Living Expenses in Uganda For Expats: Housing, Healthcare, Transportation

The cost of living in Uganda for expats is generally affordable, with most single foreigners spending between US$600 and US$1,500 per month.

Kampala, the capital, is the most expensive city, but even there the overall cost remains lower than in many major African or Asian urban centers.

Rent, food, transportation, and local services are inexpensive by international standards, while imported goods, private healthcare, upscale housing, and Western-style amenities can raise monthly spending significantly.

For most professionals, a comfortable mid-range lifestyle sits around US$1,000–US$1,500 per month, while more minimalist expats can live on US$600–US$800.

This article covers:

• What is the cost of living in Uganda?
• Is housing expensive in Uganda?
• Average daily living costs for expats in Uganda
• Transportation costs in Uganda
• Healthcare costs in Uganda
• How much does leisure, entertainment, and miscellaneous cost in Uganda?

Key Takeaways:

• Uganda is cheaper than most expat destinations in Africa and Asia.
• Comfortable expat living typically costs at least US$1,000 per month.
• Housing, food, and transport are inexpensive; imported goods and private healthcare raise costs.
• Kampala is the priciest city, but still affordable by global standards.

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

What Is the Cost of Living in Uganda for Expats?

Minimalist expats who rent modest apartments, eat mostly local food, and rely on public transport can live on US$600–US$800 per month, even in Kampala.

Most mid-range expats, those who want a comfortable one- or two-bedroom apartment, reliable internet, a mix of local and Western groceries, and occasional dining out, can spend between US$1,000 and US$1,500 monthly.

Those seeking a high-end lifestyle with premium housing, imported goods, private gyms, frequent nightlife, and car ownership can expect monthly costs starting around US$2,000 and rising sharply with personal preferences.

Outside Kampala, these ranges fall by roughly 15–25% due to cheaper rent and services.

How Much Do Expats Spend on Housing in Uganda?

A furnished one-bedroom apartment in central Kampala typically ranges from US$400 to US$600 per month, while unfurnished units or apartments outside the city center fall between US$300 and US$400.

Comfortable two- or three-bedroom apartments in secure compounds run from US$600 to US$800, with upscale or expatriate-heavy neighborhoods commanding higher rates.

Utilities remain relatively cheap: electricity, water, gas, and garbage collection often total US$50–US$100 depending on usage, while high-speed internet adds about US$30–US$60 monthly.

Expats who require generators or backup power systems, which are common in higher-end rentals, should expect slightly higher utility bills.

Where Do Expats Live in Uganda?

Most expats in Uganda settle in Kampala, where international offices, embassies, NGOs, and multinational companies are based.

While the capital is the most expensive part of the country, it also offers the best connectivity, amenities, healthcare, and housing options tailored to foreigners.

Outside Kampala, cities like Entebbe and Jinja offer quieter environments and lower costs, appealing to remote workers, long-term retirees, and professionals who don’t need to be in the capital every day.

Each area comes with its own price range depending on security, infrastructure, and access to services.

• Kampala (most popular expat city)
  Kampala dominates the expat housing market, and prices vary widely by neighborhood. Upscale, secure enclaves such as Kololo, Nakasero, and Muyenga host embassies, premium apartments, and compounds. Rents here range from US$600 to US$1,500+ per month depending on size and furnishing, with luxury villas costing significantly more. Mid-range neighborhoods such as Bukoto, Ntinda, and Kira offer more balanced pricing, with furnished one-bedroom units between US$300 and US$500, and larger two- or three-bedroom apartments between US$500 and US$800. Transport, groceries, and utilities follow the capital’s usual pattern, affordable unless you rely heavily on imported goods.
• Entebbe (quiet, airport access, lakeside living)
  Entebbe is popular among diplomats, aviation professionals, remote workers, and expats wanting a calmer, greener environment near Lake Victoria. Housing is cheaper than Kampala’s prime districts, with most apartments falling between US$300 and US$600. Standalone houses and lake-view properties cost more but remain below equivalent Kampala prices. Daily costs are similar or slightly lower than Kampala’s, though imported goods may have a modest premium depending on local availability.
• Jinja (relaxed lifestyle, creative and NGO communities)
  Jinja appeals to NGOs, small business owners, and digital nomads thanks to its riverfront setting and lower living costs. Rent is significantly cheaper: expats can secure furnished apartments for US$200–US$400, while larger homes often fall between US$350 and US$600. The trade-off is fewer luxury facilities and less developed infrastructure compared with the capital, but day-to-day life is notably cheaper.
• Mbarara and Gulu (regional hubs with low costs)
  These cities attract expats working in development, agriculture, education, and regional administration. Housing is inexpensive: many expats rent quality apartments between US$150 and US$300, with larger furnished homes rarely exceeding US$500. The cost of food, transport, and services is among the lowest in urban Uganda, though amenities and entertainment options are more limited.

Housing costs in Uganda scale entirely with neighborhood and expectations. Secure compounds, backup power, furnished units, and proximity to international amenities raise rents, especially in Kampala’s top districts.

Expats who prefer quieter or lower-cost cities can reduce housing expenses by 20–40%, and those who prioritize green spaces or remote work find strong value in areas like Entebbe or Jinja.

What Are Daily Living Costs for Expats in Uganda?

Groceries such as fruits, vegetables, rice, maize, eggs, and locally produced meat are inexpensive, allowing most expats to maintain a monthly food budget of US$150–US$200 if they cook at home.

Costs rise quickly if you rely on imported foods, specialty items, or Western brands; in that case, groceries often reach US$300–US$400 per month.

Eating out remains affordable: local restaurants and cafés charge modest prices, while mid-range international restaurants are still cheaper than equivalent venues in Nairobi, Johannesburg, Bangkok, or Manila.

Essentials like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and mobile data also remain low-cost, and prepaid SIM cards with generous data bundles are widely available.

How Much Does Transportation Cost in Uganda?

Transportation is one of the most affordable aspects of living in Uganda. If you live like a local, you can spend less than $50 a month on transport.

If you maintain a private SUV and drive frequently in Kampala traffic, your costs, including fuel and “wear and tear” maintenance, will likely range from $250 to $500 a month.

Public minibus taxis (matatus) and buses offer extremely low fares (around or even less than a dollar), making daily commuting inexpensive for anyone comfortable with local transport.

Boda bodas or motorcycle taxis, while more expensive for longer trips at around $1 to $3, are widely used and still remain cheap, especially for short trips, though many expats rely on ride-hailing apps like Uber for safety and convenience.

Fuel prices are moderate by regional standards, and maintaining a private car is still far cheaper than in many expat hubs. Because of this, even expats who choose to own a vehicle often keep monthly transport costs below what they would spend in most other countries.

Is Healthcare Expensive for Expats in Uganda?

A consultation with a general practitioner at a top-tier private clinic in Uganda typically ranges from $20 to $50. Specialist consultations (e.g., a cardiologist or pediatrician) usually fall between $40 and $80.

Healthcare is affordable at the local level but varies significantly in quality, which is why most expats rely on private clinics or international hospitals.

Because serious medical cases often require evacuation to Nairobi, South Africa, or even Europe, expats typically purchase international health insurance with evacuation cover. These typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 per year depending on age and coverage level.

Local insurance providers like AAR or Jubilee are significantly cheaper (starting around $500–$800 per year) but may have lower caps on surgical procedures or lack evacuation coverage.

Monthly premiums vary widely depending on age and coverage level, but even with insurance, day-to-day medical expenses in Uganda remain manageable for most expats.

How Much Does Leisure, Entertainment, and Miscellaneous in Uganda Cost?

Leisure and entertainment in Uganda can range from incredibly cheap to Western-level pricing. While a local beer might cost you just over a dollar, a membership at a high-end sports club can feel like a significant investment.

A meal at an inexpensive local restaurant costs about $3, while a dinner for two at a high-end restaurant in Kampala will typically run between $30 and $50 (including drinks).

Social life often revolves around sundowners or weekend brunches; a bottle of mid-range wine at a supermarket is roughly $10, but expect to pay $20+ in a restaurant.

High-end gyms like those at Kabira Country Club or Speke Apartments are relatively expensive, often charging $100 to $160 per month for full access to pools, steam rooms, and tennis courts.

More modest, gym-only facilities can be found for around $40–$60. Tennis court rentals generally cost about $10–$15 per hour.

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