Living In Uruguay As An Expat part 3 – Here can be found Part 1 and Part 2.
Cost of Living in Uruguay
The cost of living in Uruguay is very low compared to other countries because the government controls prices. The local currency value (the Uruguayan peso) has often fluctuated against foreign currencies. The official currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan peso, divided into 100 centesimos.
The national savings bank does not print paper notes, but it sells them, and the government does not print paper money. Uruguay has no restrictions on bringing foreign money or goods into the country. However, the standard metropolitan consumer price index (CPI) in 2005 was 22,976.9, and the national CPI in 2006 was 23,984.2, which represented a 1.46% variation.
In general, prices for goods and services in major urban areas are about the same as in the United States. However, there are significant price differences, depending on the product or service. In rural areas, prices maybe 50% to 60% higher than in the city.
Accommodations
The cost of a hotel room in Montevideo varies according to quality, season, and location. In general, expect to pay US$40–60 for a double room in a mid-range hotel. A room in a luxury hotel can cost up to US$300 or more. In fact, some of the most expensive hotels in South America are located in Uruguay.
Food
Uruguay is known for its beef, and many restaurants include steak on their menus. Meals inexpensive restaurants start around US$15–20 per person, but a meal for two can cost as much as US$50 in some places. In general, the more formal the restaurant, the higher the price of a dish and everything you’ll get there. On average, expect to pay about US$6–8 for a basic hamburger and up to US$12 for a steak dinner.
Transportation
The cost of transportation in Uruguay is relatively low, although it can vary depending on the distance traveled. For example, a bus ticket from Montevideo to Punta del Este costs about US$7. A taxi ride in Montevideo costs about US$2 per kilometer. However, it is possible to share a taxi with other people and split the costs.
A one-way ride on public transportation in Montevideo, such as the bus or subway, is about US$0.60–1 (depending on the distance). The price of gasoline in Uruguay has historically been high because of its proximity to Brazil. In December 2006, the price of gasoline in Uruguay was US$1.30 per liter.
Electrical power costs are very expensive, even though electrical generation is mostly from renewable sources (about 90% of total needs), with a mix between hydroelectricity and wind power. Even though prices have dropped due to lower demand during the economic downturn of 2009, they continue to be high by world standards and would be around US$0.40/kWh (though some users pay as much as US$0.70/kWh).
Education
The cost of education in Uruguay is low compared to most industrialized nations, with average private pre-school costs at US$20 per hour and public pre-schools charging only US$7 per day. Primary and secondary school tuition varies depending on the institution, but it averages about $2,000–3,000 annually. University tuition ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on the university and program of study. Healthcare
The cost of healthcare services in Uruguay is also low compared to other industrialized countries. A visit to the doctor costs about US$25, and a hospital stay costs about US$100 per day. Prescription drugs cost about US$5 per prescription.
Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Uruguay
What’s the weather like in Uruguay?
That all depends on where you live in the country. This country spans almost 1400km from the Brazilian border in the South to La Paloma in the North, within spitting distance of Argentina. Because of this topographical diversity, it has a range of climates as big as its size. The South is hot and humid, while the North can be quite chilly in the winter.
The Central Plateau (the area around Montevideo) has a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from 18C to 25C. Uruguay doesn’t have severe weather conditions like hurricanes or tornadoes, but it does get its share of rain, so pack your raincoat!
What is the cost of living in Uruguay?
The cost of living in Uruguay varies depending on your lifestyle. Generally speaking, it is more affordable than many other countries in Latin America. One of the main factors which make Uruguay cheaper than other countries is its high level of industrialization and urbanization.
The lack of natural resources means that there isn’t much trade, while a larger population can support large-scale commercial businesses and create competition between them. That said, if you’re planning on moving to Uruguay, you should do your research to find out how much it usually costs for things like housing, food, and transport.
What are the benefits of living in Uruguay?
The main benefit of living in Uruguay is its affordability, balanced with a high standard of life. Also, expats are generally surprised by how safe their cities are, especially compared to other Latin American countries. Also, with a rich culture and diverse landscape, there is always something to see and do in Uruguay.
Are there any downsides to living in Uruguay?
The biggest downside of living in Uruguay is its lack of infrastructure due to its focus on industrialization and urbanization – this means that expats often have to deal with bad roads, poor public transport, and high prices for electricity, water, and the Internet.
Are there any good schools in Uruguay?
There are some great schools in Uruguay. The country’s education system is considered one of the best in South America. In addition, many of the schools offer bilingual programs, which means that students can learn in both Spanish and English. Besides, there is also a wide range of private schools to choose from.
Where is the best place to live in Uruguay?
The best place to live in Uruguay depends on what you’re looking for. Montevideo, considered the capital of Uruguay, is a great city with a lot going on–a perfect choice if you enjoy being busy. Punta del Este is a luxurious beach town that’s great for those who love the ocean, while Colonia del Sacramento is a charming and historic town that’s perfect for those who appreciate old-world charm.
Conclusion
So you’ve finally decided to move to Uruguay? Great choice! This small country on the Atlantic coast has a lot to offer expats. Uruguay is a great place to live if you’re looking for a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle. The people are friendly and welcoming toward foreigners, but you will still need to read this article to know more.
