Uganda vs Kenya
Uganda costs roughly 8% less than Kenya, though Kenya scores higher on healthcare. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Uganda is approximately 8% less expensive than Kenya based on cost of living including rent. This makes Uganda a more expensive option for expats considering a move.
Kenya has a FIRE Score of 100/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 44, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Kenya is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Uganda
Uganda is best for retirees seeking a low-cost lifestyle, as a retiree visa supports long stays. A single person can live on $452.50 per month excluding rent, with a 1BR outside the city center costing just $183.32—far below US averages. However, the US State Department's Level 4 travel advisory and low safety index of 38.4 pose significant safety risks.
$2,149/mo
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About Kenya
Kenya suits budget-focused retirees comfortable trading big-city safety for cheap living, not those chasing polish. Rent outside the center runs $140.77/mo and English is widely spoken, but the Safety Index sits at just 44 with low expat safety ratings. The Kenya does not offer a specific retirement visa, but long-stay options exist needs only $2,000/mo income, though political stability at -0.71 and a complex citizenship path mean this is a residency, not a homecoming.
$2,245/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Uganda | Kenya |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 4: Do Not Travel | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 81.2 | 101.7 +20.5 |
| Healthcare Index | 28.5 | 62 +33.5 |
| Safety Index | 38.4 | 44 +5.6 |
| Cost of Living Index | 26 +2.2 | 28.2 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $452.5 +44.1 | $496.6 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $1,628.9 +192.5 | $1,821.4 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $398.24 | $258.58 +139.66 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $183.32 | $140.77 +42.55 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,179.42 | $808.56 +370.86 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $355.27 +30.47 | $385.74 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 54.05 Mbps +8.7 | 45.35 Mbps |
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