CostLens
Home › Uruguay

Cost of Living in Uruguay

60 cities covered · Currency: UYU ($U) · Capital: Montevideo

Single person, monthly$U29,141 ($729)
Couple, monthly$U52,299 ($1,307)
Family of four, monthly$U68,192 ($1,705)
Average net salary$U46,640 ($1,166)

Average Prices in Uruguay

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$U293 ($7.31)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$U1,170 ($29.26)per meal
Cappuccino$U87.77 ($2.19)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$U6,631 ($166)per month
Monthly public transport pass$U1,073 ($26.82)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$U2,828 ($70.70)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$U819 ($20.48)per month
Fitness club membership$U819 ($20.48)per month
Cinema ticket$U215 ($5.36)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$U13,853 ($346)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$U9,637 ($241)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$U28,911 ($723)per month

Major Cities in Uruguay

Montevideo

Montevideo · pop. 1,788,170

Maldonado

Maldonado · pop. 135,014

Salto

Salto · pop. 124,878

Ciudad de la Costa

Canelones · pop. 112,449

Rivera

Rivera · pop. 84,775

Paysandú

Paysandú · pop. 76,412

Las Piedras

Canelones · pop. 61,306

Tacuarembó

Tacuarembó · pop. 60,581

Melo

Cerro Largo · pop. 55,985

Artigas

Artigas · pop. 43,843

Mercedes

Soriano · pop. 43,528

Durazno

Durazno · pop. 40,279

Minas

Lavalleja · pop. 38,633

San José

San José · pop. 38,550

Ciudad del Plata

San José · pop. 38,249

Florida

Florida · pop. 36,449

Barros Blancos

Canelones · pop. 35,660

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia · pop. 32,159

Pando

Canelones · pop. 31,163

San Carlos

Maldonado · pop. 30,293

El Pinar

Canelones · pop. 27,190

Fray Bentos

Río Negro · pop. 26,951

Rocha

Rocha · pop. 26,784

Treinta y Tres

Treinta y Tres · pop. 25,870

Cheapest Cities in Uruguay

ArtigasMercedesDuraznoMinasSan JoséCiudad del PlataFloridaBarros BlancosColonia del SacramentoPandoFull ranking →

City Comparisons in Uruguay

Montevideo vs Maldonado

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Uruguay

Montevideo vs Salto

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Uruguay

Maldonado vs Ciudad de la Costa

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Uruguay

Salto vs Ciudad de la Costa

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Uruguay

Cost of Living by City Size in Uruguay

Living costs in Uruguay vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of $U29,141 ($729) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Uruguay?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in Uruguay is $U29,141 ($729), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly $U68,192 ($1,705) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in Uruguay?
Artigas ranks among the most affordable cities in Uruguay with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in Uruguay?
The estimated average net salary in Uruguay is $U46,640 ($1,166) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for Uruguay derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.