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

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $425 in Iganga versus $132 in Gulu.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $685 in Iganga versus $190 in Gulu.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $945 in Iganga versus $248 in Gulu.

Living in Iganga is roughly 221% more expensive than in Gulu, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.82 UGX 10.6K

$1.38 UGX 5,177

104.35%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$26.13 UGX 98.0K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.76 UGX 32.9K

$12.61 UGX 47.3K

-30.53%

Cappuccino

$2.84 UGX 10.6K

$2.71 UGX 10.2K

4.80%

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

$0.50 UGX 1,887

$0.27 UGX 1,004

85.19%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.29 UGX 1,080

$0.13 UGX 503

123.08%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.41 UGX 5,299

$0.80 UGX 2,991

76.25%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.75 UGX 10.3K

$2.84 UGX 10.6K

-3.17%

Milk (1 liter)

$0.71 UGX 2,646

White Bread (500g)

$1.22 UGX 4,568

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.34 UGX 5,030

Eggs

$1.76 UGX 6,607

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.25 UGX 15.9K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.05 UGX 19.0K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.29 UGX 16.1K

Apples (1kg)

$2.70 UGX 10.1K

Banana (1kg)

$1.48 UGX 5,561

Oranges (1kg)

$1.74 UGX 6,545

Tomato (1kg)

$1.55 UGX 5,800

Potato (1kg)

$1.57 UGX 5,884

Onion (1kg)

$1.88 UGX 7,045

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.01 UGX 3,801

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.53 UGX 1,997

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.87 UGX 10.8K

Wine (Bottle)

$8.08 UGX 30.3K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.17 UGX 4,409

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.03 UGX 7,609

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.08 UGX 4,071

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$33.07 UGX 124.1K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.57 UGX 2,149

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.28 UGX 1,055

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.28 UGX 16.0K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.44 UGX 5,394

$1.43 UGX 5,379

0.70%

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

$9,183 UGX 34.5M

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

$8,605 UGX 32.3M

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

$41.58 UGX 156.0K

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

$14.49 UGX 54.4K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$43.87 UGX 164.6K

Cinema Ticket

$6.29 UGX 23.6K

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

$163 UGX 610.0K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,295 UGX 16.1M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$17.20 UGX 64.5K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$14.42 UGX 54.1K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$39.21 UGX 147.1K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$47.31 UGX 177.5K

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 Iganga: July 27, 2026

Last update for Gulu: July 28, 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

Iganga vs Gulu: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Gulu is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Eating Out, Monthly Utilities & Internet, Clothing & Footwear, Sport & Entertainment. The 221% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $638 in Iganga and $198 in Gulu 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, Iganga and Gulu 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 221% less than in Iganga. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.