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: $129 in Gulu versus $439 in Iganga.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $190 in Gulu versus $701 in Iganga.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $250 in Gulu versus $962 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 90% lower, Iganga 67% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.43 UGX 5,203

$2.86 UGX 10.4K

-50.00%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$26.59 UGX 97.0K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.69 UGX 46.3K

$8.70 UGX 31.7K

45.86%

Cappuccino

$2.71 UGX 9,891

$2.86 UGX 10.4K

-5.24%

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

$0.29 UGX 1,058

$0.47 UGX 1,704

-38.30%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.13 UGX 489

$0.31 UGX 1,145

-58.06%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.85 UGX 3,108

$1.41 UGX 5,143

-39.72%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.84 UGX 10.3K

$2.86 UGX 10.4K

-0.70%

Milk (1 liter)

$0.76 UGX 2,774

White Bread (500g)

$1.20 UGX 4,367

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.39 UGX 5,085

Eggs

$1.81 UGX 6,616

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.36 UGX 15.9K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.05 UGX 18.4K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.35 UGX 15.9K

Apples (1kg)

$2.82 UGX 10.3K

Banana (1kg)

$1.47 UGX 5,356

Oranges (1kg)

$1.67 UGX 6,086

Tomato (1kg)

$1.60 UGX 5,842

Potato (1kg)

$1.56 UGX 5,705

Onion (1kg)

$1.92 UGX 6,998

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.06 UGX 3,884

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.54 UGX 1,983

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.91 UGX 10.6K

Wine (Bottle)

$9.56 UGX 34.9K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.24 UGX 4,536

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.05 UGX 7,495

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.13 UGX 4,130

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$33.61 UGX 122.6K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.54 UGX 1,960

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.28 UGX 1,023

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.28 UGX 15.6K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.44 UGX 5,247

$1.50 UGX 5,477

-4.00%

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

$9,052 UGX 33.0M

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

$8,598 UGX 31.4M

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

$42.37 UGX 154.6K

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

$14.53 UGX 53.0K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$43.25 UGX 157.8K

Cinema Ticket

$6.41 UGX 23.4K

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

$159 UGX 579.1K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,340 UGX 15.8M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$17.06 UGX 62.2K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$14.31 UGX 52.2K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$39.01 UGX 142.3K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$46.22 UGX 168.6K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

20.8

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

Last update for Gulu: June 15, 2026

Last update for Iganga: June 15, 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 241% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $193 in Gulu and $659 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 241% less than in Iganga. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.