Living Expenses in Ulaanbaatar 2025-2026

Complete guide to the cost of living in Mongolia's capital city. Plan your budget for accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment in Ulaanbaatar.

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Cost of Living Comparison

Ulaanbaatar Cost of Living Overview

Ulaanbaatar offers excellent value for money compared to other Asian capitals, with affordable accommodation, dining, and transport options for all budgets.

Accommodation
$15-80/day
Food & Dining
$5-25/meal
Transport
$0.30-15/trip
Entertainment
$3-20/activity

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Accommodation Costs

Budget Options ($15-35/night):
  • Hostels: $15-25/night
  • Guesthouses: $20-30/night
  • Budget hotels: $25-35/night
  • Shared apartments: $20-30/night
Mid-range & Luxury ($40-80/night):
  • 3-star hotels: $40-60/night
  • 4-star hotels: $60-80/night
  • Boutique hotels: $50-70/night
  • Serviced apartments: $45-65/night

Food & Dining Costs

Street Food & Local ($2-8):
  • Buuz (dumplings): $2-4
  • Khuushuur: $3-5
  • Local noodles: $3-6
  • Street snacks: $1-3
Casual Dining ($8-15):
  • Local restaurants: $8-12
  • International cuisine: $10-15
  • Cafe meals: $6-10
  • Fast food: $5-8
Fine Dining ($15-25+):
  • Upscale restaurants: $15-25
  • Hotel restaurants: $18-30
  • International fine dining: $20-35
  • Special occasions: $25-50

Transportation Costs

Public Transport:
  • City bus: $0.30-0.50
  • Trolleybus: $0.30-0.50
  • Minibus: $0.50-1.00
  • Day pass: $3-5
Private Transport:
  • Taxi (city): $3-8
  • Uber/Bolt: $2-6
  • Car rental: $25-50/day
  • Airport transfer: $10-15

Sample Monthly Budgets

Budget Traveller

$600-900/month
  • Accommodation: $450-650
  • Food: $120-180
  • Transport: $20-40
  • Entertainment: $30-60
  • Miscellaneous: $30-50
Hostels, local food, public transport

Mid-Range Visitor

$1,200-1,800/month
  • Accommodation: $900-1,200
  • Food: $200-350
  • Transport: $50-100
  • Entertainment: $80-150
  • Miscellaneous: $70-120
3-star hotels, mixed dining, taxis

Luxury Traveller

$2,500-4,000+/month
  • Accommodation: $1,800-2,400
  • Food: $450-800
  • Transport: $150-300
  • Entertainment: $200-400
  • Miscellaneous: $200-500
4-star hotels, fine dining, private transport

Money-Saving Tips for Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation Tips
  • Book guesthouses for longer stays
  • Consider apartment rentals
  • Stay outside city centre
  • Book in advance for better rates
Food & Dining Tips
  • Eat at local restaurants
  • Try street food markets
  • Cook in guesthouse kitchens
  • Shop at local markets
Transport Tips
  • Use public buses
  • Walk when possible
  • Share taxis with others
  • Buy transport passes
General Tips
  • Learn basic Mongolian phrases
  • Bargain at markets
  • Visit free attractions
  • Travel during shoulder season