Cost of Living in Ulaanbaatar - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $642 (excluding rent), and $1,130 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,582 (excluding rent), and $2,400 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.45 MNT 19.6K

$3.91 MNT 14.1K

$7.25 MNT 26.1K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$29.36 MNT 105.6K

$20.55 MNT 73.9K

$73.4 MNT 264.0K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.40 MNT 19.4K

$4.68 MNT 16.8K

$6.14 MNT 22.1K

Cappuccino

$2.63 MNT 9,464

$2.24 MNT 8,075

$3.59 MNT 12.9K

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.71 MNT 2,539

$0.56 MNT 2,024

$1.40 MNT 5,043

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.50 MNT 1,816

$0.30 MNT 1,075

$0.91 MNT 3,262

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.04 MNT 7,332

$1.17 MNT 4,200

$4.36 MNT 15.7K

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.36 MNT 8,503

$1.48 MNT 5,319

$2.96 MNT 10.6K

Milk (1 liter)

$1.48 MNT 5,337

$1.35 MNT 4,859

$1.66 MNT 5,963

White Bread (500g)

$1.03 MNT 3,688

$0.76 MNT 2,729

$1.81 MNT 6,529

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.14 MNT 7,705

$1.51 MNT 5,445

$3.03 MNT 10.9K

Eggs

$2.15 MNT 7,749

$1.64 MNT 5,893

$2.50 MNT 8,985

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.69 MNT 56.4K

$7.30 MNT 26.3K

$33.48 MNT 120.4K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.63 MNT 20.2K

$2.87 MNT 10.3K

$8.70 MNT 31.3K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.30 MNT 22.7K

$4.39 MNT 15.8K

$8.49 MNT 30.5K

Apples (1kg)

$3.04 MNT 10.9K

$1.88 MNT 6,771

$4.35 MNT 15.6K

Banana (1kg)

$2.59 MNT 9,328

$2.08 MNT 7,476

$3.49 MNT 12.6K

Oranges (1kg)

$4.42 MNT 15.9K

$3.25 MNT 11.7K

$6.56 MNT 23.6K

Tomato (1kg)

$2.78 MNT 10.0K

$2.17 MNT 7,807

$3.61 MNT 13.0K

Potato (1kg)

$0.71 MNT 2,554

$0.25 MNT 897

$0.84 MNT 3,037

Onion (1kg)

$1.07 MNT 3,852

$0.76 MNT 2,741

$1.51 MNT 5,444

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.27 MNT 4,562

$0.58 MNT 2,103

$2.33 MNT 8,376

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.70 MNT 2,521

$0.48 MNT 1,715

$0.86 MNT 3,081

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.77 MNT 6,385

$1.49 MNT 5,363

$1.94 MNT 6,969

Wine (Bottle)

$9.99 MNT 35.9K

$9.12 MNT 32.8K

$13.92 MNT 50.1K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.39 MNT 4,991

$0.87 MNT 3,120

$1.81 MNT 6,496

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.70 MNT 6,114

$1.43 MNT 5,136

$2.15 MNT 7,721

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.28 MNT 1,006

$0.14 MNT 520

$0.28 MNT 1,006

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$8.71 MNT 31.3K

$5.81 MNT 20.9K

$17.42 MNT 62.7K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.62 MNT 2,224

$0.46 MNT 1,659

$0.78 MNT 2,790

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.61 MNT 2,183

$0.76 MNT 2,738

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.61 MNT 16.6K

$2.02 MNT 7,260

$14.41 MNT 51.8K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.05 MNT 3,767

$0.75 MNT 2,701

$1.08 MNT 3,873

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30.6K MNT 110.0M

$23.7K MNT 85.4M

$37.4K MNT 134.5M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$18.5K MNT 66.5M

$23.4K MNT 84.0M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$83.2 MNT 299.4K

$59.3 MNT 213.5K

$112 MNT 403.2K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$7.47 MNT 26.9K

$4.90 MNT 17.6K

$17.32 MNT 62.3K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$17.15 MNT 61.7K

$8.89 MNT 32.0K

$23.69 MNT 85.2K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$61.2 MNT 220.2K

$44.07 MNT 158.5K

$88.2 MNT 317.1K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$13.91 MNT 50.0K

$5.97 MNT 21.5K

$23.84 MNT 85.8K

Cinema Ticket

$3.85 MNT 13.8K

$2.95 MNT 10.6K

$5.32 MNT 19.1K

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

$174 MNT 625.4K

$101 MNT 364.8K

$290 MNT 1.0M

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,558 MNT 23.6M

$1,493 MNT 5.4M

$11.9K MNT 43.0M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$84.6 MNT 304.2K

$18.88 MNT 67.9K

$145 MNT 522.6K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$70.2 MNT 252.5K

$8.92 MNT 32.1K

$95.2 MNT 342.4K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$105 MNT 377.2K

$74.8 MNT 269.0K

$206 MNT 742.4K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$158 MNT 569.6K

$102 MNT 368.0K

$234 MNT 841.2K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$510 MNT 1.8M

$396 MNT 1.4M

$577 MNT 2.1M

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$411 MNT 1.5M

$238 MNT 854.8K

$594 MNT 2.1M

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,477 MNT 5.3M

$1,030 MNT 3.7M

$2,354 MNT 8.5M

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$752 MNT 2.7M

$443 MNT 1.6M

$885 MNT 3.2M

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,942 MNT 7.0M

$1,551 MNT 5.6M

$2,488 MNT 8.9M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$951 MNT 3.4M

$916 MNT 3.3M

$1,048 MNT 3.8M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$605 MNT 2.2M

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 2, 2026

Ulaanbaatar Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

⛩️ Asia

Cost of Living in Ulaanbaatar - Frequently Asked Questions

Ulaanbaatar tends to be affordable for daily needs, with flexible housing options, affordable local food, and reasonable transport costs for a capital city. Expats who lock in longer leases in central areas often find good value in well-located apartments, while nomads who use co-working spaces can keep overhead predictable. Winters influence heating and gear costs, so plan for layering and energy-efficient choices. Shopping at local markets saves money and yields fresher produce. The overall feel is practical: you can balance a comfortable lifestyle without a high price tag. Cost of Living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia helps frame expectations for rent, transit, and meals when planning your stay. Tip: Start with two neighborhoods to compare commute time, noise, and access to services, then negotiate a rent that includes utilities.

Finding a place often means checking listings, visiting in person, and asking for neighbor references; look in central districts for walkable access, or pick outer areas for lower rents. Food options range from hearty local dishes at affordable diners to modern cafes with reliable Wi-Fi; farmers markets and grocery stores offer fresh ingredients that support budget-friendly cooking. Transport is affordable and extensive via buses and minibuses; taxis and rideshares are convenient after hours. For work, many co-working spaces provide day passes or monthly plans; errands like banking and postal service operate in major districts. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia living cost is typically lower for daily staples than in many Western cities, but varies by neighborhood. Tip: sign up for a month-long trial at a co-working space to test your routine.

Quality of life comes down to balance: pick a neighborhood that shortens commutes, gives you access to groceries, cafes, and green space, and matches your pace. Budget with a simple framework: fixed costs (rent, utilities) plus variable categories (food, transit, entertainment). Save by shopping local markets, cooking at home, and using public transit instead of car-based options; consider off-peak travel and off-season housing to reduce costs. Seasonality affects heating needs and garment prices, so pack accordingly and negotiate winter-friendly leases if possible. Tip: try a 2-week or 30-day stay in a few areas to feel the vibe before committing long-term.