Kuhama kwenda Dar es Salaam: Mwongozo wa Vitendo wa Makazi kwa Wataalam wa Kigeni

By NyumbaPoint  ·  April 2026  ·  10 min read

As an Expat Moving to Dar es Salaam is an exciting move. Tanzania’s largest city is a fast-growing commercial hub with a warm climate, a vibrant culture, and a surprisingly comfortable quality of life for expats. But navigating the rental market without local knowledge can be frustrating, expensive, and — if you’re not careful — costly.

This guide covers everything you need to know before signing a lease in Dar: which neighbourhoods to consider, what to expect on budget, how the rental process works, and the red flags to avoid.

Understanding Dar es Salaam’s Neighbourhoods

Masaki and Msasani Peninsula

Masaki is Dar’s most popular expat neighbourhood, and for good reason. It sits on the Msasani Peninsula, close to the ocean, with easy access to international schools, supermarkets, restaurants, and the Slipway shopping area. Gated compounds with backup generators and borehole water are the norm here.

A one to three-bedroom apartment in Masaki typically costs between 3,000,000 and 5,000,000 Tsh per month, depending on finishes and furnishing. Sea view properties command a significant premium. Sea view properties command a significant premium.

Masaki is the right choice if: you have children in an international school, you work for an NGO or embassy, or you want a walkable, social neighbourhood with other expats nearby.

Mikocheni

Mikocheni sits just inland from Masaki and offers many of the same amenities at a lower price point. It’s a favourite among mid-level professionals, younger expats, and Tanzanian executives.

Budget: 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 Tsh per month for a one to three-bedroom. A good furnished two-bedroom can be found for around 800,000 to 1,200,000 Tsh.

Upanga

Upanga is an older, more central neighbourhood popular with Asian-Tanzanian families and some expat professionals. It’s close to the central business district and offers solid value for money. The area is more urban and less leafy than Masaki, but transport links are excellent.

Budget: 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 Tsh per month.

What the Rental Process Looks Like

Finding a property

Most properties in Dar are listed through agents rather than directly by landlords. The best approach is to use a verified platform like NyumbaPoint, where every agent and listing is checked, or to get referrals from colleagues already living in the city.

Typical lease terms

• Leases are usually 12 months, sometimes 6.
• Rent is quoted in Tanzanian Shillings (Tsh) for local properties, and sometimes in USD for premium expat-facing apartments.
• Deposits are typically 2 to 3 months’ rent, paid upfront.
• Many landlords require 6 or 12 month payment in advance.
• Utilities, electricity, water, and internet are almost always separate from rent.

What’s typically included

In furnished apartments (common in the Masaki/Mikocheni expat market), expect: beds, sofas, dining table, kitchen appliances, and sometimes a washing machine. Air conditioning units are standard in most units above 3,000,000 Tsh.

What you should always ask about: backup generator (load-shedding is real in Dar), borehole or water storage tank, security (guard and gating), parking, and whether the compound has fibre internet infrastructure.

Red Flags to Watch For

As an Expat Moving to Dar es Salaam, you need to be aware that the Dar rental market has its share of bad actors. Here is what to watch for:

1. The agent asks for a “viewing fee” before showing the property or charging a viewing fee per property.
2. Deposit requested before you have seen the unit in person. Never pay without a physical viewing.
3. Price is suspiciously low for the area. A 3-bed in Masaki for 400,000 Tsh does not exist it’s a scam.
4. The agent is evasive about the landlord’s name or cannot produce a valid lease agreement.
5. No written contract offered. Always insist on a signed lease before paying anything.

Practical Tips for New Arrivals

• Try to arrange temporary accommodation (serviced apartment or hotel) for your first 2 to 4 weeks. This gives you time to explore neighbourhoods before committing.
• Visit properties at different times of day to check traffic noise, neighbourhood activity, and power reliability.
• Ask specifically about water pressure and electricity supply — both can vary dramatically by compound.
• Negotiate. Rents in Dar are often negotiable, especially for longer leases or if you pay several months upfront.
• Use NyumbaPoint to find verified agents who have been checked and reviewed by other renters.

Final Thoughts

Dar es Salaam has a lot to offer expats, a relatively affordable cost of living by international standards, a warm and welcoming culture, and a city that is growing fast. The housing market can feel chaotic at first, but with the right information and a verified agent, finding a good home is very achievable.

Browse verified listings at nyumbapoint.com and contact agents directly through the platform.

NyumbaPoint is Tanzania’s verified rental marketplace. Browse 100+ listings at nyumbapoint.com