Cost of Living in Ulaanbaatar - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $659 (excluding rent), and $1,138 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,585 (excluding rent), and $2,444 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.61 MNT 20.0K

$4.02 MNT 14.4K

$7.46 MNT 26.6K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$29.31 MNT 104.6K

$20.51 MNT 73.2K

$73.3 MNT 261.4K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.34 MNT 19.0K

$4.63 MNT 16.5K

$6.07 MNT 21.7K

Cappuccino

$2.63 MNT 9,368

$2.24 MNT 7,993

$3.58 MNT 12.8K

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

$0.71 MNT 2,539

$0.57 MNT 2,024

$1.41 MNT 5,043

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.50 MNT 1,786

$0.30 MNT 1,057

$0.90 MNT 3,208

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.08 MNT 7,426

$1.19 MNT 4,254

$4.46 MNT 15.9K

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.38 MNT 8,483

$1.49 MNT 5,307

$2.97 MNT 10.6K

Milk (1 liter)

$1.42 MNT 5,074

$1.29 MNT 4,619

$1.59 MNT 5,669

White Bread (500g)

$1.02 MNT 3,642

$0.76 MNT 2,695

$1.81 MNT 6,447

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.11 MNT 7,542

$1.49 MNT 5,330

$2.99 MNT 10.7K

Eggs

$2.11 MNT 7,511

$1.60 MNT 5,713

$2.44 MNT 8,710

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.85 MNT 56.6K

$7.38 MNT 26.3K

$33.83 MNT 120.7K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.57 MNT 19.9K

$2.84 MNT 10.1K

$8.62 MNT 30.7K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.14 MNT 21.9K

$4.28 MNT 15.3K

$8.28 MNT 29.5K

Apples (1kg)

$3.11 MNT 11.1K

$1.93 MNT 6,890

$4.46 MNT 15.9K

Banana (1kg)

$2.58 MNT 9,205

$2.07 MNT 7,378

$3.48 MNT 12.4K

Oranges (1kg)

$4.44 MNT 15.8K

$3.27 MNT 11.7K

$6.59 MNT 23.5K

Tomato (1kg)

$2.79 MNT 9,951

$2.17 MNT 7,756

$3.62 MNT 12.9K

Potato (1kg)

$0.72 MNT 2,564

$0.25 MNT 901

$0.85 MNT 3,049

Onion (1kg)

$1.06 MNT 3,770

$0.75 MNT 2,683

$1.49 MNT 5,329

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.29 MNT 4,618

$0.60 MNT 2,128

$2.38 MNT 8,478

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.75 MNT 2,659

$0.51 MNT 1,809

$0.91 MNT 3,249

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.72 MNT 6,130

$1.44 MNT 5,149

$1.88 MNT 6,690

Wine (Bottle)

$9.93 MNT 35.4K

$9.08 MNT 32.4K

$11.35 MNT 40.5K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.34 MNT 4,796

$0.84 MNT 2,998

$1.75 MNT 6,242

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.73 MNT 6,187

$1.46 MNT 5,197

$2.19 MNT 7,814

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.28 MNT 992

$0.14 MNT 513

$0.28 MNT 992

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$8.92 MNT 31.8K

$5.95 MNT 21.2K

$17.83 MNT 63.6K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.57 MNT 2,041

$0.43 MNT 1,522

$0.72 MNT 2,560

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.61 MNT 2,179

$0.77 MNT 2,733

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.78 MNT 17.0K

$2.09 MNT 7,452

$14.91 MNT 53.2K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.09 MNT 3,895

$0.78 MNT 2,793

$1.12 MNT 4,005

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

$30.8K MNT 110.0M

$23.9K MNT 85.4M

$37.7K MNT 134.5M

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

$18.7K MNT 66.6M

$23.6K MNT 84.2M

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

$83.3 MNT 297.1K

$59.4 MNT 211.8K

$112 MNT 400.0K

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

$7.39 MNT 26.4K

$4.85 MNT 17.3K

$17.14 MNT 61.2K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$17.31 MNT 61.8K

$8.97 MNT 32.0K

$23.92 MNT 85.3K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$61.7 MNT 220.0K

$44.39 MNT 158.4K

$88.8 MNT 316.8K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$13.89 MNT 49.6K

$5.96 MNT 21.3K

$23.82 MNT 85.0K

Cinema Ticket

$3.74 MNT 13.4K

$2.87 MNT 10.2K

$5.18 MNT 18.5K

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

$179 MNT 640.2K

$105 MNT 373.5K

$299 MNT 1.1M

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,567 MNT 23.4M

$1,495 MNT 5.3M

$12.0K MNT 42.7M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$87.2 MNT 311.0K

$19.47 MNT 69.5K

$150 MNT 534.4K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$69.8 MNT 248.9K

$8.87 MNT 31.6K

$94.6 MNT 337.5K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$102 MNT 364.6K

$72.9 MNT 260.0K

$201 MNT 717.6K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$157 MNT 560.6K

$102 MNT 362.2K

$232 MNT 827.9K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$514 MNT 1.8M

$399 MNT 1.4M

$582 MNT 2.1M

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$408 MNT 1.5M

$236 MNT 842.5K

$590 MNT 2.1M

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,500 MNT 5.4M

$1,046 MNT 3.7M

$2,390 MNT 8.5M

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$761 MNT 2.7M

$447 MNT 1.6M

$895 MNT 3.2M

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,839 MNT 6.6M

$1,555 MNT 5.5M

$2,242 MNT 8.0M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$934 MNT 3.3M

$893 MNT 3.2M

$968 MNT 3.5M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$606 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: February 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.