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Cost of Living in Fort Portal

Fort Portal, Kabarole, Uganda · Population 137,549

▼ -6% vs Uganda average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)USh1,175,520 ($316)
Couple, monthlyUSh2,095,848 ($563)
Family of four, monthlyUSh2,719,618 ($731)

Estimated Prices in Fort Portal

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantUSh12,276 ($3.30)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeUSh49,104 ($13.20)per meal
CappuccinoUSh3,683 ($0.99)each
Monthly groceries (single person)USh278,256 ($74.80)per month
Monthly public transport passUSh45,012 ($12.10)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentUSh118,668 ($31.90)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)USh34,373 ($9.24)per month
Fitness club membershipUSh34,373 ($9.24)per month
Cinema ticketUSh9,002 ($2.42)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreUSh513,360 ($138)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreUSh357,120 ($96.00)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreUSh1,071,360 ($288)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Fort Portal is USh744,000 ($200) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of USh1,175,520 ($316) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly USh1,528,176 ($411) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (USh357,120 ($96)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Fort Portal

Fort Portal vs KampalaFort Portal vs NansanaFort Portal vs MasakaFort Portal vs JinjaFort Portal vs KasangatiFort Portal vs Mbarara

Nearby Cities

Karagwe

10 km away · Kabarole

Kibiito

22 km away · Bunyangabu

Bundibugyo

25 km away · Bundibugyo

Kyenjojo

41 km away · Kyenjojo

Hima

42 km away · Kasese

Ntoroko

52 km away · Ntoroko

Kamwenge

56 km away · Kamwenge

Kasese

57 km away · Kasese

Other Major Cities in Uganda

Kampala

Kampala · pop. 1,680,600

USh1,559,648 ($419) / mo

Nansana

Wakiso · pop. 692,478

USh1,251,606 ($336) / mo

Masaka

Masaka · pop. 294,166

USh1,251,606 ($336) / mo

Jinja

Jinja · pop. 279,184

USh1,251,606 ($336) / mo

Kasangati

Wakiso · pop. 277,685

USh1,251,606 ($336) / mo

Mbarara

Mbarara · pop. 264,425

USh1,251,606 ($336) / mo

Njeru

Buikwe · pop. 201,484

USh1,175,520 ($316) / mo

Gulu

Gulu · pop. 177,400

USh1,175,520 ($316) / mo

Living in Fort Portal

Fort Portal is one of the key cities in Uganda. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is USh1,175,520 ($316), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around USh357,120 ($96) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to USh2,719,618 ($731) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately USh2,095,848 ($563) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Fort Portal is USh744,000 ($200). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least USh1,528,176 ($411) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fort Portal expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated USh1,175,520 ($316) per month in Fort Portal including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Uganda.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Fort Portal?
A net salary of around USh1,528,176 ($411) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Fort Portal with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Fort Portal is USh744,000 ($200).
How much is rent in Fort Portal?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated USh513,360 ($138) per month in the city centre and USh357,120 ($96) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about USh1,071,360 ($288).
Is Fort Portal cheaper than Uganda on average?
Yes — Fort Portal is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Uganda average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Fort Portal?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at USh278,256 ($75) in Fort Portal. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about USh12,276 ($3) and a cappuccino runs around USh3,683 ($1).
How do transport costs in Fort Portal compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Fort Portal is estimated at USh45,012 ($12). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Fort Portal are estimates based on Uganda national averages adjusted for city size (population 137,549). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.