Standard of Living in Mongolia
How much do you need to live here?
Ever wondered what it costs to live in Mongolia? Here’s a detailed look at the cost of living in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, with updated prices, rent, and salary benchmarks. We also explore the cultural and economic background that shapes urban life today.
Ulaanbaatar: From Monastery to Metropolis
Founded in 1639 as a mobile monastery known as Urguu, Ulaanbaatar moved 29 times before settling permanently in its current location by the Tuul River in 1778. Now the political, economic, and cultural heart of Mongolia, the city celebrated its 380th anniversary in 2019 with events like exhibitions, conferences, and performances.
However, despite its growth, life outside the center still reflects economic contrasts. In the city’s ger districts, many residents — often former herders affected by climate change, desertification, and extreme winters — live modestly on the city’s edge.
Still, with the rise of major mining projects and foreign investment, salaries and opportunities in Ulaanbaatar are gradually increasing.
Prices in Ulaanbaatar:
Cost of Living in Ulaanbaatar
💰 Monthly Expenses
Single person (excluding rent): 2,157,566 MNT (~$635)
Family of four (excluding rent): 7,756,617 MNT (~$2,283)
Note: Exchange rate used is approximately 1 USD = 3,400 MNT
🍽️ Restaurants
| Item | Price (MNT) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | 16,250 | $4.78 |
| Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | 100,000 | $29.41 |
| McMeal at McDonald’s (or equivalent combo) | 18,450 | $5.43 |
| Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught) | 6,000 | $1.76 |
| Imported beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 8,000 | $2.35 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 8,631 | $2.54 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 2,428 | $0.71 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 1,579 | $0.46 |
🛒 Groceries
| Item | Price (MNT) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 liter) | 4,800 | $1.41 |
| Loaf of fresh white bread (500g) | 2,856 | $0.84 |
| Rice (1kg) | 6,440 | $1.89 |
| Eggs (12) | 7,220 | $2.12 |
| Local cheese (1kg) | 45,000 | $13.24 |
| Chicken fillets (1kg) | 18,000 | $5.29 |
| Beef round (1kg) | 18,750 | $5.51 |
| Apples (1kg) | 10,000 | $2.94 |
| Banana (1kg) | 8,400 | $2.47 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 12,800 | $3.76 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 8,970 | $2.63 |
| Potato (1kg) | 2,320 | $0.68 |
| Onion (1kg) | 3,380 | $0.99 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 6,000 | $1.76 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 2,450 | $0.72 |
| Bottle of wine (mid-range) | 30,000 | $8.82 |
| Domestic beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 4,380 | $1.29 |
| Imported beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 6,000 | $1.76 |
| Cigarettes (20 pack Marlboro) | 6,000 | $1.76 |
🚗 Transportation
| Item | Price (MNT) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| One-way ticket (local transport) | 1000 | $0.3 |
| Monthly pass (regular price) | 26,250 | $7.72 |
| Taxi start (normal tariff) | 2,000 | $0.59 |
| Taxi 1km (normal tariff) | 3,219 | $0.95 |
| Taxi 1 hour waiting (normal tariff) | 18,000 | $5.29 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 3,470 | $1.02 |
🏠 Housing (Rent per Month)
| Item | Price (MNT) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in city centre | 1,800,000 | $529.41 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of centre | 1,200,000 | $352.94 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city centre | 3,500,000 | $1,029.41 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of centre | 2,500,000 | $735.29 |
🏢 Utilities (Monthly)
| Item | Price (MNT) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment | 250,000 | $73.53 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | 60,000 | $17.65 |
💼 Salaries and Financing
Average monthly net salary (before tax): 2,332,400 MNT (~$680)
Mortgage interest rate (20 years fixed): 6.0%
Note: All prices are approximate and may vary based on location and other factors.
