Kampala vs Chiang Mai

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Kampala is roughly 9% more affordable than Chiang Mai (index 16 vs 18, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Kampala
More affordable overall
9% cheaper than Chiang Mai · Cost index: 16 vs 18

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

16Cost Index18
425Median Income /mo1,400
55Safety Index82
20Income Tax %5
28Internet (Mbps)45
160Coworking /mo120

Price Breakdown

KampalaCategoryChiang Mai
$395/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
14% ← cheaper
$340/month
$0.75/liter
Meal for One
63% cheaper →
$2/liter
$2.6/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
26% cheaper →
$3.5/meal
$41/month
Monthly Transit Pass
39% ← cheaper
$25/month
$35/month
Utilities (Monthly)
36% cheaper →
$55/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
36% ← cheaper
$32/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Kampala

Internet28 Mbps
Coworking$160/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability65/100

Chiang Mai

Internet45 Mbps
Coworking$120/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability70/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kampala cheaper than Chiang Mai?

Kampala is cheaper than Chiang Mai. Kampala has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 18/100 for Chiang Mai (New York = 100), making it roughly 9% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Kampala than Chiang Mai?

Kampala is approximately 9% cheaper than Chiang Mai based on cost index scores (16 vs 18, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Chiang Mai could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,719/month in Kampala.

What is the rent comparison between Kampala and Chiang Mai?

In Kampala, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $395/month. In Chiang Mai, the equivalent is around $340/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Kampala or Chiang Mai?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Kampala offers 28 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$160/month. Chiang Mai offers 45 Mbps and coworking at ~$120/month. Kampala has a cost advantage of 9%.

What is the average income in Kampala vs Chiang Mai?

The median net monthly salary in Kampala is approximately $425 USD, compared to $1,400 USD in Chiang Mai.

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