Busia, Uganda
Busia is a major city in Uganda with a population of 100,000.
Overview
Busia is a city in Busia with a population of 100,000. Busia is a major city in Uganda with a population of 100,000. 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
Busia vs Uganda Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 18.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: USh 2,200,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 100,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 62°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: USh120,000,000
- 1BR Rent: USh350000/mo
Cost of Living
Busia's cost of living index is 65 (Uganda average = 100).
| Category | Busia | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 65 | 100 | -35.0% |
| Housing | 70 | 100 | -30.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | USh120,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | USh350000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | USh437,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | USh80,000 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Busia:
| 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
Busia scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Busia has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82°F | 62°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 77°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 80°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Busia 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 Busia 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 Busia, Uganda?
The cost of living index in Busia is 65, which is Lower the Uganda national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Busia?
The median home price in Busia is USh120,000,000. The housing index is 70.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Busia is approximately USh350000/mo.
Does Busia, Busia have income tax?
Busia is in Busia, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Busia?
Busia enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°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.