Mwanza, Tanzania
Mwanza is a major city in Tanzania with a population of 1,200,000.
Overview
Mwanza is a city in Mwanza with a population of 1,200,000. Mwanza is a major city in Tanzania with a population of 1,200,000. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b 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 270 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
Mwanza vs Tanzania Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 18.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: TSh 2,400,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 1,200,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 270/year
- Summer High: 85°F
- Winter Low: 65°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: TSh200,000,000
- 1BR Rent: TSh500000/mo
Cost of Living
Mwanza's cost of living index is 82 (Tanzania average = 100).
| Category | Mwanza | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 82 | 100 | -18.0% |
| Housing | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | TSh200,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | TSh500000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | TSh625,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | TSh133,333 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Mwanza:
| 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
Mwanza scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Mwanza has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 85°F | 65°F | 2.5" |
| April | 70°F | 80°F | 2.8" |
| July | 85°F | 60°F | 1.5" |
| October | 65°F | 83°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Mwanza 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 Mwanza 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 Mwanza, Tanzania?
The cost of living index in Mwanza is 82, which is Lower the Tanzania national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Mwanza?
The median home price in Mwanza is TSh200,000,000. The housing index is 90.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mwanza is approximately TSh500000/mo.
Does Mwanza, Mwanza have income tax?
Mwanza is in Mwanza, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Mwanza?
Mwanza enjoys approximately 270 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 85°F, while winter lows can drop to around 65°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.