Mercedes, Uruguay
A riverside city in southwestern Uruguay, known for its beaches along the Río Negro and annual carnival.
Overview
Mercedes is a city in SO with a population of 45,000. A riverside city in southwestern Uruguay, known for its beaches along the Río Negro and annual carnival. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. Reported crime rates are relatively high.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Uruguay Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Mercedes vs Uruguay Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 25.0%
- Sales Tax: 22.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $U320,000
- Unemployment: 9.5%
- Population: 45,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 210/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 50°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: $U2,200,000
- 1BR Rent: $U16000/mo
Cost of Living
Mercedes's cost of living index is 85 (Uruguay average = 100).
| Category | Mercedes | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
| Housing | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
Data source: INE Uruguay / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $U2,200,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $U16000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $U20,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $U1,466 |
Data source: InfoCasas / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Mercedes:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $U1800 | |
| Heating & Cooling | $U5 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $U600 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $U1200 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $U3605 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: URSEA, UTE, ANTEL 2025
Remote Work Score
Mercedes scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Mercedes has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70°F | 50°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 65°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 68°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Mercedes faces the following natural hazards:
River flooding.
Periodic drought conditions.
Uruguay experiences tornadoes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 25%
- Sales Tax: 22%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 9.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Mercedes per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Carnival is a major holiday with an extended break.
Demographics
The population of Mercedes is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: INE Census (2011)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mercedes, Uruguay?
The cost of living index in Mercedes is 85, which is Lower the Uruguay national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Mercedes?
The median home price in Mercedes is $U2,200,000. The housing index is 90.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mercedes is approximately $U16000/mo.
Does Mercedes, SO have income tax?
Mercedes is in SO, which has an income tax rate of 25%.
What is the climate like in Mercedes?
Mercedes enjoys approximately 210 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 50°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: INE Uruguay / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: InfoCasas / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: INE Uruguay Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities URSEA, UTE, ANTEL 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.