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: $124 in Gulu versus $449 in Iganga.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $184 in Gulu versus $698 in Iganga.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $244 in Gulu versus $946 in Iganga.

Living in Gulu costs roughly 72% less than in Iganga, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Gulu 91% lower, Iganga 67% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.31 UGX 4,869

$2.75 UGX 10.2K

-52.36%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$27.17 UGX 101.0K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.89 UGX 44.2K

$7.58 UGX 28.2K

56.86%

Cappuccino

$2.75 UGX 10.2K

$2.58 UGX 9,585

6.59%

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

$0.28 UGX 1,051

$0.41 UGX 1,511

-31.71%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.12 UGX 460

$0.30 UGX 1,115

-60.00%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.79 UGX 2,951

$1.37 UGX 5,107

-42.34%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.63 UGX 9,762

$1.95 UGX 7,264

34.87%

Milk (1 liter)

$0.85 UGX 3,171

White Bread (500g)

$0.98 UGX 3,642

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.34 UGX 4,976

Eggs

$1.50 UGX 5,593

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.88 UGX 18.1K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.02 UGX 18.7K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.15 UGX 19.1K

Apples (1kg)

$2.38 UGX 8,830

Banana (1kg)

$1.27 UGX 4,733

Oranges (1kg)

$1.45 UGX 5,374

Tomato (1kg)

$1.33 UGX 4,952

Potato (1kg)

$1.34 UGX 4,990

Onion (1kg)

$1.47 UGX 5,450

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.86 UGX 3,214

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.54 UGX 1,994

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.69 UGX 10.0K

Wine (Bottle)

$8.26 UGX 30.7K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.08 UGX 4,011

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.09 UGX 7,778

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.10 UGX 4,081

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$32.80 UGX 121.9K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.52 UGX 1,930

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.33 UGX 1,222

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$3.43 UGX 12.8K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.38 UGX 5,122

$1.50 UGX 5,573

-8.00%

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

$7,977 UGX 29.6M

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

$8,166 UGX 30.3M

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

$74.5 UGX 277.0K

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

$15.30 UGX 56.9K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$39.50 UGX 146.8K

Cinema Ticket

$7.36 UGX 27.4K

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

$252 UGX 934.8K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$8,483 UGX 31.5M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$15.25 UGX 56.7K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$13.90 UGX 51.7K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$35.13 UGX 130.6K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$47.44 UGX 176.3K

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: August 17, 2026

Last update for Iganga: August 18, 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 Groceries & Markets, Monthly Utilities & Internet, Clothing & Footwear, Sport & Entertainment. The 262% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $186 in Gulu and $674 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 262% less than in Iganga. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.