Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $485 (excluding rent), and $703 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,081 (excluding rent), and $1,462 including rent.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.84UGX 10.3K
$1.42UGX 5,158
$4.26UGX 15.5K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$24.84UGX 90.1K
$16.56UGX 60.1K
$41.4UGX 150.2K
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$8.73UGX 31.7K
$6.34UGX 23K
$10.14UGX 36.8K
Cappuccino
$2.72UGX 9,860
$1.97UGX 7,148
$4.21UGX 15.3K
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.41UGX 1,497
$0.27UGX 975
$0.8UGX 2,889
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.3UGX 1,095
$0.29UGX 1,058
$0.58UGX 2,115
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$1.42UGX 5,162
$0.85UGX 3,082
$1.71UGX 6,201
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.82UGX 10.2K
$1.98UGX 7,188
$4.24UGX 15.4K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk(1 liter)
$0.67UGX 2,437
$0.41UGX 1,484
$1.08UGX 3,921
White Bread(500g)
$1.2UGX 4,344
$0.69UGX 2,493
$1.64UGX 5,947
Rice(white)(1kg)
$1.29UGX 4,681
$1.08UGX 3,936
$1.63UGX 5,922
Eggs
$1.86UGX 6,764
$1.22UGX 4,415
$3.41UGX 12.4K
Local Cheese(1kg)
$4.8UGX 17.4K
$1.68UGX 6,098
$8.4UGX 30.5K
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$5.17UGX 18.8K
$2.28UGX 8,273
$8.54UGX 31K
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$4.22UGX 15.3K
$3.63UGX 13.2K
$4.74UGX 17.2K
Apples(1kg)
$2.67UGX 9,680
$1.36UGX 4,947
$4.09UGX 14.8K
Banana(1kg)
$1.44UGX 5,214
$0.69UGX 2,500
$2.74UGX 9,928
Oranges(1kg)
$1.69UGX 6,117
$0.82UGX 2,969
$2.74UGX 9,945
Tomato(1kg)
$1.51UGX 5,493
$0.57UGX 2,051
$2.81UGX 10.2K
Potato(1kg)
$1.48UGX 5,381
$0.57UGX 2,078
$2.84UGX 10.3K
Onion(1kg)
$1.71UGX 6,217
$0.82UGX 2,966
$2.74UGX 9,933
Lettuce(1 head)
$1.02UGX 3,695
$0.41UGX 1,492
$1.64UGX 5,933
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$0.58UGX 2,097
$0.43UGX 1,573
$0.86UGX 3,109
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$2.9UGX 10.5K
$2.21UGX 8,036
$5.52UGX 20K
Wine(Bottle)
$10.26UGX 37.2K
$4.92UGX 17.9K
$13.68UGX 49.6K
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$1.15UGX 4,156
$0.81UGX 2,949
$1.36UGX 4,938
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.06UGX 7,472
$1.14UGX 4,126
$4.1UGX 14.9K
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$0.85UGX 3,076
$0.57UGX 2,075
$1.42UGX 5,151
Public Transport Monthly Pass(Regular Price)
$36.96UGX 134.1K
-
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
$0.72UGX 2,619
$0.29UGX 1,048
$2.87UGX 10.4K
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
$0.26UGX 937
$0.26UGX 937
$0.78UGX 2,847
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
$2.97UGX 10.8K
$1.42UGX 5,135
$7.09UGX 25.7K
Gasoline(1 liter)
$1.44UGX 5,219
$1.36UGX 4,935
$1.53UGX 5,538
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$8,983UGX 32.6M
$8,292UGX 30.1M
$9,674UGX 35.1M
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$8,679UGX 31.5M
$8,266UGX 30M
$10.3KUGX 37.5M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$40.74UGX 147.8K
$22.63UGX 82.1K
$67.9UGX 246.3K
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$13.9UGX 50.4K
$8.32UGX 30.2K
$27.73UGX 100.6K
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$54.7UGX 198.4K
$33.17UGX 120.4K
$138UGX 501.6K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$40.53UGX 147.1K
$21.15UGX 76.8K
$67.7UGX 245.6K
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$6.3UGX 22.9K
$2.72UGX 9,854
$10.87UGX 39.5K
Cinema Ticket
$6.43UGX 23.3K
$4.86UGX 17.6K
$12.86UGX 46.7K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$136UGX 493.1K
$83UGX 301.2K
$277UGX 1M
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$3,983UGX 14.5M
$1,673UGX 6.1M
$6,971UGX 25.3M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$16.33UGX 59.3K
$8.36UGX 30.3K
$22.29UGX 80.9K
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$14.42UGX 52.3K
$8.44UGX 30.6K
$25.32UGX 91.9K
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$37.29UGX 135.3K
$19.1UGX 69.3K
$54.6UGX 198K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$45.92UGX 166.6K
$20.63UGX 74.8K
$82.5UGX 299.3K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$331UGX 1.2M
$137UGX 497.2K
$685UGX 2.5M
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$194UGX 704.1K
$112UGX 406.5K
$420UGX 1.5M
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$951UGX 3.5M
$422UGX 1.5M
$2,111UGX 7.7M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$306UGX 1.1M
$221UGX 803.4K
$692UGX 2.5M
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$942UGX 3.4M
$408UGX 1.5M
$1,290UGX 4.7M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,000UGX 3.6M
$759UGX 2.8M
$1,061UGX 3.8M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$192UGX 694.9K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
20.8
16
24
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: November 22, 2025
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Cost of Living in Uganda - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uganda a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare in general terms?
Uganda often offers a favorable balance of daily costs, outdoor adventures, and cultural access that suits travelers, expats, and digital nomads. In practice, long stays can feel affordable if you choose the right location and habits. Accommodation ranges from modest guesthouses to apartment options that fit different budgets, while meals from markets and casual eateries keep everyday food costs down. Transportation options – from public transit to ride-hailing – provide flexibility without breaking the bank. Reliable internet in major hubs supports remote work, while movement between cities can reshape your cost picture. In short, the Cost of Living in Uganda can be a strong value for many profiles. Tip: Build a flexible budget around your needs and use local services to stretch value.
What does daily life look like in Uganda in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands for a short or long stay?
Daily life in Uganda hinges on where you stay and how you move. Start your housing search by tapping local agents, online groups, and short-term sublets, then test a neighborhood for safety, water reliability, and access to groceries. When budgeting, consider the Uganda living cost differences across districts, as prices can shift with location and season. Food options range from bustling markets with fresh produce to casual eateries where you can try local staples without overspending. Transport is varied: bodas, taxis, and public buses offer flexibility, while co-working spaces in major towns support remote work. Errands are doable with a little planning. Tip: map a routine that minimizes backtracking to save time and money.
What quality-of-life considerations and budgeting strategies help you settle in, and how do you adapt to seasonality and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life hinges on the neighborhood pace, safety, and access to services that match your rhythm. Build a simple budgeting framework: essential expenses (housing, utilities, groceries), discretionary spending (eating out, activities), and a small emergency buffer. Practical saving tips include cooking at home, shopping at markets, and using public transit when feasible. Seasonality can affect travel plans and daily routines, so plan flexible itineraries and indoor options for wetter periods. For neighborhood fit, prioritize proximity to markets, coworking spaces, green spaces, and a supportive community. Tip: set a monthly review to adjust plans as you learn the city.