Montevideo – Pocitos / Punta Carretas
Popular with newcomers: near the beach, cafés, higher rents.
Living & Costs
Rent, everyday costs, healthcare and basics for living in Uruguay.
Updated: Research as of: November 2026
Rent (orientation)
Numbeo means for Montevideo (3 Nov 2026; user submissions). Pocitos, Punta Carretas and beachfront often sit above the mean; Ciudad Vieja and outer neighbourhoods can be lower. Punta del Este is much dearer in season.
Rent Montevideo (Numbeo, approx.)
| Type | ca. UYU / month | ca. USD / month |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed city centre (mean; range ca. 25–39.5k) | 29,600 | 735 |
| 1-bed outside centre | 23,200 | 576 |
| 3-bed city centre | 50,600 | 1,260 |
| 3-bed outside | 42,500 | 1,060 |
Shopping & eating out
Numbeo Montevideo extract (approx.)
| Item | ca. UYU | ca. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive restaurant | 650 | 16 |
| Meal for 2, mid-range | 2,700 | 67 |
| Fast-food combo | 580 | 14 |
| Cappuccino | 180 | 4 |
| Milk 1 l / bread 500 g | 52 / 118 | 1 / 3 |
| Chicken fillet 1 kg | 450 | 11 |
Supermarkets and ferias (markets) lower the basket; tourist strips and summer Punta del Este raise it.
Monthly budget (benchmark)
Numbeo estimates monthly costs excluding rent at ca. UYU 39,100 (ca. USD 970) for a single person and ca. UYU 141,000 (ca. USD 3,500) for a family of four (3 Nov 2026). Rent and lifestyle swing widely.
- Internet ca. UYU 1,700/month; basic utilities for 85 m² often several thousand UYU on Numbeo (power/heating depend on winter).
- Gym ca. UYU 1,900/month.
- Average net salary (Numbeo): ca. UYU 50,800 — context only, not an expat wage claim.
Healthcare (BPS / FONASA / mutualistas)
The public path runs through BPS and FONASA; many people also use mutualistas (prepaid health associations). ASSE provides public care. Access depends on employment/residence status — confirm with BPS and your provider.
- Without formal cover: private clinics or interim insurance — costs vary.
- Uruguay’s vaccination schedule can matter for HIP renewal (Decree 136/2018).
Places at a glance
Montevideo – Ciudad Vieja / Centro
Historic and mixed; sometimes cheaper — check the block.
Punta del Este / Maldonado
Seasonal peaks; quieter and often cheaper in winter.
Colonia & Piriápolis
Smaller towns, calmer pace, solid weekend links.
Everyday basics
- Plugs: types C, F and L; 220 V supply.
- Time: UTC−3, no daylight saving.
- Winter: buildings often heat lightly — layers and a portable heater help.
- Transit in Montevideo: buses; monthly pass ca. UYU 3,000 on Numbeo.
- Language: Spanish (Rioplatense); English is not universal.
Sources
- Numbeo – Cost of Living Montevideo (updated 3 Nov 2026)
- BPS / FONASA (overview)
- ASSE / mutualistas (public health entry points)
Disclaimer: This page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules and prices change — verify with official sources.