Cost of living in Montevideo
Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant lifestyle. Understanding the cost of living in Montevideo is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15.19 on average, with a range between $7.01 and $23.37.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $46.75, with prices ranging from $37.4 to $81.8.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.88, with a range between $9.35 and $11.69.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.1 to $5.14, imported beer $2.34 to $5, cappuccino $1.87 to $5.61, and Coke/Pepsi $1.17 to $3.04.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.98 and $1.43 per liter, averaging $1.11.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.68 and $4.67, with an average price of $2.6.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.06 to $5.61, averaging $4.26.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.17 to $3.48 per kg, while oranges range from $0.75 to $2.8 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.17 and $2.34 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.79 to $1.73 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.05 and $1.31, with a monthly pass priced between $26 and $63.11.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.66 and $1.87 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.33, with a cost of $1.52 to $4.67 per km and $10.52 to $15.19 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $467.46 to $800, averaging $559.88.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $350.59 to $560.95, averaging $411.24.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $701.18 to $1500, averaging $929.3.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $584.32 to $1168.64, averaging $728.45.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $4000, averaging $2760.29.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1250 to $3739.65, averaging $2598.37.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $79.47 and $331.11, averaging $132.24.
- Internet - Internet services range from $31.55 to $58.43, with an average cost of $42.34.
Cost of Living Rankings
Montevideo ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Uruguay. 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.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Montevideo offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, particularly in terms of housing and transportation.
Dining out can be quite affordable, especially at local restaurants, while groceries are reasonably priced with some variation in costs for imported goods.
Public transportation is economical, and the cost of utilities is moderate, making it a balanced choice for both short-term visitors and long-term residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Montevideo presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and transportation options. The city offers a vibrant lifestyle with reasonable dining and grocery prices, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and tourists alike.
Whether you're planning a short visit or considering a long-term move, understanding these costs will help you budget effectively and enjoy all that Montevideo has to offer.