Arua, Uganda
Arua is a major city in Uganda with a population of 150,000.
Overview
Arua is a city in Arua with a population of 150,000. Arua is a major city in Uganda with a population of 150,000. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 260 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 17.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Uganda Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Arua vs Uganda Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 18.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: USh 2,400,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 150,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 84°F
- Winter Low: 62°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: USh150,000,000
- 1BR Rent: USh400000/mo
Cost of Living
Arua's cost of living index is 68 (Uganda average = 100).
| Category | Arua | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 68 | 100 | -32.0% |
| Housing | 72 | 100 | -28.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | USh150,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | USh400000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | USh500,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | USh100,000 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Arua:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | USh50000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | USh15000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | USh50000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | USh115000 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Arua scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Arua has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82°F | 62°F | 2.5" |
| April | 69°F | 77°F | 2.8" |
| July | 84°F | 59°F | 1.5" |
| October | 64°F | 80°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Arua faces the following natural hazards:
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Volcanic activity in the western Rift Valley.
Lake Victoria and river flooding.
Rift Valley highlands with landslides.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 18%
- Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School year starts in February.
Demographics
The population of Arua is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Uganda Bureau of Statistics (2014)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Arua, Uganda?
The cost of living index in Arua is 68, which is Lower the Uganda national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Arua?
The median home price in Arua is USh150,000,000. The housing index is 72.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Arua is approximately USh400000/mo.
Does Arua, Arua have income tax?
Arua is in Arua, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Arua?
Arua enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 84°F, while winter lows can drop to around 62°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.