Cost of Living in Montevideo

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Montevideo costs around $500 to $600 per month. A similar apartment outside the city center costs around $350 to $450 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $900 to $1,200 per month, while the same outside the city center costs around $600 to $800 per month.
Apartment Purchases	The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is around $2,500 to $3,000. Outside the city center, the price per square meter is around $1,500 to $2,000.
Transportation	A one-way ticket on local transport costs around $1.00. A monthly pass for public transport costs around $40. The starting tariff for a normal taxi is around $1.50, with an additional $1.00 per kilometer. The price of gasoline is around $1.50 per liter.
Groceries	The average cost of a liter of milk is around $0.90, a loaf of fresh white bread is around $1.50, a kilogram of local cheese is around $8.00, a dozen eggs is around $2.50, a kilogram of chicken breast is around $5.00, a kilogram of apples is around $2.00, a kilogram of bananas is around $1.50, a kilogram of oranges is around $1.00, a kilogram of tomatoes is around $2.00, and a kilogram of potatoes is around $1.00.
Restaurants	A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $10.00. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around $40.00. A regular cappuccino costs around $2.00. A 0.5 liter domestic beer in a restaurant costs around $2.00, while a 0.33 liter imported beer costs around $3.00.
Utilities	Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, cost around $100 to $150 per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) costs around $30 to $40 per month.
Private School Tuition	Private school tuition varies greatly depending on the school. However, on average, the cost for preschool is around $300 to $500 per month, for elementary school is around $400 to $600 per month, for middle school is around $500 to $700 per month, and for high school is around $600 to $800 per month.

Please note that these are average costs and actual costs may vary depending on various factors. Also, the costs are given in US dollars.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Montevideo

"The cost of living in Montevideo, is considered moderate compared to other major cities worldwide. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is significantly cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also relatively moderate. Groceries in Montevideo can be quite pricey, with items such as bread, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables costing more than in many other countries. Eating out at restaurants can also be costly, especially in more upscale establishments. Public transportation in Montevideo is relatively affordable, with monthly passes available for regular commuters. Owning a car can be expensive due to the high cost of gasoline and maintenance. Healthcare in Montevideo is of good quality and is reasonably priced, with both public and private options available. Education, from primary to tertiary levels, can range from being free in public institutions to quite expensive in private ones. Overall, while the cost of living in Montevideo is lower than in many other major cities worldwide, it is considered one of the most expensive in Latin America. The cost can vary greatly depending on lifestyle and personal choices," said one expat living in Montevideo.

Can I live in Montevideo on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Montevideo for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to many other countries, but it's not the cheapest place in South America. Firstly, housing is going to be your biggest expense. If you want to live in the more upscale neighborhoods like Pocitos, Punta Carretas or Carrasco, you're looking at rents of $800 to $1,000 a month for a decent one-bedroom apartment. However, there are more affordable options in neighborhoods like Cordón, Palermo, and Parque Rodó where you can find apartments for around $500 to $600 a month. Food is relatively cheap, especially if you cook at home. A monthly grocery bill for one person can be around $200 to $300. Eating out can be expensive, especially in touristy areas, but there are plenty of affordable local restaurants where you can get a meal for around $10. Public transportation is also quite affordable. A monthly bus pass costs around $50. Taxis and Uber are more expensive, but still reasonable compared to prices in the US or Europe. Healthcare is another thing to consider. Public healthcare is free, but the quality can vary. Many expats opt for private healthcare which can cost around $100 a month. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or cheap things to do in Montevideo. The city has beautiful parks, beaches, and museums. However, if you're into nightlife, drinks can be quite expensive. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to. For example, imported goods are quite expensive here, so you might have to adjust to local brands. Also, while most people speak some English, it's not as widely spoken as in some other countries, so you might need to learn some Spanish. Overall, living in Montevideo on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments. You'll need to be mindful of your spending, especially on housing and entertainment, and be willing to adapt to a different lifestyle. But in return, you get to live in a beautiful, vibrant city with a rich culture and a relaxed pace of life," commented an expat living in Montevideo.

Can I live in Montevideo on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Montevideo for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but it does require some planning and budgeting. The cost of living here is lower than in many Western countries, but it's not the cheapest place in South America. The biggest expense is housing. If you want to live in the more upscale neighborhoods like Pocitos, Punta Carretas or Carrasco, you might struggle a bit with that budget. Rent for a decent one-bedroom apartment in these areas can easily reach $1,000 or more. However, there are more affordable neighborhoods where you can find a nice place for around $500-$700 a month. I live in Cordón, which is a central and vibrant neighborhood with a lot of shops, restaurants and cultural activities. Other affordable options are Parque Rodó and Palermo. They are both close to the city center and the beach, which is a big plus. Food is another significant expense. Eating out can be quite pricey, especially in touristy areas. But if you cook at home and shop at local markets, you can keep your food budget under control. I spend around $300 a month on groceries. Public transportation is pretty cheap. A monthly pass costs around $50. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas is expensive and so are cars. I don't own a car and I don't really miss it. Healthcare is good and affordable. I pay around $100 a month for a private health insurance plan. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities. The city has beautiful parks, beaches and museums. A movie ticket costs around $6 and a meal in a mid-range restaurant is about $20. In terms of sacrifices, I'd say the biggest one is adjusting to a slower pace of life. Things don't always work as efficiently as in more developed countries. But on the other hand, people here are very relaxed and friendly, which makes the adjustment easier. So, to sum up, yes, you can live comfortably in Montevideo on $3,000 a month. You might not be able to afford a luxury lifestyle, but you can definitely enjoy a good quality of life," said one expat living in Montevideo.

Can I live in Montevideo on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Montevideo for a few years 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. The cost of living here is lower than in many other countries, especially compared to the US or Europe. However, it's important to be mindful of your spending habits. For instance, dining out frequently at high-end restaurants or shopping for imported goods can quickly eat into your budget. As for housing, there are several affordable neighborhoods that offer a good quality of life. Pocitos, for instance, is a middle-class neighborhood with a nice beach, plenty of shops and restaurants, and a good public transportation system. A two-bedroom apartment here can cost around $800 to $1,000 per month. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Carrasco or Punta Carretas are more upscale and therefore more expensive. A similar apartment in these areas can cost upwards of $1,500 per month. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, can add another $200 to your monthly expenses. Groceries for a single person can cost around $300 per month, but this can vary depending on your eating habits. Public transportation is quite affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $50. However, owning a car can be expensive due to high import taxes. Health insurance is another important consideration. A good plan can cost around $100 per month. All in all, if you're careful with your spending, you can live quite comfortably in Montevideo on $5,000 per month. You might have to make some sacrifices, like eating out less often or choosing a less expensive neighborhood, but these are small compromises for the quality of life you can enjoy here," commented an expat living in Montevideo.