Cost of Living Comparison Between Gulu and Busia Cost of Living Comparison Between Gulu and Busia

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $129 in Gulu versus $81.2 in Busia.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $192 in Gulu versus $134 in Busia.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $254 in Gulu versus $187 in Busia.

Living in Gulu is roughly 59% more expensive than Busia, driven mainly by Eating Out.

Both cities sit below the global median: Gulu 90% lower, Busia 94% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.36 UGX 5,028

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.60 UGX 46.6K

Cappuccino

$2.85 UGX 10.5K

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.29 UGX 1,073

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.14 UGX 522

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.80 UGX 2,954

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.71 UGX 10.0K

Milk (1 liter)

$0.34 UGX 1,272

White Bread (500g)

$1.35 UGX 4,998

Eggs

$1.65 UGX 6,099

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.23 UGX 15.6K

Apples (1kg)

$2.77 UGX 10.2K

Tomato (1kg)

$0.82 UGX 3,025

Onion (1kg)

$1.70 UGX 6,296

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.27 UGX 986

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.23 UGX 4,560

Wine (Bottle)

$5.47 UGX 20.2K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.14 UGX 4,222

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.41 UGX 5,222

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.13 UGX 4,169

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$32.93 UGX 121.8K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.36 UGX 5,042

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update for Gulu: April 26, 2026

Last update for Busia: April 27, 2026

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Gulu vs Busia: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Busia wins on cost – living expenses run 59% lower than in Gulu. Housing and daily spending are where you'll feel the difference most, making Busia the obvious pick if budget is a priority.

You'd need roughly $194 in Gulu and $122 in Busia to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.

Either city works on $800 a month, though Busia gives you more room to save. At this income level, the choice is more about lifestyle than financial pressure.

Both cities offer a good standard of living with different trade-offs. Neither is objectively better – the right pick depends on what matters most: affordability, career, cultural scene, or climate.

Expats usually find Busia gentler on the wallet – expenses run 59% less than in Gulu. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.