Uruguay is a small but fascinating country between Argentina and Brazil in South America. It has a bit of everything, like beautiful landscapes, incredible cities, and a rich history. However, it has its own set of expenses. For a single person, the cost of living in Uruguay is approximately UYU 33,886 per month, excluding rent, but it can vary depending on the city and lifestyle.
Uruguay is a fantastic city that attracts expats from around the world. It offers a moderate cost of living compared to many Western countries. In this blog post, we will show the cost of living in Uruguay in various parameters: rent cost, food cost, education cost, monthly transportation cost, utilities cost, healthcare, and many others. So, let’s take a look at the most crucial cost of living in Uruguay that you’ll run into:
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Overview of Cost of Living in Uruguay
You are moving to Uruguay and are curious about the cost of living there, as it offers a unique blend of experiences for travellers and residents alike. The cost of living in Uruguay for a person is approximately UYU 56,900 per month, including rent, whereas, for a family of 4 members, it is around UYU 159211 near the city centre.
Here, we have given the general breakdown of the average cost of living in Uruguay in different categories. Have a look for estimating your budget:
Cost of Rent in Uruguay
The average rent in Uruguay for a single person is around UYU 23,000 in the city centre. The average cost of rent in Uruguay can vary according to your budget and lifestyle, and it can affect the cost of living in Uruguay. The cost of apartment rent in the city centre and out of the city are as follows:
Apartment Location | Approx Monthly Rent |
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | UYU 23,000 |
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | UYU 17,450 |
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | UYU 38,000 |
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | UYU 31,861 |
Source: Numbeo
Also Read: Cost of Living in Durham: A Comprehensive Guide
Cost of Grocery in Uruguay
The average cost of groceries in Uruguay is around UYU 3000 per month, including various products such as bread, milk, water, vegetables, fruits and other items. The cost of groceries can impact the cost of living in Uruguay as it is a daily expense. Below, we have given a list of a few grocery items with their cost in Uruguay:
Grocery Item | Approx cost |
Milk (regular), (1 litre) | UYU 44 |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | UYU 109.08 |
Rice (white), (1kg) | UYU 61.17 |
Eggs (regular) (12) | UYU 159.59 |
Apples (1kg) | UYU 94.65 |
Banana (1kg) | UYU 99.64 |
Oranges (1kg) | UYU 61.05 |
Tomato (1kg) | UYU 113.74 |
Potato (1kg) | UYU 71.75 |
Onion (1kg) | UYU 74.13 |
Lettuce (1 head) | UYU 48.66 |
Water (1.5 litre bottle) | UYU 66.71 |
meat, egg, drinks and Other items | UYU 200 |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of Utilities in Uruguay
The average cost of utilities in Uruguay for a single expat is around UYU 5,334 /month, which is somewhat lower than the cost of living in Uruguay. This utility cost in Uruguay includes electricity, gas, a mobile plan, and internet. For your convenience, the Cost of Utilities in Uruguay is given in the table:
Utility Type | Approx Monthly Cost |
Basic Utility such as Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage (for 85m2 Apartment) | UYU 5,334 |
Monthly Plan of Mobile Phone (with Calls & 10GB+ Data) | UYU 693 |
Internet (60+ Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | UYU 1,599 |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of Transportation in Uruguay
If you travel daily for work or studies in Uruguay, a seasonal ticket is more affordable, around UYU 50 for a single person. The cost of transportation comes under the overall cost of living in Uruguay. Unidad, autobus, coche, onibus, minibus, train, car, bikes etc., are various types of local transportation in Uruguay. Here are various modes of transportation with their fare costs:
Mode of Transport | Approx Monthly Cost |
One-way Ticket(Local Transport) | UYU 50 |
Monthly Pass(Regular Price) | UYU 1,800 |
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff) | UYU 60 |
Taxi 1km(Normal Tariff) | UYU 65 |
Taxi 1 hour Waiting(Normal Tariff) | UYU 450 |
Gasoline (1 litre) | UYU 77 |
Source: Numbeo
Also Read: Cost of Living in Scotland: A Guide on Expected Expenses
Average Tuition Fees in Uruguay
Along with the Average cost of living in Uruguay, it is essential to know the average tuition fees for higher education. Compared to many other countries, Uruguay generally offers relatively affordable tuition fees for domestic and international students.
Yearly tuition fees for private universities in Uruguay start at around UYU 55,356 and go up to around UYU 471,662. Tuition fees in Uruguay vary significantly depending on the university, the program of study, and other factors, so it’s crucial to weigh these factors when deciding. Here in the table below, we have given the average tuition fee along with a few program and university names:
Program at Uruguay | Approx Tuition Fees |
Management | UYU 183534 |
Engineering | UYU 211540 |
Applied Sciences | UYU 197007 |
Arts | UYU 205748 |
Design | UYU 216284 |
Psychology | UYU 165913 |
Computer Science | UYU 221896 |
Education and Teaching | UYU 227999 |
Food and Nutrition | UYU 211698 |
Economics | UYU 197310 |
Business | UYU 186727 |
Medicine | UYU 216393 |
Environmental Studies | UYU 232514 |
Mathematics | UYU 270185 |
Nursing | UYU 207879 |
Chemistry | UYU 228142 |
Agriculture | UYU 208502 |
Dentistry | UYU 202860 |
Things to Consider Before Moving to Uruguay
When estimating the cost of living in Uruguay as a student, there are a few other essential criteria to consider. Uruguay is an amazing city that offers numerous opportunities for international students to thrive academically and enjoy living abroad. Some of these criteria are listed below:
Affordable Cost of Living: The average cost of living in Uruguay is 22.5% less expensive than the average cost of living in the United States for expats. You get to experience a comfortable life here without breaking the bank.
Affordable Health Care System: Uruguay offers affordable private healthcare plans, which can provide comprehensive coverage for around UYU 70 per month. In addition, the public healthcare system in Uruguay provides low-cost care to all legal residents.
Lovely Weather In Uruguay
Uruguay’s temperate climate zone experiences four distinct seasons: windy springs, warm summers, mild autumns, and cool winters. The average temperature throughout the year ranges between 12°C and 21.5°C. It is an amazing place to live apart from the affordable cost of living.
Job Opportunities In Uruguay
Uruguay has terrific career opportunities. The basic salary here is around UYU 100,580, and the high wage is around UYU 1,765,300, which helps to make the cost of living in Uruguay leisurely. Someone with a few years of work experience can get a handsome salary.
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FAQs
Answer: The cost of living in Uruguay, for a family of four, is estimated monthly at approximately UYU 121,202, and this is without rent. Moreover, if we look for a single person, it is estimated monthly at approximately UYU 33,886.
Answer: Uruguay is an attractive place for foreigners due to its lower cost of living. The average cost of living in Uruguay is 22.5% less expensive than the average cost of living in the United States for expats.
Answer: The basic salary in Uruguay is around UYU 44,665 per month. However, the cost of living in Uruguay can be relatively affordable compared to other cities, and you can save money after your expenses.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Uruguay. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.