Uruguay is the dream of many expats, because it has a vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. The state is one of the leaders in South America in terms of quality of life, but prices here are not as low as many people think. Find out how much it costs to live in Uruguay in 2024

Uruguay is a country of natural beauty, comfort and social stability. Moving here attracts digital nomads, retirees and other expats from different parts of the planet. Living in Uruguay can certainly be an exciting and rewarding experience, but you should consider all the costs before packing. We talk about the cost of living in Uruguay in 2024 below.

Is it expensive to live in Uruguay?

According to the cost of living index, Uruguay ranks 53 out of 138 countries in the world. However, at the same time, the state holds the title of the most expensive country in South America. Estimated monthly expenses for a family of four here are $3,700. Expenses per month for one person - 1644 US dollars.

However, some things here are quite expensive. For example, electricity, industrial goods and food in restaurants cost more than in other countries.

Standard of living in Uruguay

Uruguay stands out in Latin America for being a country with an egalitarian society, high per capita income and low levels of poverty and inequality. The middle class in Uruguay is the largest in the Latin American region, accounting for more than 60% of the population.

Expats who want to become residents of Uruguay should consider the cost of living in the country. Uruguay is considered a high-income country by the World Bank, with a GDP per capita of $16,360, the highest in Latin America.

The standard of living in Uruguay is high and the quality of life is much better than in other Latin American countries. Expats can choose from a variety of public and private providers providing medical, social and educational services.

The cost of renting a house in Uruguay

Most expats moving to Uruguay settle in one of the following locations:

- Montevideo is the capital of the country, where 40% of the population of Uruguay lives.

- Punta del Este is a beach resort and university town with a growing population.

The most popular and most cost-effective housing in Uruguay is an apartment. Renting a one-room apartment in the central part of Uruguayan cities costs about 600 dollars per month. A new two-room apartment without furniture - $850 per month, with furniture, respectively, $1,200 and $700 per month.

It is worth noting that each Uruguayan apartment has an administrator who manages the building services and building staff, such as security and cleaners. Residents pay a monthly fee called gastos comunes (common costs) to the building administrator to cover the cost of maintaining the grounds. Gastos comunes are usually included in the rent.

It is also important to note that most apartments for rent in Uruguay are unfurnished.

Security deposits for renting an apartment in Uruguay can be as much as several months' rent.

If you're set on renting a home but would like to do so on a more budget-friendly basis, you'll find more options in smaller coastal towns such as Atlantis, Piriapolis and La Paloma. Here, the cost of renting a cozy two-bedroom house is from 500 to 900 USD per month.

How much does it cost to buy a house in Uruguay?

Apartment prices in Uruguay can range from $100,000 for studio apartments to over $1 million for penthouses on the first line overlooking the Río de la Plata.

In general, to buy an apartment in the best areas of the Uruguayan capital, expect to pay $160,000 for a two-room apartment and about $95,000 for a new, unfurnished studio apartment.

Prices for utilities in Uruguay

The average monthly cost of utilities, including heating, electricity, cooling, water and garbage, for an 85 m² apartment in Uruguay is around $110.

A basic home Internet package of 350 GB per month at a speed of 400 Mbps will cost an expat $37 per month.

The basic tariff for mobile communication is about 14 dollars per month.

You will find several cable TV companies operating in Uruguay. Montecable in Montevideo offers a plan with 84 standard definition channels, 50 high definition channels, two decoders and 50 audio channels. The cost is about $36 per month.

Cost of food in Uruguay

To save on food in Uruguay, it is better to buy food and cook yourself. Open-air street markets, called ferias, are one of the best places to buy fresh produce.

The average monthly cost of groceries for one person in Uruguay is around $200.

The cost of a basic grocery basket is as follows: a dozen eggs - $2.50, a loaf of bread - $1.50, 1 kg of rice - $1.50, 1 kg of apples - $2.50, a liter of milk - $1.10, the average price of domestic beer is about $2 ,70, a bottle of mid-range wine - $10.

Prices for eating out are slightly higher. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant in Uruguay costs about $10. A cup of cappuccino is $2.90.

The cost of a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant in Uruguay is about $35.

Transportation costs in Uruguay

Many expats do not need a car for a comfortable life in Uruguay, especially in big cities. Also, the lack of own transport allows significant savings.

The public transport system in Uruguay is developed at a fairly high level. In particular, the buses in Montevideo are clean, the routes are well laid out and they run regularly. The cost of a single ticket is $1.3.

The cities of Uruguay are also connected by an extensive bus network. A bus ride from Montevideo to Punta del Este costs about $10 one way.

However, expats who have settled in the suburbs, small towns and rural areas have a car.

The cost of owning a new small car (insurance, registration fees and maintenance) can average around $235 per month. When fuel costs are factored in, monthly running costs can rise to $450 per month.

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Prices of medical care in Uruguay

The most popular health care option for expats in Uruguay is a hospital membership plan called Mutualist. As a Mutualista member, you go to your hospital or affiliated clinic for anything from routine medical care to emergency care and hospital stays.

The cost is about $70 a month, plus a small copay for each doctor's visit or test (often $10 to $20).

Childcare in Uruguay

The average monthly cost of childcare in Uruguay is estimated to be around US$320.

The cost of a private kindergarten or preschool in Uruguay is about $210 per month.

Uruguay is a South American gem that offers a balanced combination of quality living at a reasonable price. Therefore, moving here can be a good investment and an interesting stage in your life.

We will remind you! Uruguay is a country in South America, which is known for its high quality of life, good social sphere and favorable employment prospects. We have already talked about the advantages and disadvantages of moving to Uruguay.

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Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department

To organize a safe move to Sweden, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations when traveling abroad.

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