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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Colonia del Sacramento 2024
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Cost of Living in Colonia del Sacramento

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: If you're moving to Colonia del Sacramento, understanding the the cost of living in Colonia del Sacramento helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: $400 - $600 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $300 - $500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $800 - $1,200 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $600 - $1,000 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Price per square meter outside city center: $1,000 - $2,000
Transportation
  • One-way local bus ticket: $1.00 - $1.50
  • Monthly local bus pass: $30 - $50
  • Taxi starting tariff: $2.00 - $3.00
  • Taxi 1km tariff: $1.00 - $1.50
  • Gasoline (1 liter): $1.50 - $2.00
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): $0.80 - $1.20
  • Bread (500g): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Rice (1kg): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Eggs (12): $1.50 - $2.50
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): $4.00 - $6.00
  • Beef round (1kg): $5.00 - $8.00
  • Apples (1kg): $1.50 - $2.50
  • Tomatoes (1kg): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): $0.80 - $1.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $6.00 - $10.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $30 - $50
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $2.00 - $3.50
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Cappuccino: $1.50 - $2.50
  • Coca-Cola (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): $0.80 - $1.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: $100 - $200 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $30 - $50 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: $200 - $400 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: $300 - $600 per month
  • Middle school tuition: $400 - $800 per month
  • High school tuition: $500 - $1,000 per month
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific area of Colonia del Sacramento and individual preferences. It's always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Colonia del Sacramento

"The cost of living in Colonia del Sacramento, is considered moderate compared to other parts of the world. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while a similar apartment outside the city center is even less expensive. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also relatively low.When it comes to groceries, prices can vary. Items like a liter of milk, a loaf of bread, and a dozen eggs are quite affordable. However, imported goods and dining out at restaurants can be more expensive. Public transportation in Colonia del Sacramento is also reasonably priced, with a monthly pass costing less than what you would pay in many other cities. Gasoline prices, on the other hand, are quite high compared to other countries.Healthcare in Colonia del Sacramento is of good quality and is relatively inexpensive. Both public and private healthcare systems are available, with the private system being more costly.In terms of leisure activities, a monthly gym membership is quite affordable, and cinema tickets are reasonably priced. Overall, while the cost of living in Colonia del Sacramento is higher than in some other parts of Uruguay, it is still lower than in many other cities around the world," said one expat living in Colonia del Sacramento.

Can I live in Colonia del Sacramento on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Colonia del Sacramento for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods are Real de San Carlos and El General. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Barrio Histórico and Punta Gorda are more expensive and might not fit your budget.When it comes to utilities and other monthly expenses, you'll need to be mindful of your usage. Electricity and water can be quite expensive, so try to conserve energy and water as much as possible. Also, consider using public transportation or walking instead of owning a car, as gas prices can be high.Eating out can be quite expensive in Colonia del Sacramento, so you'll need to cook most of your meals at home. Local markets and supermarkets offer affordable groceries, and you can find fresh produce at reasonable prices. However, if you're used to eating imported or specialty foods, you might have to cut back on those, as they can be quite pricey.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you'll need to prioritize and choose wisely. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as visiting the local beaches, parks, and museums. However, if you're used to frequenting high-end restaurants, bars, or clubs, you might have to cut back on those outings.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Colonia del Sacramento is possible, but it requires some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your utility usage, cooking at home, and prioritizing low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Colonia del Sacramento.

Can I live in Colonia del Sacramento on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Colonia del Sacramento for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices and adjustments to make it work. For example, you might need to cut back on dining out at expensive restaurants or limit your shopping sprees.When it comes to housing, you'll want to look for affordable neighborhoods like Real de San Carlos or El General. These areas offer a good mix of local culture and modern conveniences, and you can find decent apartments or houses for rent at reasonable prices. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Barrio Histórico or Barrio Sur, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.In terms of transportation, you might need to rely more on public transportation or even consider getting a bicycle, as owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. However, the public transportation system in Colonia del Sacramento is quite efficient, and you can easily get around the city without a car.As for groceries and other daily expenses, you'll find that local markets and supermarkets offer a wide variety of products at affordable prices. You might need to adjust your diet a bit and incorporate more local ingredients, but this can also be a great opportunity to explore the local cuisine and culture.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, you'll find that there are plenty of affordable options in Colonia del Sacramento. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or visiting the beautiful beaches, as well as exploring the city's rich history and architecture. There are also plenty of cultural events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend for free or at a low cost.Overall, living in Colonia del Sacramento on a $3,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local culture, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful Uruguayan city," said one expat living in Colonia del Sacramento.

Can I live in Colonia del Sacramento on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Colonia del Sacramento for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to choose a neighborhood that's more affordable. I'd recommend looking into areas like Real de San Carlos or El General, as they tend to have more reasonably priced housing options. On the other hand, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like Barrio Histórico or Punta Gorda, as they can be quite expensive.When it comes to transportation, you'll find that public transportation is quite affordable, and you can easily get around the city using buses or taxis. However, if you're used to having your own car, you might find that owning and maintaining a vehicle here can be quite expensive, so you might have to consider using public transportation more often.As for dining out and entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options in Colonia del Sacramento. You can find many local restaurants that offer delicious meals at reasonable prices, and there are also plenty of free or low-cost cultural events and activities to enjoy. However, if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants or attending expensive events, you might have to cut back on those to stay within your budget.In terms of shopping, you'll find that groceries and other essentials are generally affordable, but you might have to make some adjustments when it comes to buying imported goods or luxury items, as they can be quite pricey.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Colonia del Sacramento on $5,000 a month, as long as you're willing to make some adjustments and prioritize your spending. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," commented an expat living in Colonia del Sacramento.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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