Kampala vs Kathmandu

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

Kampala
More affordable overall
9% cheaper than Kathmandu · 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 /mo217
55Safety Index63
20Income Tax %5
28Internet (Mbps)71
160Coworking /mo175

Price Breakdown

KampalaCategoryKathmandu
$395/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
24% ← cheaper
$300/month
$0.75/liter
Meal for One
13% ← cheaper
$0.65/liter
$2.6/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
23% ← cheaper
$2/meal
$41/month
Monthly Transit Pass
51% ← cheaper
$20/month
$35/month
Utilities (Monthly)
14% ← cheaper
$30/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
40% ← cheaper
$30/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Kampala

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

Kathmandu

Internet71 Mbps
Coworking$175/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability62/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kampala cheaper than Kathmandu?

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

How much cheaper is Kampala than Kathmandu?

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

What is the rent comparison between Kampala and Kathmandu?

In Kampala, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $395/month. In Kathmandu, the equivalent is around $300/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Kampala or Kathmandu?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Kampala offers 28 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$160/month. Kathmandu offers 71 Mbps and coworking at ~$175/month. Kampala has a cost advantage of 9%.

What is the average income in Kampala vs Kathmandu?

The median net monthly salary in Kampala is approximately $425 USD, compared to $217 USD in Kathmandu.

Compare Kampala with…

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