Cost of Living in Kampala, Uganda
Uganda · Africa
Cost of Living in Kampala: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Kampala, Uganda is approximately $650 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 26, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$650
Monthly Cost
avg/person
26
Cost Index
NYC = 100
22
Rent Index
NYC = 100
44
Quality of Life
Below Average
42
Safety Index
Below Average
1.7M
Population
UGX
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $10 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $4 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.6 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.7 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.3 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.2 |
| Monthly Pass | $10 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $48 |
| Mobile Plan | $6 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $28 |
| Fitness Club/month | $20 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $280/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $160/mo |
| 3BR Center | $660/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $380/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,100/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $600/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $320 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 18% |
Cost of Living in Kampala: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Kampala, Uganda, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $650. The city's cost of living index is 26, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Kampala
A typical monthly budget in Kampala includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Kampala
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $160 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $280. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $660 per month.
Average Salary in Kampala
The average net salary in Kampala is approximately $320 per month. Purchasing power is rated 32out of 100.
Is Kampala Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 26,Kampala is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Kampala
Safety
Kampala has a safety score of 42/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Kampala is rated 38/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Kampala is 70/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Kampala has a purchasing power score of 32/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Kampala
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Kampala should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Kampala fits their monthly budget.
Is Kampala Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 26provides a useful benchmark when comparing Kampala with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Kampala
- Average Monthly Cost
- $650
- Cost Index
- 26
- Rent Index
- 22
- Average Net Salary
- $320
- Quality of Life
- 44/100
- Safety
- 42/100
- Healthcare
- 38/100
- Currency
- UGX
Frequently Asked Questions About Kampala
What is the cost of living in Kampala?
The estimated cost of living in Kampala, Uganda, is approximately $650 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Kampala?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $160 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $280.
Is Kampala expensive to live in?
Kampala has a cost index of 26 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Kampala?
The average net salary in Kampala is approximately $320 per month.
Is Kampala good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Kampala is suitable for relocation.