the real cost of utilities and bills in ubungo (and why it feels like a game of survival)
okay, so here's the thing about living in ubungo-it's not your typical "nestled in the heart of" kinda place. it's more like "survive the chaos and maybe you'll find a decent internet connection" kinda place. i've been here long enough to know that budgeting isn't just a skill, it's a survival tactic. let's break it down, shall we?
*rent is the first punch to the gut. if you're looking for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, you're looking at around 600,000 tzs a month. but if you're like me and don't mind a bit of a commute, you can find something for 400,000 tzs on the outskirts. just don't expect the electricity to work every day. electricity here is a gamble. you might pay 50,000 tzs one month and 150,000 the next. it's like the universe is testing your patience. water is another story. it's not always reliable, so you might end up buying a water tank for 100,000 tzs every few months. and don't even get me started on internet. if you want something decent, you're looking at 80,000 tzs a month. but good luck streaming anything without it buffering every five seconds. food is where things get interesting. if you cook at home, you can get by on 200,000 tzs a month. but if you're eating out, a meal at a local joint will cost you about 10,000 tzs, and a fancy dinner? forget it-that's 50,000 tzs minimum. transportation is another budget killer. a monthly bus pass is around 50,000 tzs, but if you're taking taxis, you're looking at 10,000 tzs a ride. and let's not forget healthcare. a visit to the doctor will set you back 30,000 tzs, and if you need meds, add another 20,000 tzs. oh, and entertainment? a movie ticket is 15,000 tzs, but honestly, who has time for that when you're trying to keep the lights on? now, i know what you're thinking-"why live here?" well, for starters, the people are amazing. and if you're into street art, you'll find some hidden gems around the city. but let's be real, the real reason is that it's cheap. compared to dar es salaam, you're saving a ton. but it's not all sunshine and rainbows. the job market* is tough, and if you're not careful, you'll end up spending more than you earn. so, here's my advice: budget like your life depends on it, because in ubungo, it kinda does. and if you're thinking of moving here, check out these links for more info: tripadvisor, yelp, and local subreddit. trust me, you'll need all the help you can get.
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