Cost of Living Comparison Between Gulu and Iganga Cost of Living Comparison Between Gulu and Iganga

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $117 in Gulu versus $409 in Iganga.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $170 in Gulu versus $648 in Iganga.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $223 in Gulu versus $887 in Iganga.

Living in Gulu costs roughly 71% less than in Iganga, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Gulu 91% lower, Iganga 69% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.26 UGX 5,140

$2.53 UGX 10.3K

-50.20%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$24.80 UGX 101.3K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.98 UGX 44.8K

$7.61 UGX 31.1K

44.28%

Cappuccino

$2.44 UGX 9,959

$2.63 UGX 10.8K

-7.22%

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

$0.24 UGX 973

$0.38 UGX 1,572

-36.84%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.13 UGX 527

$0.28 UGX 1,144

-53.57%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.77 UGX 3,137

$1.27 UGX 5,189

-39.37%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.53 UGX 10.3K

$1.85 UGX 7,561

36.76%

Milk (1 liter)

$0.79 UGX 3,230

White Bread (500g)

$0.88 UGX 3,575

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.36 UGX 5,572

Eggs

$1.57 UGX 6,397

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.38 UGX 17.9K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.69 UGX 19.1K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.00 UGX 20.4K

Apples (1kg)

$2.19 UGX 8,927

Banana (1kg)

$1.29 UGX 5,277

Oranges (1kg)

$1.30 UGX 5,297

Tomato (1kg)

$1.17 UGX 4,760

Potato (1kg)

$1.22 UGX 4,980

Onion (1kg)

$1.21 UGX 4,948

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.79 UGX 3,215

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.53 UGX 2,178

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.45 UGX 9,987

Wine (Bottle)

$7.59 UGX 31.0K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.06 UGX 4,328

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.95 UGX 7,945

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.98 UGX 4,013

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$30.35 UGX 123.9K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.49 UGX 1,981

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.32 UGX 1,326

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$3.12 UGX 12.8K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.23 UGX 5,038

$1.38 UGX 5,655

-10.87%

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$7,518 UGX 30.7M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$7,389 UGX 30.2M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$69.7 UGX 284.7K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$11.95 UGX 48.8K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$35.23 UGX 143.9K

Cinema Ticket

$7.53 UGX 30.8K

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$255 UGX 1.0M

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$8,186 UGX 33.4M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$14.13 UGX 57.7K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$12.89 UGX 52.6K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$32.60 UGX 133.1K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$43.10 UGX 176.0K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

20.75

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

Last update for Gulu: October 4, 2026

Last update for Iganga: October 6, 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 Iganga: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Gulu is cheaper overall, especially in Eating Out, Groceries & Markets, Monthly Utilities & Internet, Clothing & Footwear, Sport & Entertainment. The 249% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $176 in Gulu and $614 in Iganga 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 $1,000 a month, though Gulu 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.

Safety-wise, Gulu and Iganga are on par. Petty crime is typical for cities this size, and most residents feel comfortable going about their daily routines in either place.

Expats usually find Gulu gentler on the wallet – expenses run 249% less than in Iganga. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.