Cost of Living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Mongolia · Asia
$900
Monthly Cost
avg/person
32
Cost Index
NYC=100
26
Rent Index
NYC=100
48
Quality of Life
Below Average
50
Safety Index
Moderate
1.6M
Population
MNT
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $4 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $16 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.6 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.3 |
| Monthly Pass | $12 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.4 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $30000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $70 |
| Mobile Plan | $8 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $18 |
| Fitness Club/month | $28 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $400/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $240/mo |
| 3BR Center | $950/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $550/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $800/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $600 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 16% |
View Cost of Living in Mongolia
Cost of Living in Ulaanbaatar — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia is approximately $900 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Ulaanbaatar has a cost index of 32, making it around 68% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Ulaanbaatar costs around $240/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $400/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $950/month. The rent index is 26 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Ulaanbaatar scores 48/100 on the quality of life index and 50/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 50/100. The climate index is 28/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Ulaanbaatar is approximately $600/month. With a purchasing power index of 38/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is MNT, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Ulaanbaatar
The average monthly salary in Ulaanbaatar is approximately $600. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $900, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 38/100.
Healthcare Costs in Ulaanbaatar
Healthcare quality in Ulaanbaatar is rated 50/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar has a quality of life score of 48/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Ulaanbaatar
Students living in Ulaanbaatar should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Ulaanbaatar
Expats moving to Ulaanbaatar often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia is approximately $900 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 32 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Ulaanbaatar
Living in Ulaanbaatar offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 32 and a quality of life score of 48/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $600 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Ulaanbaatar provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Mongolia and around the world.
Key Facts About Ulaanbaatar
- Average Monthly Cost: $900
- Cost Index: 32
- Rent Index: 26
- Average Salary: $600
- Quality of Life: 48/100
- Safety Score: 50/100
- Country: Mongolia
- Currency: MNT
Is Ulaanbaatar Expensive?
Ulaanbaatar has a cost index of 32 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Ulaanbaatar compare to other cities?
Ulaanbaatar is located in Asia with a population of approximately 1.6M. At a cost index of 32 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Ulaanbaatar stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ulaanbaatar?
The average cost of living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia is approximately $900 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 32 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Ulaanbaatar?
Rent in Ulaanbaatar varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 26 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Ulaanbaatar alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Ulaanbaatar expensive to live in?
Ulaanbaatar has a cost index of 32 compared to New York City (100). At 32, Ulaanbaatar is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $900.
What is the quality of life in Ulaanbaatar?
Ulaanbaatar has a quality of life index of 48/100 and a safety index of 50/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Ulaanbaatar compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Ulaanbaatar with any city worldwide. Ulaanbaatar's cost index is 32 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Ulaanbaatar?
Many residents live comfortably in Ulaanbaatar with a monthly budget of around $900 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Ulaanbaatar good for expats?
Ulaanbaatar is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Ulaanbaatar?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $900 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Ulaanbaatar.
Is Ulaanbaatar cheaper than New York?
Yes, Ulaanbaatar has a cost index of 32 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Ulaanbaatar?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Ulaanbaatar.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Ulaanbaatar
Cheapest Ways to Live in Ulaanbaatar
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Ulaanbaatar typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $240/month compared to $400/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Is Ulaanbaatar Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 38/100 and a quality of life score of 48/100, Ulaanbaatar is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 32 relative to New York City, Ulaanbaatar remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Mongolia has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Ulaanbaatar Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Ulaanbaatar", "Ulaanbaatar monthly expenses 2026", and "is Ulaanbaatar affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $900, a safety score of 50/100, and healthcare rated 50/100, Ulaanbaatar offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Mongolia.
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