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Cost of Living in Kampala

Kampala, Kampala, Uganda · Population 1,680,600 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Uganda average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)USh1,559,648 ($419)
Couple, monthlyUSh2,790,300 ($750)
Family of four, monthlyUSh3,629,919 ($976)

Estimated Prices in Kampala

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantUSh15,959 ($4.29)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeUSh63,835 ($17.16)per meal
CappuccinoUSh4,788 ($1.29)each
Monthly groceries (single person)USh361,733 ($97.24)per month
Monthly public transport passUSh58,516 ($15.73)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentUSh154,268 ($41.47)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)USh44,685 ($12.01)per month
Fitness club membershipUSh44,685 ($12.01)per month
Cinema ticketUSh11,703 ($3.15)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreUSh712,609 ($192)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreUSh495,728 ($133)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreUSh1,487,184 ($400)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Kampala is USh967,200 ($260) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of USh1,559,648 ($419) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly USh2,027,542 ($545) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (USh495,728 ($133)) represents about 32% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Kampala

Kampala vs NansanaKampala vs MasakaKampala vs JinjaKampala vs KasangatiKampala vs MbararaKampala vs Njeru

Nearby Cities

Nansana

9 km away · Wakiso

Kireka

10 km away · Wakiso

Kyaliwajjala

10 km away · Wakiso

Kajansi

11 km away · Wakiso

Kasangati

14 km away · Wakiso

Wakiso

15 km away · Wakiso

Kimwanyi

17 km away · Wakiso

Matuga

17 km away · Wakiso

Other Major Cities in Uganda

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

Kajansi

Wakiso · pop. 155,058

USh1,175,520 ($316) / mo

Living in Kampala

Kampala is the capital and one of the key cities in Uganda. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is USh1,559,648 ($419), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around USh495,728 ($133) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to USh3,629,919 ($976) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately USh2,790,300 ($750) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Kampala is USh967,200 ($260). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least USh2,027,542 ($545) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kampala expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated USh1,559,648 ($419) per month in Kampala including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Uganda.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Kampala?
A net salary of around USh2,027,542 ($545) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Kampala with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Kampala is USh967,200 ($260).
How much is rent in Kampala?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated USh712,609 ($192) per month in the city centre and USh495,728 ($133) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about USh1,487,184 ($400).
Is Kampala cheaper than Uganda on average?
No — Kampala is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Uganda average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Kampala?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at USh361,733 ($97) in Kampala. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about USh15,959 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around USh4,788 ($1).
How do transport costs in Kampala compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Kampala is estimated at USh58,516 ($16). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Kampala are estimates based on Uganda national averages adjusted for city size (population 1,680,600) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.