Capital city in Central Region, Uganda
Cost of living in Kampala
How much a month costs in Kampala
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $1,150–1,920 (USh4.5M–7.5M).
Prices in Kampala
Typical 2026 ranges in UGX, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | UGX | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | USh1.8M–3.5M | $461–897 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | USh800,000–1.6M | $205–410 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | USh40,000–80,000 | $10–21 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | USh250,000–500,000 | $64–128 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | USh8,000–18,000 | $2.1–4.6 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | USh40,000–90,000 | $10–23 |
| Cappuccino | USh9,000–16,000 | $2.3–4.1 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | USh6,000–12,000 | $1.5–3.1 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | USh1,000–3,000 | $0.26–0.77 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | USh8,000–18,000 | $2.1–4.6 |
| Work and life | ||
| Coworking day pass | USh40,000–90,000 | $10–23 |
| Gym membership (month) | USh150,000–450,000 | $38–115 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | USh30,000–70,000 | $7.7–17.9 |
Value for money: 13/100
A value score of 13/100 means Kampala gives more quality of life per dollar than 12% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 32/100. It's the 3rd most affordable of 3 places we cover in Uganda.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across Uganda
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
Cheaper alternatives to Kampala
Similar safety, lower cost, in Africa.
| Place | Country | Comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| Aswan | Egypt | $478–803 |
| Dahab | Egypt | $536–861 |
| Djerba | Tunisia | $674–1,080 |
| Sousse | Tunisia | $674–1,080 |
| Addis Ababa | Ethiopia | $553–921 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Kampala?
About $461–769 on a lean budget, $1,150–1,920 for a comfortable month and $2,560–4,610 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Kampala?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs USh1.8M–3.5M ($461–897) a month in the center and USh800,000–1.6M ($205–410) outside it.
How much does food cost in Kampala?
A local meal is USh8,000–18,000 ($2.1–4.6); a mid-range restaurant is USh40,000–90,000 ($10–23) per person.
Is Uganda expensive?
Prices in Uganda are about 35% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Kampala
Going to Kampala solo?
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Uganda Wildlife Authority
- Entebbe International Airport (CAA Uganda)
- Uganda Tourism Board
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.