Cost of Living in Kampala, Uganda

Kampala has a cost of living index of 35/100 (New York = 100). It is 65% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

35/100
Cost Index
$550/mo
Median Income
44/100
Safety Index
tropical rainforest
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 30/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$380/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$230/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$810/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 20/100
Milk (1 liter)$0.78/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.5/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$1.2/kg
Dining OutScore: 22/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$5/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$20/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$8/meal
TransportationScore: 25/100
Monthly Transit Pass$25/month
One-Way Ticket$0.8/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.4/km
UtilitiesScore: 28/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$40/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$20/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$12/month
HealthcareScore: 35/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$25/visit
Dentist Visit$35/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$5/course
EntertainmentScore: 25/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$5/ticket
Theater Ticket$15/ticket
Museum Entry$5/ticket
FitnessScore: 25/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$20/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$8/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$3/entry
Personal CareScore: 25/100
Haircut (Men)$5/cut
Haircut (Women)$12/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$2/bottle
ClothingScore: 25/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$35/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$20/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$50/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

18 Mbps
Internet Speed
$150
Coworking/Month
fair
Café WiFi
high
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
55/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Kololo, Kampala Central, Makindye

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kampala cheap to live in?

Kampala has a cost of living index of 35/100, where New York = 100. It is 65% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $700–$980 per month.

How much does rent cost in Kampala?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Kampala costs approximately $380/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $230/month.

Is Kampala good for digital nomads?

Kampala has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 18 Mbps, café wifi reliability is fair, and coworking spaces run about $150/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Kampala?

The median net monthly salary in Kampala is approximately $550 USD. The income tax rate is around 16%.

How does Kampala compare to New York for cost of living?

Kampala (cost index 35) is 65% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,625/month by moving from New York to Kampala.

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