Average Cost of Living in Kampala-Uganda
The average cost of living in Kampala-Uganda, Uganda is $460 per month for a single person, and $1,709 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $485 per month. The local average net salary is $198 per month.
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $460 / month
- Family of 4
- $1,709 / mo
- Student
- $285 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Kampala-Uganda
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Kampala-Uganda | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Kampala-Uganda | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Kampala-Uganda | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Kampala-Uganda | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Kampala-Uganda | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Kampala-Uganda | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Kampala-Uganda | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Kampala-Uganda | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Kampala-Uganda | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Kampala-Uganda | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Kampala-Uganda FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Kampala-Uganda. |
Rent & Property Prices in Kampala-Uganda
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $485 | $266 – $1,085 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $205 | $133 – $399 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,180 | $798 – $2,096 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $409 | $213 – $864 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $1,228 | $1,133 – $1,280 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,001 | $996 – $1,011 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $485$266 – $1,085
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $205$133 – $399
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,180$798 – $2,096
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $409$213 – $864
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $1,228$1,133 – $1,280
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $1,001$996 – $1,011
Grocery Prices in Kampala-Uganda
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $0.75 | $0.43 – $1.06 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.01 | $0.66 – $1.60 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.31 | $0.93 – $1.60 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $1.59 | $1.17 – $3.46 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $4.79 | $1.60 – $7.98 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $4.84 | $2.13 – $7.98 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $4.81 | $3.99 – $5.85 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $2.50 | $1.20 – $3.99 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.35 | $0.80 – $2.66 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.50 | $0.80 – $2.66 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $1.48 | $1.06 – $2.66 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.51 | $0.80 – $2.66 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.53 | $0.80 – $2.66 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $0.82 | $0.40 – $1.60 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.53 | $0.53 – $0.66 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $9.31 | $4.79 – $13 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.13 | $0.80 – $1.33 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.02 | $1.33 – $3.19 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $2.73 | $2.66 – $6.65 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $0.75$0.43 – $1.06
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.01$0.66 – $1.60
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.31$0.93 – $1.60
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $1.59$1.17 – $3.46
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $4.79$1.60 – $7.98
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $4.84$2.13 – $7.98
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $4.81$3.99 – $5.85
- Apples (1 kg) $2.50$1.20 – $3.99
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.35$0.80 – $2.66
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.50$0.80 – $2.66
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $1.48$1.06 – $2.66
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.51$0.80 – $2.66
- Onions (1 kg) $1.53$0.80 – $2.66
- Lettuce (1 Head) $0.82$0.40 – $1.60
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.53$0.53 – $0.66
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $9.31$4.79 – $13
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.13$0.80 – $1.33
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.02$1.33 – $3.19
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $2.73$2.66 – $6.65
Public Transport & Car Costs in Kampala-Uganda
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.93 | $0.80 – $1.33 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $40 | $0.00 – $46 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $0.53 | $0.27 – $0.80 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.33 | $0.27 – $0.80 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $3.99 | $1.33 – $7.98 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.35 | $1.29 – $1.39 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $7,980 | $7,980 – $9,310 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $8,645 | $7,980 – $10,640 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.93$0.80 – $1.33
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $40$0.00 – $46
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $0.53$0.27 – $0.80
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.33$0.27 – $0.80
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $3.99$1.33 – $7.98
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.35$1.29 – $1.39
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $7,980$7,980 – $9,310
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $8,645$7,980 – $10,640
Utility & Internet Costs in Kampala-Uganda
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $81 | $21 – $173 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $15 | $5.32 – $27 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $43 | $32 – $133 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $81$21 – $173
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $15$5.32 – $27
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $43$32 – $133
Childcare & Preschool in Kampala-Uganda
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $235 | $133 – $358 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $10,659 | $1,862 – $31,010 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $235$133 – $358
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $10,659$1,862 – $31,010
Clothing Prices in Kampala-Uganda
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $16 | $7.98 – $20 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $15 | $7.98 – $24 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $41 | $19 – $53 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $51 | $27 – $80 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $16$7.98 – $20
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $15$7.98 – $24
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $41$19 – $53
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $51$27 – $80
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Kampala-Uganda
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $43 | $16 – $186 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $6.32 | $2.66 – $11 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $6.65 | $4.79 – $12 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $43$16 – $186
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $6.32$2.66 – $11
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $6.65$4.79 – $12
Restaurant Prices in Kampala-Uganda
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $2.66 | $1.33 – $3.99 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $27 | $16 – $59 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $7.98 | $6.65 – $10 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.33 | $0.93 – $4.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.26 | $1.86 – $3.99 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.67 | $1.86 – $3.99 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $0.54 | $0.27 – $2.00 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.31 | $0.27 – $0.53 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $2.66$1.33 – $3.99
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $27$16 – $59
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $7.98$6.65 – $10
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $1.33$0.93 – $4.00
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.26$1.86 – $3.99
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.67$1.86 – $3.99
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $0.54$0.27 – $2.00
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.31$0.27 – $0.53
Salaries & Mortgages in Kampala-Uganda
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $198 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 20.75% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $198
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 20.75%
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Kampala-Uganda?
- An estimated $460 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Kampala-Uganda. A family of four needs around $1,709 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $285.
- How much money do I need to live in Kampala-Uganda?
- Plan for at least $460 per month as a single person, $1,709 per month for a family of four, or $285 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Kampala-Uganda.
- What is the average rent in Kampala-Uganda?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Kampala-Uganda rents for around $485 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,180 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Kampala-Uganda?
- The average monthly net salary in Kampala-Uganda is around $198. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 245% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Kampala-Uganda?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Kampala-Uganda costs around $2.66. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $39 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($0.75/L) and bread ($1.01/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Kampala-Uganda?
- A monthly public transport pass in Kampala-Uganda costs around $40. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Kampala-Uganda?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Kampala-Uganda costs around $43 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.