Uruguay flagCost of Living Guide

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses in Uruguay

Uruguay offers a moderate cost of living in South America, with overall costs including rent 27.6% higher than the South America average, driven by consumer prices 30.5% above the regional norm while rent is only 1.6% higher. It stands out as one of the more expensive countries in the region but provides strong value through high quality of life and purchasing power. No home country comparison available.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
$800-1,200 USD (local food, public transport, modest housing outside center)
Comfortable
$1,800-2,500 USD (decent city apartment, mix of dining out and imported goods)
Family of four
$3,000-4,500 USD (family housing, international school, car, groceries)

Uruguay delivers excellent value for expats seeking South American stability and quality of life, despite costs 27.6% above the regional average—ideal for those prioritizing safety and infrastructure over rock-bottom prices.

Economic & Living Costs in Uruguay
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

450-1200 UYU
Avg: 825 UYU

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

1500-4000 UYU
Avg: 2750 UYU

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

450-600 UYU
Avg: 525 UYU

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

80-283.64 UYU
Avg: 181.82 UYU
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

20000-40000 UYU
Avg: 30000 UYU

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

15000-30390.42 UYU
Avg: 22695.21 UYU

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

30000-81041.11 UYU
Avg: 55520.56 UYU

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

24312.33-60000 UYU
Avg: 42156.17 UYU
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

50-63 UYU
Avg: 56.5 UYU

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

254-600 UYU
Avg: 427 UYU

Monthly Transport Pass

1800-3000 UYU
Avg: 2400 UYU

Gasoline (1L)

74.39-90 UYU
Avg: 82.19 UYU
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

3500-12142.86 UYU
Avg: 7821.43 UYU

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

1300-2600 UYU
Avg: 1950 UYU

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

450-1501 UYU
Avg: 975.5 UYU
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

42-77 UYU
Avg: 59.5 UYU

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

70-200 UYU
Avg: 135 UYU

Eggs (12)

84-250 UYU
Avg: 167 UYU

Local Cheese (1kg)

350-830 UYU
Avg: 590 UYU
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

1200-4000 UYU
Avg: 2600 UYU

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

500-1000 UYU
Avg: 750 UYU

Cinema Ticket

300-500 UYU
Avg: 400 UYU

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

14000-36300 UYU
Avg: 25150 UYU
Last updated: 2026-04-03