Cost of Living in Ulaanbaatar - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $650 (excluding rent), and $1,158 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,594 (excluding rent), and $2,387 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.50 MNT 19.8K

$3.94 MNT 14.2K

$7.31 MNT 26.2K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$29.12 MNT 104.6K

$20.39 MNT 73.2K

$72.8 MNT 261.4K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.28 MNT 19.0K

$4.58 MNT 16.5K

$6.01 MNT 21.6K

Cappuccino

$2.52 MNT 9,062

$2.15 MNT 7,733

$3.44 MNT 12.4K

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

$0.77 MNT 2,764

$0.61 MNT 2,204

$1.53 MNT 5,491

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.51 MNT 1,832

$0.30 MNT 1,084

$0.92 MNT 3,290

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.10 MNT 7,553

$1.20 MNT 4,326

$4.50 MNT 16.2K

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.39 MNT 8,587

$1.50 MNT 5,371

$2.99 MNT 10.7K

Milk (1 liter)

$1.47 MNT 5,287

$1.34 MNT 4,813

$1.64 MNT 5,907

White Bread (500g)

$0.99 MNT 3,538

$0.73 MNT 2,618

$1.74 MNT 6,262

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.12 MNT 7,626

$1.50 MNT 5,390

$3.00 MNT 10.8K

Eggs

$2.14 MNT 7,685

$1.63 MNT 5,845

$2.48 MNT 8,911

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.01 MNT 57.5K

$7.45 MNT 26.8K

$34.18 MNT 122.7K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.55 MNT 19.9K

$2.83 MNT 10.2K

$8.59 MNT 30.8K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.42 MNT 23.0K

$4.47 MNT 16.1K

$8.65 MNT 31.0K

Apples (1kg)

$2.99 MNT 10.7K

$1.85 MNT 6,659

$4.28 MNT 15.4K

Banana (1kg)

$2.67 MNT 9,573

$2.14 MNT 7,673

$3.59 MNT 12.9K

Oranges (1kg)

$4.26 MNT 15.3K

$3.13 MNT 11.3K

$6.32 MNT 22.7K

Tomato (1kg)

$2.76 MNT 9,912

$2.15 MNT 7,726

$3.58 MNT 12.9K

Potato (1kg)

$0.73 MNT 2,612

$0.26 MNT 918

$0.86 MNT 3,106

Onion (1kg)

$1.02 MNT 3,680

$0.73 MNT 2,618

$1.45 MNT 5,201

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.30 MNT 4,673

$0.60 MNT 2,154

$2.39 MNT 8,578

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.70 MNT 2,503

$0.47 MNT 1,704

$0.85 MNT 3,059

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.76 MNT 6,329

$1.48 MNT 5,317

$1.92 MNT 6,908

Wine (Bottle)

$9.78 MNT 35.1K

$8.39 MNT 30.1K

$11.18 MNT 40.2K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.37 MNT 4,921

$0.86 MNT 3,075

$1.78 MNT 6,404

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.78 MNT 6,390

$1.49 MNT 5,367

$2.25 MNT 8,069

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.30 MNT 1,085

$0.16 MNT 561

$0.30 MNT 1,085

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$8.90 MNT 32.0K

$5.94 MNT 21.3K

$17.80 MNT 63.9K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.61 MNT 2,203

$0.46 MNT 1,643

$0.77 MNT 2,763

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.58 MNT 2,076

$0.73 MNT 2,604

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.79 MNT 17.2K

$2.10 MNT 7,529

$14.97 MNT 53.8K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.07 MNT 3,860

$0.77 MNT 2,767

$1.11 MNT 3,969

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

$30.0K MNT 107.8M

$23.3K MNT 83.7M

$36.7K MNT 131.9M

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

$18.8K MNT 67.5M

$23.8K MNT 85.3M

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

$81.4 MNT 292.1K

$58.0 MNT 208.2K

$110 MNT 393.3K

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

$7.73 MNT 27.7K

$5.08 MNT 18.2K

$17.93 MNT 64.4K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$17.12 MNT 61.5K

$8.87 MNT 31.8K

$23.64 MNT 84.9K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$60.7 MNT 217.9K

$43.68 MNT 156.8K

$87.4 MNT 313.7K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$13.59 MNT 48.8K

$5.83 MNT 20.9K

$23.31 MNT 83.7K

Cinema Ticket

$3.88 MNT 13.9K

$2.98 MNT 10.7K

$5.37 MNT 19.3K

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

$175 MNT 627.5K

$102 MNT 366.0K

$291 MNT 1.0M

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,382 MNT 22.9M

$1,453 MNT 5.2M

$11.6K MNT 41.7M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$86.3 MNT 309.9K

$19.28 MNT 69.2K

$148 MNT 532.4K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$68.2 MNT 244.9K

$8.67 MNT 31.1K

$92.5 MNT 332.1K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$102 MNT 367.4K

$73.0 MNT 262.0K

$201 MNT 723.2K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$162 MNT 582.9K

$105 MNT 376.6K

$240 MNT 860.9K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$528 MNT 1.9M

$410 MNT 1.5M

$598 MNT 2.1M

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$412 MNT 1.5M

$238 MNT 855.2K

$595 MNT 2.1M

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,462 MNT 5.3M

$1,019 MNT 3.7M

$2,330 MNT 8.4M

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$740 MNT 2.7M

$435 MNT 1.6M

$870 MNT 3.1M

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,772 MNT 6.4M

$1,558 MNT 5.6M

$2,246 MNT 8.1M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$942 MNT 3.4M

$905 MNT 3.2M

$981 MNT 3.5M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$599 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: January 11, 2026

Ulaanbaatar Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

174

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.