Cost of living in Mbarara
Mbarara, a bustling city in Uganda, offers a unique blend of urban and rural lifestyles. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone planning to move or invest in the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Mbarara, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.73 on average, with a range between $1.36 and $3.27.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $32.71, with prices ranging from $21.81 to $54.51.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.48, with a range between $8.18 and $10.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.82 to $3.27, imported beer $1.91 to $4.91, cappuccino $1.09 to $4.09, and Coke/Pepsi $0.27 to $0.82.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.41 and $1.09 per liter, averaging $0.55.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.68 and $2, with an average price of $1.23.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.31 to $3.82, averaging $1.85.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.36 to $4.09 per kg, while oranges range from $0.82 to $4.09 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.68 and $2.73 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.41 to $1.64 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs approximately $0.82.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.36 and $1.69 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.55, with a cost of $0.27 per km and $4.77 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $95.4.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $81.77.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $258.94.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $190.8.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $21.81 and $65.42, averaging $41.26.
- Internet - Internet services range from $32.71 to $136.28, with an average cost of $70.87.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Uganda are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Uganda, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Mbarara offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many urban centers, with affordable dining and housing options.
Transportation and utilities are also reasonably priced, making it an attractive location for budget-conscious individuals.
Potential residents should consider the variability in internet costs and plan accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mbarara presents a cost-effective living environment with its affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
While some costs, such as internet services, may vary, the overall expenses remain manageable, making Mbarara a viable option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle in Uganda.