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Kampala, Uganda
Capital City

Follows Uganda Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$850
Retiree Score
93.0
Safety Index
52.0
Healthcare
986 facilities

Kampala has a rapidly growing population of 1,797,722 (2024 census), but the city's infrastructure struggles to keep up. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with frequent delays and red tape. The tropical climate brings heavy rainfall, especially from February to June, while periodic terrorist attacks have shaken the city in recent years. Still, Kampala's vibrant culture, buzzing nightlife, and economic opportunities make it an appealing destination for Ugandans and expats alike - if you can handle the challenges.

Can I afford Kampala?

$

Kampala

You could save

2,150/mo

Savings Rate72%

Monthly Costs

Rent $400
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$450

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
72/100
Retiree Score
(i)
93/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
58/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Uganda Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
52
Safety
986
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$3
Meal (Mid-range) $40
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$0

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $67
Mobile Plan (mo) $14
Gym (mo) *$46
Cinema Ticket $7

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $400
1BR Outside (mo) *$183
3BR Center (mo) $850
3BR Outside (mo) *$355

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Kiwatule, Bukoto, Muyenga
Best For
NGO workers

Expat Life Notes

A high-energy African capital with a massive, social expat community and excellent year-round weather.

Pros

  • ✓ Very friendly locals
  • ✓ Thriving nightlife
  • ✓ Great climate

Cons

  • ✗ Traffic is extreme
  • ✗ Air pollution from motorcycle taxis
  • ✗ Ongoing safety concerns

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
17°C°C - 28°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1392 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Nov, Dec

Also Consider

Kajansi, UgandaFort Portal, UgandaAttractiveness Score: 85.2Japeri, BrazilLiving in Japeri, Brazil offers affordable proximity to Rio de Janeiro but lacks expat amenities. Best for Portuguese speakers seeking low costs near nature.Itatiba, BrazilLiving in Itatiba offers a quiet, affordable lifestyle near São Paulo, Brazil. Ideal for retirees or families seeking peace without isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Kampala

Click any question to expand the answer.

Kampala has a population of approximately 1,797,722 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,000 per month in Kampala, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $400/month.

The nearest airport to Kampala is EBB, approximately 34km away.

Kampala is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 52.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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