Africa · budget destination

Cost of living in Uganda for expats

A realistic monthly budget for one person living comfortably in Uganda — rent, food, transport, and everyday costs in Kampala.

Monthly budget

$900–1,400

One person, all-in, in Kampala

Rent (1-bed)

$300–700

1-bedroom city-centre apartment, per month

Budget tier

Budget

under ~$1,500/mo

What to know

What makes Uganda stand out, and what to watch for

Why expats choose Uganda

The ‘Pearl of Africa’ has a very low cost of living, great year-round climate (equatorial, so consistently warm), mountain gorilla trekking a drive away, and a warm, English-speaking local culture.

Watch out for

Infrastructure outside Kampala is limited; power cuts occur regularly; anti-LGBTQ+ legislation (2023) makes Uganda an unsuitable destination for LGBTQ+ expats; healthcare requires private insurance and medical evacuation cover.

Costs vary a lot by city, neighbourhood, and lifestyle — these are directional monthly bands for the main expat city, current as of 2026. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote. Information only, not financial advice.

Compare

Cost of living elsewhere in Africa

All 13 in Africa →

Country	Monthly budget	Tier
Cape Verde	$1,000–1,500	Budget
Egypt	$700–1,100	Budget
Kenya	$1,100–1,700	Budget
Mauritius	$2,000–2,900	Moderate
Morocco	$900–1,500	Budget
Namibia	$1,500–2,200	Moderate

The rest of the move

Visa routes to Uganda1 current route, each with its official source Healthcare in Uganda for expatsMostly private system — how a resident can use it and what private cover costs Your first 90 days in UgandaRegistration, tax ID, bank account and license, in the order they unlock

Managing your money

Banking abroadUS banks often close accounts with a foreign address. Compare the ones that keep working.Sending money abroadGet your money to Uganda without the markup banks hide in the exchange rate.Health cover abroadYour US health plan doesn't follow you overseas. Compare the plans that do.

Moving to Uganda?

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Information only, not legal advice — we never file anything with any government. Requirements change; verify with the official source or a licensed immigration advisor before you apply.

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