Kampala, Uganda
Editor
March 12, 2023
The vibrant city of Kampala, Uganda is an ideal destination for digital nomads. With its bustling city life, Kampala offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional African culture. The city is home to a variety of businesses, from tech startups to international corporations, making it an ideal place to work remotely. Kampala also boasts a low cost of living, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment costing just $200. Additionally, Kampala is a safe city, with a crime rate that is significantly lower than other cities in the region. With its excellent infrastructure, reliable internet, and vibrant culture, Kampala is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking to explore a new city and experience a different culture.
Living in Kampala, Uganda: Overview
Overall score | Worksplorer index
-
188%
Quality of life -
23%
Cost of living -
54%
Connectivity -
98%
Weather
30
General
| Currency | UGX |
| Population (in millions) | 1.5 |
| Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200) | 181 |
| Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA | 40% cheaper |
| Best neighborhood to stay | Nakasero, Kampala Central |
Culture
| Number of museums and galleries | 8 |
| Top selling local beer | Nile |
| Most popular local dish | Matoke |
Travel
| Most popular tourist attraction(s) | Uganda Museum, Kasubi Tombs, National Mosque |
| Discount airline | Ethiopian |
| Major airline | Ethiopian Airlines |
| Largest ride sharing company | SafeBoda |
| Primary train stations | Kampala Central Station, Kalerwe Station, Namanve Station |
| Primary airports | Entebbe International Airport, Kajjansi Airfield, and Soroti Airport |
| Best rental car company | Avis |
| Used car costs | 200000 UGX |
Connectivity
| Apple store addresses | Apple Store Kampala is located at Acacia Mall, Plot 24, Acacia Avenue, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda |
| Internet connection (in Mbps) | 5 Mbps |
| Power socket type | G |
| Supply voltage | 240V |
| Best electronics store | Jumia |
| Best internet carrier | MTN |
| Primary cellular carrier | MTN |
| Average monthly cost for internet | 1,000 UGX |
Shopping
| The best drug store | Pharmacy |
| Best restaurant chain | Nile Breweries |
| The best grocery store | Nakumatt |
| The most popular fashion brand | Primark |
Regulatory
| GDP per capita | $1,845 / year |
| Average annual income | $3000 |
| Sales tax rate | 0% |
| Income tax rate | 30% |
| Tourist visa valid (in days) | 90 days |
Financial
| Average mortgage rate | 11.5% |
| Suggested ATM take out | 20000 UGX |
| Bank that has the most ATM machines | Stanbic Bank |
| Average tip in restaurant | 10-15% |
| Pay using credit or debit card | Not very common |
Health
| Emergency Phone Numbers | 999 (general), 112 (police), 997 (ambulance), 998 (firefighters) |
| Polution per square meter | 2,945 |
| Health quality rank (according to WHO) | 145 |
| Main religion | Christianity |
Quality of life
188%
-
45%
Safety, freedom, rights -
99%
Traffic -
780%
Property to income -
55%
Crime -
48%
Healthcare -
98%
Weather
Salaries
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | UGX 624,545 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 20.09% |
Childcare
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | UGX 688,889 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | UGX 18,510,714 |
Cost of living
23%
-
Purchasing Power
12%
-
Rent
11%
-
Food
28%
-
Restaurant
23%
-
Workspace
89%
-
Transport
43%
Rent
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month | UGX 1,218,750 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month | UGX 600,000 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month | UGX 3,848,552.93 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month | UGX 1,550,000 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure | UGX 52,946.38 |
Food
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | UGX 2,809.09 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | UGX 4,108.7 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | UGX 6,127.27 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | UGX 16,000 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | UGX 1,985.71 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | UGX 36,000 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | UGX 3,970.59 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | UGX 6,916.67 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | UGX 9,500 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | UGX 16,500 |
| Apples (1kg) | UGX 10,916.56 |
| Oranges (1kg) | UGX 5,800 |
| Potato (1kg) | UGX 3,793.17 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | UGX 3,781.25 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | UGX 4,400 |
| Tomato (1kg) | UGX 4,061.25 |
| Banana (1kg) | UGX 4,383.93 |
| Onion (1kg) | UGX 3,541.62 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | UGX 15,657.89 |
Restaurants
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | UGX 8,500 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | UGX 100,000 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | UGX 32,000 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | UGX 4,000 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | UGX 8,000 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | UGX 1,600 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | UGX 1,166.67 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | UGX 10,000 |
Connectivity
94%
Infrastructure
89/100
Internet speed
92/100
Internet cost
95/100
Pre-paid plan
98/100
Utilities (Monthly)
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | UGX 203,333.33 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) | UGX 336 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | UGX 258,225 |
Sports
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | UGX 229,166.67 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | UGX 52,946.38 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | UGX 22,500 |
Transportation
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | UGX 4,000 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | UGX 155,000 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | UGX 5,689.29 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | UGX 40,000,000 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | UGX 37,259,493.37 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | UGX 4,000 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | UGX 1,500 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | UGX 10,000 |