Cost of Living in Mongolia

Updated: January 01, 2025

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 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 5.02 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 30.87 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.07 USD, a loaf of bread 0.6 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.77 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.15 USD and a monthly pass around 7.56 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 59.26 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 54.79 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 12.61 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 118.33 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 7048.58 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 38.97 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 65.98 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 293.34 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 174.42 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1131.92 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 779.46 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 314.84 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 8.61% annually.

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.

Cost of Living in Mongolia

Mongolia

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing