How Much Does It Cost to Live In Uganda?
Before deciding to relocate anywhere in the world, gaining a sense of familiarity with the place, its people, possible expenses, and monthly salaries there is what newcomers should take into consideration so as to be able to relax and enjoy the place shining through in all its glory.
If you are having Uganda in mind when speaking about a new place to live you should know that it attracts many nationalities of foreigners because of amazing living conditions if you are earning a salary in your home country.
Uganda : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
People who visit Uganda usually comment on how inexpensive its restaurants are, especially those which serve domestic meals.
Even the price of alcohol is not high and dining out from time to time would not take too much off your budget.
MARKETS
Looking at the price of groceries, and comparing it with how much salary one earns, it can be said that it is a key factor that determines a person’s ability to provide for his/her family.
If you want to lead a successful life here, with not much trouble regarding spending on food, you should buy it at discounts or at the market.
TRANSPORTATION
Besides the fact that gasoline prices are not low, public transportation here is affordable.
You can choose either to pay tickets per ride or take a monthly pass and save quite an amount on this.
Driving includes not only possessing the vehicle but also paying the insurance and registration, which increases the expenses.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Even though Uganda has to offer good Internet packages, the price of them is extremely high, and the majority of people would not be able to afford it, especially because it is not of utmost importance for a living.
Other basic services are not expensive, and they do not exceed $52 per month.
SPORTS & LEISURE
While tennis court rents are pretty affordable, compared to some more developed countries, fitness club fees are quite high.
Even though Uganda residents do not earn too much, they spend almost 10% of their salaries on entertainment and sports activities.
For a person earning the minimum, none of the options will be affordable.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Apparel prices range based on the prominence of the brand you have chosen to buy and the stores can offer different prices.
All in all, foreigners would consider it a paradise for shopping for designer clothes, while the residents would not take it as affordable, due to low incomes.
RENT PER MONTH
The renting options are numerous, starting from various sizes to numerous locations around the country.
The price of rent depends on a number of factors and people have to choose it according to their possibilities.
The larger apartments closer to the city centers require more money for rent.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Uganda
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $2.72 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.09 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.29 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $0.71 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.08 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.54 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.95 |
| Monthly Pass | $36.76 |
| Gasoline | $1.45 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $51.74 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.10 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $68.37 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $54.46 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $12.49 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $5.45 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $16.73 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $22.53 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $50.35 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $255.73 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $141.73 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $807.21 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Uganda?
Uganda is a country that offers everything on the same level as some other countries, but with a cheaper cost of living, thus foreigners with high incomes would lead a comfortable and relaxing lifestyle.
Others who do not earn high wages would need to pay attention to their spending.
Even if you plan to buy property so as to save some money on rent, you will have to pay high mortgage interest rates which are not affordable here.
The greatest expense is definitely the food, while transportation, utilities, and restaurants also take quite a lot.
Average Costs Breakdown
Uganda: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
The data shows that the minimum salary in Uganda is only $1.6 per month.
This amount is not enough to buy two loaves of bread, and not to speak about the rent and utilities.
People here do not lead a rich life, as even the average monthly salary is not high enough to cover basic expenses.
If you are able to negotiate future income with your employer, it is advisable to make a plan for your spending and determine how much you will need to provide for yourself and your family.
Uganda Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Uganda Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Cost of Living by City in Uganda
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Kampala | 31.51 |
