Cost of Living in Kampala

City of Seven Hills; offers a friendly, safe, and very affordable base for expats in East Africa.
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£742

Average cost per month

1

Distribution of Expenses

Property
54%
Groceries
17%
Eating Out
8%
Transportation
4%
Utilities
12%
Leisure
5%
Property
54%
Groceries
17%
Eating Out
8%
Transportation
4%
Utilities
12%
Leisure
5%

Nightlife & boda-boda tours

Hilly terrain near Lake Victoria

Trade hub; energetic infrastructure

Cost of living breakdown for Kampala

You can expect to spend around £742 per month for 1 person as of 2026, on common living costs such as housing, food, and transport.

Housing

£357Average rent per month
£906Price per m² (city centre)
£738Price per m² (outside centre)
Housing

Standard of Living

Cost of living index19
Quality of life index33
Safety index50
Standard of Living

Food & Drink

Kampala average costs for food and drink.

£110Weekly groceries/person
£56Dining out average cost/person
£2Regular coffee
Food & Drink

Salary & Services

Kampala average salaries and services.

£145Average Monthly Net Salary
£29Transport
Healthcare48
Salary & Services

Average living costs in Uganda

ItemAverage pricePrice range
1 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£356.76£195.51 - £797.69
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£150.80£97.76 - £293.27
3 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£867.58£586.54 - £1,540.64
3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£300.28£156.41 - £635.41

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Frequently asked questions

The cost of living in Kampala depends on your lifestyle. On average, a single person needs £386 per month without rent, while a family of four requires £1,338. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an additional £357 on average.

Public transport prices vary, but generally, a one-way ticket for local transport in Kampala costs £0.69. If you are commuting regularly, a monthly pass is typically priced at £29.

The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Kampala is currently £145.

Dining costs depend on your choices. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Kampala costs approximately £2, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around £21.

The estimated monthly cost of living in Kampala for a single person is £386, excluding rent.

For a family of four living in Kampala, the estimated monthly costs are £1,338, not including rent.

Rent prices in Kampala depend on the area. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is £357, compared to £151 outside the centre. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £868 in the centre and £300 in suburban areas.

Basic utilities in Kampala (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment) cost an average of £59 per month. Internet access typically adds another £32.