TZS
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Dodoma

Housing16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)

LOW$7.6   19,000 TZS
AVERAGE$19   48,000 TZS
HIGH$34   87,000 TZS
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$1.3   3,200 TZS
AVERAGE$3.2   8,100 TZS
HIGH$5.7   14,000 TZS
Per Month

Transport, Fuel3%

3% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$2.2   5,600 TZS
AVERAGE$5.5   14,000 TZS
HIGH$10   25,000 TZS
Per Month

Food and Groceries24%

24% of total expenses on average (18% to 28%)

LOW$6.3   16,000 TZS
AVERAGE$16   40,000 TZS
HIGH$28   72,000 TZS
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (7% to 13%)

LOW$1.9   4,800 TZS
AVERAGE$4.7   12,000 TZS
HIGH$8.5   22,000 TZS
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$1.6   4,000 TZS
AVERAGE$3.9   10,000 TZS
HIGH$7.1   18,000 TZS
Per Month

Education18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$6   15,000 TZS
AVERAGE$15   38,000 TZS
HIGH$27   69,000 TZS
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$4.7   12,000 TZS
AVERAGE$12   30,000 TZS
HIGH$21   54,000 TZS
Per Month
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