Colonia, a charming city in Uruguay, offers a unique blend of historical allure and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Colonia, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay around $100.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal costs approximately $6.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - A domestic beer costs about $3 for a 0.5-liter draught.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - An imported beer is priced at $5 for a 0.33-liter bottle.
  • Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino is available for $5.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A 0.33-liter bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs $1.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A 0.33-liter bottle of water is priced at $1.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $0.84 and $0.96 per liter, averaging $0.9.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.52 and $1.64, with an average price of $1.58.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.78 to $3.04, averaging $2.41.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese is available for $6.08 per kilogram.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets cost $5.84 per kilogram.
  • Apples (1kg) - Apples are priced at $2.31 per kilogram.
  • Oranges (1kg) - Oranges cost $1.29 per kilogram.
  • Potato (1kg) - Potatoes are priced at $1.52 per kilogram.
  • Lettuce (1 head) - A head of lettuce costs $0.93.
  • Tomato (1kg) - Tomatoes are priced at $1.75 per kilogram.
  • Banana (1kg) - Bananas cost $3.04 per kilogram.
  • Onion (1kg) - Onions are priced at $1.05 per kilogram.
  • Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round or equivalent red meat costs $9.35 per kilogram.
  • Rice (1kg) - Rice is priced at $1.29 per kilogram.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way ticket for local transport costs $0.7.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.74 and $1.87 per liter, averaging $1.8.
  • Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) - The starting fare for a taxi is $0.83.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $467.46 to $500, averaging $483.73.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $350.59 to $400, averaging $375.3.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $700 to $701.18, averaging $700.59.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $584.32 to $600, averaging $592.16.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $116.86 on average.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $30.38 to $42.42, with an average cost of $36.4.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs $21.04.
Worldwide
Uruguay

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Uruguay 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 Uruguay, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Feb, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 8 user contributions, as of the most recent update in July, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$100.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$6.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.00
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.00
Cappuccino (regular)
$5.00
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.90
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.58
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.41
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.08
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.40
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$5.84
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.34
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$4.91
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.84
Apples (1kg)
$2.31
Oranges (1kg)
$1.29
Potato (1kg)
$1.52
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.93
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.29
Tomato (1kg)
$1.75
Banana (1kg)
$3.04
Onion (1kg)
$1.05
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$9.35
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.70
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.80
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$29,917.16
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.83
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$37,396.45
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$483.73
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$375.30
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$700.59
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$592.16
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$116.86
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$36.40
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$21.04
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$42.07
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.69
Colonia Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Colonia offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities, with moderate prices for dining and groceries.

Housing is reasonably priced, especially outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly accommodations.

Transportation costs are low, with affordable public transport and fuel prices, which can help reduce overall monthly expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Colonia provides a balanced cost of living with affordable housing, reasonable dining options, and low transportation costs.

This makes it an appealing destination for individuals and families looking to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high expenses associated with larger urban areas.