What is the Cost of living in Uruguay in 2023? Find out!

Living in another country is a dream for many people. But for this change to happen, you need to know your destination well. Uruguay is an interesting destination for Brazilians.

However, do you know how much it costs to live in Uruguay? Do you know what you need to have a comfortable life in this country? We've gathered all the information you need in this post to help you.

Read on to find out the cost of living in Uruguay in 2023.

Index

• What is the cost of living in Uruguay in 2023?
• What is the minimum wage in Uruguay?
• What is transportation like in Uruguay? Is it expensive?
• How much does education cost in Uruguay?
• How much does healthcare cost in Uruguay?
• How much does it cost to live in Uruguay? 
• What are the cheapest cities to live in Uruguay?
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Uruguay in 2023?

To know exactly what the cost of living in Uruguay will be in 2023, there are several determining factors that need to be factored into your budget, such as housing, education, healthcare, and transportation. Additionally, you need to consider your expected salary.

The average monthly cost of living in Uruguay can reach R$28,999 for a single person, including all expected expenses (food, transportation, etc.) except rent. Converted to Brazilian reais, this amount is equivalent to R$3,700.00 per person.

What is the minimum wage in Uruguay?

As of this writing in September 2023, the minimum wage in Uruguay was $U 16,300 (Uruguayan pesos). Converting, the amount is R$ 2,080. However, according to the Uruguayan government itself, the average salary in the country is $U 26,220, which is equivalent to R$ 3,345.00.

What is transportation like in Uruguay? Is it expensive?

Among Uruguay's complaints, one concerns public transportation. It's consistently reported as slow and inconvenient, leading people to opt for other means of transportation.

To get around Uruguay, the best options are cars and motorcycles, which can be owned or rented. Taxis are also available, but they're more expensive.

On average, a taxi ride between nearby neighborhoods can cost up to $U 275.00, the equivalent of R$$ 35.00, while on public transport, the average fare is $U 39, the equivalent of R$$ 5.00. However, public transport leaves a lot to be desired.

For those looking to live in Uruguay, it's important to know that transportation costs will be expensive. For those looking to rent a car, the cost can be as low as R$1,400 per day. And if you have your own vehicle, you'll still have parking issues.

Therefore, the most economical way, although not ideal, is public transport.

How much does education cost in Uruguay?

Education in Uruguay is public (free) and mandatory for all young people. Unlike Brazil, education operates in cycles.

In so-called primary education, which is compulsory for children, there is a six-year cycle, equivalent to elementary education in Brazil.

Secondary education consists of two three-year cycles. The first is compulsory, and the second is preparatory, either technical or university-ready.

As for universities, if you're a Uruguayan citizen, you're legally entitled to study for free at the country's public universities. If you're not, you'll need to pay fees to complete your studies.

A semester at a private Uruguayan university costs, on average, US$2,000, which equates to approximately R$10,000 per semester. Additionally, there are fees that must be paid to the institution.

How much does healthcare cost in Uruguay?

In Uruguay, the healthcare system operates differently than in Brazil. There is a free healthcare system, the Servicio Nacional de Salud, and a private healthcare system.

Uruguayan citizens who cannot afford to pay for their appointments can request to use the free system. However, most appointments, exams, and services are generally paid.

A consultation costs, on average, $U 980, which is equivalent to R$ 125.00. You can have health plans, as in Brazil, with rates between R$ 200 and R$ 600 per month. Additionally, many companies have health plans for their employees.

In other words, if you want to live in Uruguay, you should know that you will have healthcare expenses of more than $U 1,000 per month.

How much does it cost to live in Uruguay?

Living in Uruguay may not be so cheap. The country has a high cost of living, and in some cities, it can be up to 30% more expensive than living in São Paulo, for example. And one of the factors that increases this cost is rent.

A small apartment, in a more central area, for one person, with a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, has an average rent of $U 15,700, which is equivalent to R$ 2,000 per month, not counting extra fees that you will have to pay.

Renting a furnished 85 m² house in a prime area of Montevideo costs, on average, $U 80,000 per month, or R$ 10,205.00 per month.

Therefore, you need to think carefully when choosing a house or apartment to rent, considering the location and space you need to live.

What are the cheapest cities to live in Uruguay?

As we've shown, Uruguay has a high cost of living, which means you'll need to plan ahead to live there. Therefore, we've selected five cities for you to explore that offer a lower cost of living and more opportunities.

Check out which cities are worth living in Uruguay in 2023, considering the country's costs:

Rivera

Rivera borders the Brazilian city of Santana do Livramento, forming a conurbation united by an imposing obelisk where the flags of both countries are flown.

This strategic location facilitates trade, even with products originating from each country, making job hunting a simple task. Rivera also offers tourist attractions and leisure opportunities.

Las Piedras

Las Piedras, one of the commuter towns in the Montevideo Metropolitan Region, is just a 40-minute drive from the capital.

With a mix of spacious rural areas and impressive urban architecture, the city boasts its own upscale shopping center, Las Piedras Shopping, which has created hundreds of jobs since its opening.

Also, if you prefer to work with animals and plants, there are opportunities in livestock and agriculture.

Maldonado

Maldonado has experienced rapid economic growth due to smart investment in transportation, tourism, and agriculture.

While accommodation in the department's administrative capital is more affordable than in Punta del Este, the neighboring tourist and commercial city, the two have a close urban relationship and economic coexistence.

Maldonado offers the best of Punta del Este at more reasonable prices.

Paysandú

Paysandú is a highly commercial and industrial city, standing out in the production of wool, beer, cement, citrus fruits, among others.

With low poverty and crime rates, it's considered a city of high economic development and quality of life. For this reason, Paysandú is one of the best options for establishing residence.

Tacuarembó

Tacuarembó, located on the banks of the Tacuarembó Chico River, is known for its pleasant climate, with an average annual temperature of 17°C.

As a center for livestock farming and the production of grains, meat, rice, and flour, finding work in Tacuarembó is quite easy. The city offers professional opportunities in agriculture and food production.

Living in Uruguay may not be cheap, but it is a country that has attracted many Brazilians due to its beauty, job opportunities and the fact that it is a country in constant growth.

Therefore, if you want to live in this country, it is worth getting organized and moving to this beautiful country.

Frequently asked questions

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