Cost of Living in Kampala, Uganda
Uganda · Africa
$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
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| 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 (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Kampala, Uganda is approximately $650 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Kampala has a cost index of 26, making it around 74% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Kampala costs around $160/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $280/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $660/month. The rent index is 22 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Kampala scores 44/100 on the quality of life index and 42/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 38/100. The climate index is 70/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Kampala is approximately $320/month. With a purchasing power index of 32/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is UGX, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Kampala
The average monthly salary in Kampala is approximately $320. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $650, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 32/100.
Healthcare Costs in Kampala
Healthcare quality in Kampala is rated 38/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Kampala
Kampala has a quality of life score of 44/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Kampala
Students living in Kampala should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Kampala
Expats moving to Kampala often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Kampala, Uganda is approximately $650 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 26 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Kampala
Living in Kampala offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 26 and a quality of life score of 44/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $320 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Kampala provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Uganda and around the world.
Key Facts About Kampala
- Average Monthly Cost: $650
- Cost Index: 26
- Rent Index: 22
- Average Salary: $320
- Quality of Life: 44/100
- Safety Score: 42/100
- Country: Uganda
- Currency: UGX
Is Kampala Expensive?
Kampala has a cost index of 26 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Kampala compare to other cities?
Kampala is located in Africa with a population of approximately 1.7M. At a cost index of 26 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Kampala stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kampala?
The average cost of living in Kampala, Uganda is approximately $650 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 26 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Kampala?
Rent in Kampala varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 22 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Kampala alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Kampala expensive to live in?
Kampala has a cost index of 26 compared to New York City (100). At 26, Kampala is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $650.
What is the quality of life in Kampala?
Kampala has a quality of life index of 44/100 and a safety index of 42/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Kampala compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Kampala with any city worldwide. Kampala's cost index is 26 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Kampala?
Many residents live comfortably in Kampala with a monthly budget of around $650 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Kampala good for expats?
Kampala is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Kampala?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $650 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Kampala.
Is Kampala cheaper than New York?
Yes, Kampala has a cost index of 26 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Kampala?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Kampala.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Kampala
Cheapest Ways to Live in Kampala
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Kampala typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $160/month compared to $280/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Kampala, Uganda.
Is Kampala Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 32/100 and a quality of life score of 44/100, Kampala is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 26 relative to New York City, Kampala remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Uganda has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Kampala Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Kampala", "Kampala monthly expenses 2026", and "is Kampala affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $650, a safety score of 42/100, and healthcare rated 38/100, Kampala offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Uganda.
Popular City Cost Comparisons
Last reviewed: 7/15/2026