Cost Of Living For a Student in Ulan Bator 2024

Average monthly spending for students in Ulan Bator

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Ulan Bator?

Students in Ulan Bator spend around 1.1M MNT per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 160,000 MNT or as high as 7M MNT. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Ulan Bator?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Ulan Bator typically spend from 11% to 22% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 16% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 250,000 MNT with expenditure ranging from 38,000 MNT to 1.7M MNT. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Ulan Bator ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 42,000 MNT with 6,300 MNT and 280,000 MNT being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 11,000 MNT to 490,000 MNT in a month on commuting with 74,000 MNT being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 3% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 9%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Ulan Bator is 210,000 MNT. The cost of groceries can range between 32,000 MNT to 1.4M MNT. Students spend on average about 24% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 28% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Ulan Bator allocate 7% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 9,500 MNT to 420,000 MNT with 63,000 MNT being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 7,900 MNT to 350,000 MNT with 53,000 MNT being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 1% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 2% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 18% of the monthly expenditure of students with 11% and 23% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 200,000 MNT per month with 30,000 MNT being the minimum spent amount and 1.3M MNT being the maximum.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

• 50% for needs and financial obligations

  This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

• 30% for wants and discretionary spending

  This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

• 20% for savings and emergency fund

  This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

Affordable living in Ulan Bator

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Ulan Bator?

Around 53% of surveyed students think that living in Ulan Bator is affordable with proper budgeting while 47% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Ulan Bator

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked students how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options57%

Few low-cost options43%

Based on the survey, 57% of the students living in Ulan Bator have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Students

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked students of Ulan Bator whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes50%

No50%

Based on the survey, 50% of the students living in Ulan Bator said that they don't have an emergency fund while 50% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Mongolia

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy45%

We asked student guardians and parents in Ulan Bator whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 55% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 45% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.

Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether students of Mongolia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 53% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 47% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance53%

Easily manages finances47%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Ulan Bator

Rent Cost in Ulan Bator

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

170,000 MNT

260,000 MNT

690,000 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$51

$76

$200

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

260,000 MNT

410,000 MNT

1M MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$76

$120

$300

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

340,000 MNT

520,000 MNT

1.4M MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$100

$150

$410

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

410,000 MNT

690,000 MNT

1.9M MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$120

$200

$550

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

830,000 MNT

2.1M MNT

4.1M MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$240

$610

$1,200

Townhouse monthly rent cost

690,000 MNT

1M MNT

3M MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$200

$300

$870

House monthly rent cost

830,000 MNT

2.1M MNT

4.1M MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$240

$610

$1,200

Villa monthly rent cost

1M MNT

2.6M MNT

4.1M MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$300

$760

$1,200

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Ulan Bator ranges between 170,000 MNT and 690,000 MNT, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 260,000 MNT to 1M MNT. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 340,000 MNT and 1.4M MNT per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 410,000 MNT to 1.9M MNT. The average rent of a townhouse in Ulan Bator is around 1M MNT while house rental costs can be as high as 2.1M MNT per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1M MNT to 4.1M MNT per month.

Apartment and house prices in Ulan Bator

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

34M MNT

52M MNT

100M MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$10,000

$15,000

$30,000

1-bedroom apartment price

41M MNT

69M MNT

260M MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$12,000

$20,000

$76,000

2-bedroom apartment price

69M MNT

210M MNT

410M MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$20,000

$61,000

$120,000

3-bedroom apartment price

230M MNT

340M MNT

1,000M MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$68,000

$100,000

$300,000

Townhouse price

300M MNT

690M MNT

2,600M MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$87,000

$200,000

$760,000

House price

340M MNT

2,100M MNT

3,000M MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$100,000

$610,000

$870,000

Villa price

410M MNT

2,300M MNT

3,400M MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$120,000

$680,000

$1M

The average price of a studio apartment in Ulan Bator can range from 34M MNT to 100M MNT depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 41M MNT to 260M MNT. A villa can cost you 2,300M MNT on average with prices ranging from 410M MNT to 3,400M MNT.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Ulan Bator can be x81 to x196 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x81 multiples of the average monthly salary in Ulan Bator.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Ulan Bator is around 30%. This means that people pay 30% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 19% to 40% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Ulan Bator

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Ulan Bator

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

6,300 MNT

42,000 MNT

280,000 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.9

$12

$83

Internet and cable cost

9,400 MNT

19,000 MNT

25,000 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.8

$5.5

$7.3

Mobile phone bill and charges

7,500 MNT

12,000 MNT

37,000 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.2

$3.7

$11

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 42,000 MNT. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 9,400 MNT to 25,000 MNT with 19,000 MNT being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 12,000 MNT but can range between 7,500 MNT and 37,000 MNT depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.

Energy / Utility expense to income ratio

The average utility-to-income ratio in Ulan Bator is around 7.4%. This means that people pay 7.4% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 4.2% to 12% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Ulan Bator

Prices and cost of goods and services in Ulan Bator

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

1,900 MNT

3,700 MNT

6,200 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.55

$1.1

$1.8

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Ulan Bator is approximatly 3,700 MNT with meal cost ranging from 1,900 MNT to 6,200 MNT. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

6,600 MNT

9,800 MNT

20,000 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.9

$2.9

$5.8

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 6,600 MNT and 20,000 MNT with 9,800 MNT being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Ulan Bator.

Fine dining meal for one price

13,000 MNT

20,000 MNT

79,000 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.9

$5.8

$23

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 13,000 MNT to 79,000 MNT with the average cost being 20,000 MNT for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Ulan Bator.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

1,600 MNT

2,500 MNT

3,700 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.46

$0.73

$1.1

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Ulan Bator is around 2,500 MNT. Price ranges between 1,600 MNT and 3,700 MNT depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

1,200 MNT

1,500 MNT

1,900 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.37

$0.44

$0.55

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Ulan Bator is 1,500 MNT. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 1,900 MNT and the minimum being 1,200 MNT depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

940 MNT

1,200 MNT

1,900 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.28

$0.37

$0.55

A dozen eggs costs around 1,200 MNT on average with 940 MNT and 1,900 MNT being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

2,100 MNT

2,800 MNT

3,900 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.63

$0.81

$1.1

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Ulan Bator is between 2,100 MNT and 3,900 MNT depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 2,800 MNT.

Pack of beef price

2,500 MNT

3,700 MNT

7,500 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.73

$1.1

$2.2

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 3,700 MNT. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

1,000 MNT

1,400 MNT

1,900 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.30

$0.40

$0.57

A bag of rice in Ulan Bator costs around 1,400 MNT on average with prices rangeing between 1,000 MNT and 1,900 MNT depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

370 MNT

500 MNT

940 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.11

$0.15

$0.28

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 370 MNT to 940 MNT. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

670 MNT

870 MNT

1,400 MNT

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.20

$0.26

$0.42

A bag of apples costs 870 MNT on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Ulan Bator is around 30%. This means that students spend 30% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 21% to 36% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students