Mbeya, Tanzania
Mbeya is a major city in Tanzania with a population of 600,000.
Overview
Mbeya is a city in Mbeya with a population of 600,000. Mbeya is a major city in Tanzania with a population of 600,000. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 260 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 18.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Tanzania Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Mbeya vs Tanzania Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 18.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: TSh 2,000,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 600,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 55°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: TSh150,000,000
- 1BR Rent: TSh400000/mo
Cost of Living
Mbeya's cost of living index is 75 (Tanzania average = 100).
| Category | Mbeya | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 75 | 100 | -25.0% |
| Housing | 82 | 100 | -18.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | TSh150,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | TSh400000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | TSh500,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | TSh100,000 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Mbeya:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | TSh15000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | TSh5000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | TSh15000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | TSh35000 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Mbeya scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Mbeya has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 75°F | 55°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 70°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 73°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Mbeya faces the following natural hazards:
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Significant cyclone risk.
Volcanic activity including Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru.
River and coastal flooding.
Rift Valley highlands with landslides.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 18%
- Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Long break between Term 3 and Term 1.
Demographics
The population of Mbeya is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: National Bureau of Statistics (2012)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mbeya, Tanzania?
The cost of living index in Mbeya is 75, which is Lower the Tanzania national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Mbeya?
The median home price in Mbeya is TSh150,000,000. The housing index is 82.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mbeya is approximately TSh400000/mo.
Does Mbeya, Mbeya have income tax?
Mbeya is in Mbeya, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Mbeya?
Mbeya enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 55°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.