East Asia Updated
Average Cost of Living in Ulaanbaatar
The average cost of living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia is $654 per month for a single person, and $2,135 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $570 per month. The local average net salary is $594 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 14.9 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $654 / month
- Family of 4
- $2,135 / mo
- Student
- $384 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Ulaanbaatar
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$593.95 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Ulaanbaatar | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Ulaanbaatar | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Ulaanbaatar | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Ulaanbaatar | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Ulaanbaatar | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Ulaanbaatar | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Ulaanbaatar | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Ulaanbaatar | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Ulaanbaatar | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Ulaanbaatar | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Ulaanbaatar FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Ulaanbaatar. |
Rent & Property Prices in Ulaanbaatar
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $570 | $560 – $700 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $445 | $364 – $560 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,665 | $1,353 – $1,700 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,003 | $840 – $1,130 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $1,947 | $1,555 – $2,493 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $966 | $930 – $1,065 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $570$560 – $700
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $445$364 – $560
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,665$1,353 – $1,700
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,003$840 – $1,130
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $1,947$1,555 – $2,493
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $966$930 – $1,065
Grocery Prices in Ulaanbaatar
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.43 | $1.18 – $1.68 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $0.97 | $0.70 – $1.40 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $2.01 | $1.40 – $3.92 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $2.13 | $1.34 – $2.79 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $13 | $5.60 – $32 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $4.37 | $2.41 – $5.60 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $6.58 | $4.20 – $11 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $3.18 | $1.82 – $4.20 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $2.46 | $1.82 – $7.56 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $3.74 | $2.80 – $4.48 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $3.11 | $1.96 – $6.99 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $0.72 | $0.25 – $1.40 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.12 | $0.70 – $2.16 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $1.80 | $0.70 – $2.66 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.79 | $0.42 – $0.98 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $9.81 | $8.40 – $18 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.53 | $1.26 – $1.68 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.42 | $1.40 – $3.92 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $1.79 | $1.40 – $1.96 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.43$1.18 – $1.68
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $0.97$0.70 – $1.40
- White Rice (1 kg) $2.01$1.40 – $3.92
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $2.13$1.34 – $2.79
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $13$5.60 – $32
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $4.37$2.41 – $5.60
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $6.58$4.20 – $11
- Apples (1 kg) $3.18$1.82 – $4.20
- Bananas (1 kg) $2.46$1.82 – $7.56
- Oranges (1 kg) $3.74$2.80 – $4.48
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $3.11$1.96 – $6.99
- Potatoes (1 kg) $0.72$0.25 – $1.40
- Onions (1 kg) $1.12$0.70 – $2.16
- Lettuce (1 Head) $1.80$0.70 – $2.66
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.79$0.42 – $0.98
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $9.81$8.40 – $18
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.53$1.26 – $1.68
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.42$1.40 – $3.92
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $1.79$1.40 – $1.96
Public Transport & Car Costs in Ulaanbaatar
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.28 | $0.23 – $0.28 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $17 | $8.40 – $17 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $0.53 | $0.42 – $0.70 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.56 | $0.53 – $0.70 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $6.39 | $4.20 – $6.39 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.03 | $0.81 – $1.12 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $27,119 | $26,222 – $28,015 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $35,243 | $35,243 – $38,801 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.28$0.23 – $0.28
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $17$8.40 – $17
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $0.53$0.42 – $0.70
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.56$0.53 – $0.70
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $6.39$4.20 – $6.39
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.03$0.81 – $1.12
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $27,119$26,222 – $28,015
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $35,243$35,243 – $38,801
Utility & Internet Costs in Ulaanbaatar
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $72 | $56 – $107 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $6.62 | $4.17 – $13 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $14 | $8.40 – $22 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $72$56 – $107
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $6.62$4.17 – $13
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $14$8.40 – $22
Childcare & Preschool in Ulaanbaatar
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $823 | $252 – $2,016 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $9,137 | $4,202 – $34,000 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $823$252 – $2,016
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $9,137$4,202 – $34,000
Clothing Prices in Ulaanbaatar
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $70 | $22 – $159 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $44 | $8.40 – $84 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $102 | $84 – $140 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $177 | $108 – $224 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $70$22 – $159
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $44$8.40 – $84
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $102$84 – $140
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $177$108 – $224
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Ulaanbaatar
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $75 | $42 – $112 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $17 | $11 – $20 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $4.20 | $3.64 – $7.00 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $75$42 – $112
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $17$11 – $20
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $4.20$3.64 – $7.00
Restaurant Prices in Ulaanbaatar
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $5.60 | $3.64 – $8.40 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $29 | $20 – $56 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $5.60 | $5.04 – $5.60 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $2.38 | $1.68 – $2.66 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.36 | $2.24 – $5.04 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.36 | $1.68 – $2.80 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $0.83 | $0.64 – $0.98 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.57 | $0.42 – $0.70 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $5.60$3.64 – $8.40
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $29$20 – $56
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $5.60$5.04 – $5.60
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $2.38$1.68 – $2.66
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.36$2.24 – $5.04
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.36$1.68 – $2.80
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $0.83$0.64 – $0.98
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.57$0.42 – $0.70
Salaries & Mortgages in Ulaanbaatar
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $594 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 10.32% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $594
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 10.32%
Compare Ulaanbaatar with…
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Ulaanbaatar?
- An estimated $654 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Ulaanbaatar. A family of four needs around $2,135 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $384.
- How much money do I need to live in Ulaanbaatar?
- Plan for at least $654 per month as a single person, $2,135 per month for a family of four, or $384 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Ulaanbaatar.
- What is the average rent in Ulaanbaatar?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Ulaanbaatar rents for around $570 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,665 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Ulaanbaatar?
- The average monthly net salary in Ulaanbaatar is around $594. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 96% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Ulaanbaatar?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Ulaanbaatar costs around $5.60. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $47 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.43/L) and bread ($0.97/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Ulaanbaatar?
- A monthly public transport pass in Ulaanbaatar costs around $17. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Ulaanbaatar?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Ulaanbaatar costs around $14 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.