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 $431 in Iganga.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $192 in Gulu versus $705 in Iganga.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $254 in Gulu versus $980 in Iganga.

Living in Gulu costs roughly 70% less than in Iganga, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Gulu 90% lower, Iganga 68% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.36 UGX 5,041

$2.71 UGX 10.1K

-49.82%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$26.14 UGX 96.9K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.60 UGX 46.7K

$8.47 UGX 31.4K

48.76%

Cappuccino

$2.85 UGX 10.6K

$2.86 UGX 10.6K

-0.35%

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

$0.29 UGX 1,076

$0.47 UGX 1,758

-38.30%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.14 UGX 523

$0.29 UGX 1,057

-51.72%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.80 UGX 2,962

$1.40 UGX 5,202

-42.86%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.71 UGX 10.1K

$2.86 UGX 10.6K

-5.24%

Milk (1 liter)

$0.70 UGX 2,589

White Bread (500g)

$1.20 UGX 4,434

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.40 UGX 5,175

Eggs

$1.77 UGX 6,570

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.28 UGX 15.9K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.02 UGX 18.6K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.34 UGX 16.1K

Apples (1kg)

$2.70 UGX 10.0K

Banana (1kg)

$1.47 UGX 5,466

Oranges (1kg)

$1.74 UGX 6,458

Tomato (1kg)

$1.59 UGX 5,884

Potato (1kg)

$1.64 UGX 6,085

Onion (1kg)

$1.90 UGX 7,055

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.07 UGX 3,962

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.57 UGX 2,123

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.84 UGX 10.5K

Wine (Bottle)

$9.56 UGX 35.5K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.24 UGX 4,610

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.15 UGX 7,980

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.13 UGX 4,180

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$32.93 UGX 122.1K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.58 UGX 2,137

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.26 UGX 964

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.27 UGX 15.8K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.36 UGX 5,056

$1.49 UGX 5,520

-8.72%

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

$8,958 UGX 33.2M

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

$8,660 UGX 32.1M

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

$41.44 UGX 153.7K

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

$14.22 UGX 52.7K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$44.58 UGX 165.3K

Cinema Ticket

$6.20 UGX 23.0K

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

$164 UGX 608.7K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,352 UGX 16.1M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$16.97 UGX 62.9K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$14.53 UGX 53.9K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$38.09 UGX 141.2K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$46.66 UGX 173.0K

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: April 26, 2026

Last update for Iganga: 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 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 234% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $194 in Gulu and $647 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 234% less than in Iganga. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.