South Africa vs Tanzania
South Africa costs roughly 6% less than Tanzania, though Tanzania scores higher on safety. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
South Africa is approximately 6% less expensive than Tanzania based on cost of living including rent. This makes South Africa a more expensive option for expats considering a move.
Tanzania has a FIRE Score of 98/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 48.6, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Tanzania is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About South Africa
Safety is the dealbreaker: a 25.3 safety index puts South Africa firmly in caution territory, with the advisory level of 2 underscoring that. Retirees on fixed budgets should look past this for the math: $2,050/mo qualifies for the retirement visa, while rent runs under $500/mo in city centers. Low cost, low safety, weigh accordingly.
$1,873/mo
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About Tanzania
Skip this one if healthcare quality matters to you: a 28.3 Healthcare Index and Level 3 travel advisory signal real risk for retirees needing reliable medical care. But budget-focused remote workers can thrive here, with a $2,000/mo digital nomad visa and living costs outside rent at $439/month making the math work.
$2,154/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
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Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | South Africa | Tanzania |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 3: Reconsider Travel |
| Quality of Life Index | 152.4 +68.9 | 83.5 |
| Healthcare Index | 63.8 +35.5 | 28.3 |
| Safety Index | 25.3 | 48.6 +23.3 |
| Cost of Living Index | 30 +1.8 | 31.8 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $645 | $439.1 +205.9 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $2,299.6 | $1,569.7 +729.9 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $481.66 | $407.26 +74.4 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $389.47 | $154.95 +234.52 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $974.15 | $658.49 +315.66 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $757.4 | $290.38 +467.02 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 48.31 Mbps +27.7 | 20.59 Mbps |
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Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths for South Africa and Tanzania, side by side.
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