Uruguay
Cost of living in Montevideo
Montevideo is Uruguay's capital and home to more than a third of the country's people, on the Río de la Plata. Uruguay's prices sit at the higher end for South America, and this dataset reflects that.
What it costs to live in Montevideo
On an average lifestyle in a 1-bed apartment, Montevideo comes to an estimated $1,533 a month: the 16th lowest of 19 cities and 43% above the median of this dataset ($1,073). Rent makes up 52% of the total. Compared with the median city, you would spend more on rent, groceries, transport, utilities, internet, coworking and entertainment.
| Lifestyle | Room | 1-bed apartment | Family apartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frugal | $728 | $1,088 | $1,563 |
| Average | $1,153 | $1,533 | $2,128 |
| Comfortable | $1,655 | $2,105 | $2,870 |
Every figure is a modeled estimate in US dollars, not an individually observed price. Q1–Q2 2026 data, not re-verified since. Methodology
Your budget in Montevideo
Adjust the household, lifestyle and any category.
Monthly breakdown by category
One person, 1-bed apartment, average lifestyle. Median = the middle city of all 19.
| Category | Montevideo | % of total | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $800 | 52% | $540 |
| Groceries | $270 | 18% | $200 |
| Transport | $60 | 4% | $40 |
| Utilities | $80 | 5% | $58 |
| Internet | $33 | 2% | $28 |
| Coworking | $140 | 9% | $100 |
| Entertainment | $150 | 10% | $100 |
| Total per month | $1,533 | 100% | $1,073 |
Housing in Montevideo
Before signing, always ask about the deposit, any rent paid in advance, whether a guarantor is required and who pays utilities and building fees. These terms vary between landlords and are not fixed legal requirements.
Moving to Montevideo
Visa and residency rules in Uruguay depend on your nationality and circumstances. Always check the official website of Uruguay's migration authority or its nearest consulate. Nothing on this page is legal advice.