Skyline of Lira
Cost of Living: 65 150,000

Lira, Uganda

Lira is a major city in Uganda with a population of 150,000.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 65

Below Average vs Uganda Avg (100)

Housing Index 70

Affordable

Median Income USh 2,200,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Lira vs Uganda Average

Cost of Living
Lira: 65
Uganda Avg: 100
Housing Index
Lira: 70
Uganda Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 18.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: USh 2,200,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 150,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 270/year
  • Summer High: 85°F
  • Winter Low: 64°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a

Housing

  • Median Home: USh120,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: USh350000/mo

Cost of Living

Lira's cost of living index is 65 (Uganda average = 100).

CategoryLiraNational AverageDifference
Overall65100-35.0%
Housing70100-30.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceUSh120,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)USh350000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)USh437,500/mo
Price per Sq FtUSh80,000

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

USh
%
$90,000 down
%
%
USh

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Lira:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityUSh50000
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterUSh15000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)USh50000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesUSh115000Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Lira scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
65
Rent
USh350000
Sunny Days
270
Tax
None
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
85°F / 64°F
Safety
8.5 homicides/100k
Population
150,000
Internet Speed
10 Mbps

Climate

Lira has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January84°F64°F2.5"
April70°F79°F2.8"
July85°F60°F1.5"
October65°F82°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7a

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Lira faces the following natural hazards:

Earthquake High Risk

Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.

Volcano Moderate Risk

Volcanic activity in the western Rift Valley.

Flood Moderate Risk

Lake Victoria and river flooding.

Landslide Moderate Risk

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

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Academic Year February to December
Term System Trimester — Term 1 (Feb-May), Term 2 (Jun-Aug), Term 3 (Sep-Dec)
Summer Break December to February (8 weeks)
Winter Break August (3 weeks)
Spring Break May (3 weeks)

School year starts in February.

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 Lira, Uganda?

The cost of living index in Lira is 65, which is Lower the Uganda national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Lira?

The median home price in Lira 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 Lira is approximately USh350000/mo.

Does Lira, Lira have income tax?

Lira is in Lira, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Lira?

Lira enjoys approximately 270 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 85°F, while winter lows can drop to around 64°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: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.