Cost of Living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Are you considering a move to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and wondering about the cost of living? Ulaanbaatar is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Ulaanbaatar and help you understand whether $1415 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $360.47.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

4.71 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

28.99 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

4.64 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

1.65 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.32 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.34 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.77 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.47 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.27 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.75 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.59 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.94 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

13.41 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

4.3 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

5.47 $

Apples (1 lb)

3.23 $

Banana (1 lb)

2.73 $

Oranges (1 lb)

3.56 $

Tomato (1 lb)

3.41 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.58 $

Onion (1 lb)

0.97 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.06 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.59 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

8.7 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

0.98 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.5 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

1.74 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.14 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

7.97 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

0.58 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.58 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

2.32 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.81 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

29855.07 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

18357.49 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

73.97 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

13.04 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

64.64 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

15.07 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

4.35 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

149.76 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

5997.58 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

53.83 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

44.51 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

80.75 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

105.18 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

460.87 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

305.96 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1035.2 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

662.53 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1439.61 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

881.64 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

360.47 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

6.57 %

Cost of Living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Ulaanbaatar?

The monthly expenses for living in Ulaanbaatar come to a total of approximately $1415. This includes an average monthly rent of around $460 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $80 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $499 per month.

How affordable is living in Ulaanbaatar?

Living in Ulaanbaatar appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $360.47. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Ulaanbaatar, you would likely need an income exceeding $360.47.

What is the average salary in Ulaanbaatar?

In Ulaanbaatar, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $360.47, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Ulaanbaatar?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Ulaanbaatar is approximately $460. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $305.96 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Ulaanbaatar?

The expense for groceries in Ulaanbaatar can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $445 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Mongolia?

The cost of living in Mongolia can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Mongolia.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

How Safe Is Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Ulaanbaatar is a city in one of the least crime-ridden countries to travel to in Asia. There isn't much to worry about as long as you take the basic precaution measures. Petty theft is the biggest problem in Ulaanbaatar when it comes to crime.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Generally, transportation in Ulaanbaatar is pretty safe and reliable. You can use taxis, buses and share minivans and jeeps, and you can also use camels. Just be aware of unmarked cars driving with the window rolled down, offering to give you a ride.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

The biggest concern when traveling to Ulaanbataar or other large Mongolian cities is pickpocketing and bag snatching. You shouldn't fear violence, only petty theft, which can also be avoided only if you follow your common sense. Never keep your money in your pockets or purses.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a variety of natural hazards threatening Ulaanbaatar such as floods, earthquakes, storms, droughts, and other extreme weather events.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Violent crime is not common outside of the capital, and pretty rare in the capital, but still, caution is recommended at night, or in deserted areas and poorly lit streets. Unfortunately, xenophobia exists in this country and violence towards foreigners can happen so avoid interaction anyone intoxicated or anyone looking like they might want to start a fight.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Ulaanbaatar, attacks can't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Scams are common in every city frequented by tourists, and that applies to Ulaanbaatar too. Be wary of people trying to distract you, people pretending to be official personnel and street vendors trying to rip you off.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Ulaanbaatar is a safe country for female travelers. People are very friendly in this city and willing to help you at any time. Just follow your common sense in public places, avoid dark and deserted areas, walking alone at night and watch out for your belongings and your trip should go smoothly.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

A visa for Mongolia is usually required. A Mongolian tourist visa is usually valid for a stay of up to 30 days within six months from the date of issue. Your visa can be extended for up to 30 days once within six months. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Mongolian embassy for further information.

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Currency

Mongolian tögrög is the official currency in Ulaanbaatar. Credit cards can be used in hotels, shops and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar and other large cities and ATMs are widely available.

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Weather

The weather is extremely cold during winter, while the weather during the summer is generally hot. As a result of these prolonged periods of intense cold, the city has an average annual temperature of -1.3°C.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Chinggis Khaan International Airport is the international (and busiest) airport located in Ulaanbaatar, about 18 km southwest of the capital.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Ulaanbaatar, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

What about weather in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 3°F 13°F 30°F 48°F 62°F 71°F 75°F 71°F 60°F 44°F 21°F 6°F
Temp -9°F 0°F 17°F 36°F 50°F 61°F 65°F 61°F 48°F 32°F 10°F -4°F
Low -18°F -12°F 5°F 24°F 38°F 49°F 54°F 49°F 36°F 20°F -1°F -13°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High -16°C -10°C -1°C 8°C 16°C 21°C 23°C 21°C 15°C 6°C -6°C -14°C
Temp -22°C -17°C -8°C 2°C 10°C 16°C 18°C 16°C 8°C 0°C -12°C -20°C
Low -27°C -24°C -15°C -4°C 3°C 9°C 12°C 9°C 2°C -6°C -18°C -25°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Mongolia with Ulaanbaatar

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries