Skyline of Ulaanbaatar
Cost of Living: 100 1,500,000

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar is a major city in Mongolia with a population of 1,500,000.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Mongolia Avg (100)

Housing Index 120

Above Average

Median Income ₮ 3,600,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Ulaanbaatar vs Mongolia Average

Cost of Living
Ulaanbaatar: 100
Mongolia Avg: 100
Housing Index
Ulaanbaatar: 120
Mongolia Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Ulaanbaatar: 10%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 10.0%
  • Sales Tax: 10.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: ₮ 3,600,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 1,500,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 250/year
  • Summer High: 78°F
  • Winter Low: -2°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4a

Housing

  • Median Home: ₮500,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: ₮1500000/mo

Cost of Living

Ulaanbaatar's cost of living index is 100 (Mongolia average = 100).

CategoryUlaanbaatarNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing120100+20.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price₮500,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)₮1500000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)₮1,875,000/mo
Price per Sq Ft₮333,333

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

%
$90,000 down
%
%

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Ulaanbaatar:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity₮50000
Heating & Cooling₮172Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water₮20000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)₮50000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities₮120172Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Ulaanbaatar scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
100
Rent
₮1500000
Sunny Days
250
Tax
10%
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
78°F / -2°F
Safety
3.0 homicides/100k
Population
1,500,000
Internet Speed
30 Mbps

Climate

Ulaanbaatar has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January18°F-2°F2.5"
April63°F13°F2.8"
July78°F53°F1.5"
October58°F16°F2.2"
USDA Zone 4a

Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials

Natural Hazards

Ulaanbaatar faces the following natural hazards:

Blizzard Extreme Risk

Mongolia experiences extreme cold and blizzards.

Drought High Risk

Frequent drought conditions.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Sandstorm High Risk

Frequent dust storms from Gobi Desert.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Wildfire Moderate Risk

Steppe and forest wildfires.

Avalanche Moderate Risk

Altai region with avalanches.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 10%
  • Sales Tax: 10%
  • Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Dec), Spring (Jan-Jun)
Summer Break June to September (13 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) in February (1 week)

Tsagaan Sar is the most important holiday. Harsh winter conditions can cause school closures.

Universities & Higher Education

1
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

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 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia?

The cost of living index in Ulaanbaatar is 100, which is Lower the Mongolia national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Ulaanbaatar?

The median home price in Ulaanbaatar is ₮500,000,000. The housing index is 120.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ulaanbaatar is approximately ₮1500000/mo.

Does Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar have income tax?

Ulaanbaatar is in Ulaanbaatar, which has an income tax rate of 10%.

What is the climate like in Ulaanbaatar?

Ulaanbaatar enjoys approximately 250 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around -2°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.