Cost of Living in Mongolia

If you've ever considered moving to Mongolia, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Mongolia?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Mongolia and whether the reported $1109 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $314.84.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Mongolia
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

5.02 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

30.87 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

4.17 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

1.62 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.32 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.25 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.69 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.37 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.07 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.6 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.19 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.77 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

7.82 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

3.93 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

4.81 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.5 $

Banana (1 lb)

2.4 $

Oranges (1 lb)

2.72 $

Tomato (1 lb)

2.98 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.44 $

Onion (1 lb)

0.93 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.02 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.5 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

7.72 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

0.83 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.47 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

1.7 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.15 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

7.56 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

0.46 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.46 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

2.78 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.84 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

18521.83 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

16978.34 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

59.26 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.03 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

12.77 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

54.79 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

12.61 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

3.09 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

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

118.33 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

7048.58 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

38.97 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

26.43 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

65.98 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

80.26 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

293.34 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

174.42 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

657.43 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

397.57 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1131.92 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

779.46 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

314.84 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

8.61 %

Mongolia

How Safe Is Mongolia for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Mongolia

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Mongolia is one of the least crime-ridden countries to travel to. It has possibly the lowest crime rates in Asia, so there isn't much to worry about as long as you take the basic precaution measures. Petty theft is Mongolia's biggest problem when it comes to crime.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Generally, transportation in Mongolia is pretty safe and reliable. You can use taxis, buses and share minivans and jeeps, and you can also use camels. Just be aware of unmarked cars driving with the window rolled down, offering to give you a ride. It is probably a scam with a goal to steal your money.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

The biggest concern when traveling in Mongolia, especially Ulaanbataar or other large Mongolian city is pickpocketing and bag snatching. You shouldn't fear violence, only petty theft, which can also be avoided only if you follow your common sense. Never keep your money in your pockets or purses. Places notorious for these kinds of thefts are the Black Market (bazaar), the railway station and crowded bus stops.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a variety of natural hazards threatening Mongolia, such as floods, earthquakes, storms, droughts, and other extreme weather events. Apart from that, Mongolia is subject to dzuds, which occur when extreme winter conditions such as heavy snow, prevent livestock from feeding.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Violent crime is not common outside of the capital, and pretty rare in the capital, but still, caution is recommended at night, or in deserted areas and poorly lit streets. Unfortunately, xenophobia exists in this country and violence towards foreigners can happen so avoid interaction anyone intoxicated or anyone looking like they might want to start a fight.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Mongolia, attacks can't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Scams are common in every country frequented by tourists, and that applies to Mongolia too. Be wary of people trying to distract you, people pretending to be official personnel and street vendors trying to rip you off.When crossing the border from Mongolia into either Russia or China you may be stopped by someone in an official-looking uniform asking for you travel insurance and asking for money if you don't have it with you. This is a common scam in Mongolia, so be careful at the borders.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Mongolia is a safe country for female travelers. People are very friendly in Mongolia and willing to help you at any time. Just follow your common sense in public places, avoid dark and deserted areas, walking alone at night and watch out for your belongings and your trip should go smoothly.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

A visa for Mongolia is usually required. A Mongolian tourist visa is usually valid for a stay of up to 30 days within six months from the date of issue. Your visa can be extended for up to 30 days once within six months. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

Mongolian tögrög is the official currency in Mongolia. Credit cards can be used in hotels, shops and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar and other large cities and ATMs are widely available.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The weather is extremely cold during winter, dropping as low as -30º in some parts of the country, while the weather during the summer is generally hot. Outside of the Gobi desert, summer is marked with rains in some areas, though at night it can become quite chilly.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Chinggis Khaan International Airport is the international (and busiest) airport located in Ulaanbaatar, about 18 km southwest of the capital.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Mongolia, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Mongolia with other countries

Cost of living in countries