Cost of Living in Ulan Bator
How much does it cost to visit Ulan Bator? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Jared Rice / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
MNT 70000
per day
Weekly: MNT 490000
Monthly: MNT 2100000
Examples
- 🏨Zaya Hostel dorm bedMNT 15000
- 🍽️Bansh (dumpling soup) from a local canteen like 'Ulaanbaatar Canteen'MNT 8000
- 🚌Public bus fare for multiple tripsMNT 2000
- 🎟️Visit the National Museum of Mongolia (entrance fee)MNT 10000
- 🎟️Explore Sukhbaatar Square and walk around the city centerMNT 0
- 🎟️Enjoy a traditional Mongolian throat singing performance (if available at a reasonable price)MNT 35000
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
MNT 150000
per day
Weekly: MNT 1050000
Monthly: MNT 4500000
Examples
- 🏨Shanzid Hotel private roomMNT 60000
- 🍽️Buuz (steamed dumplings) and Khuushuur (fried dumplings) at 'Tsar Vang'MNT 25000
- 🚌Taxi fare for a few short tripsMNT 15000
- 🎟️Visit the Gandantegchinlen MonasteryMNT 5000
- 🎟️Explore the Bogd Khan Palace MuseumMNT 8000
- 🎟️Attend a Mongolian traditional music and dance showMNT 37000
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
MNT 400000
per day
Weekly: MNT 2800000
Monthly: MNT 12000000
Examples
- 🏨The Corporate Hotel and Convention Centre deluxe roomMNT 250000
- 🍽️Multi-course meal with local delicacies and international options at 'The Blue Sky Restaurant'MNT 80000
- 🚌Private car with driver for the dayMNT 40000
- 🎟️Day trip to Terelj National Park with a private guide and transport (includes park entry and lunch)MNT 30000
Cost by Category
accommodation
40000-150000 MNT
food
30000-70000 MNT
Transport
10000-30000 MNT
activities
20000-100000 MNT
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sukhbaatar Square | Mid-range | At center | first-timers, culture |
| Bayanzurkh District (around Ikh Khuree Complex) | Budget | Slightly further | families, budget |
| Khan-Uul District (near Zaisan Hill) | Luxury | Slightly further, more upscale | luxury, couples |
| Olympic Street Area | Mid-range | Near center | families, digital nomads |
Money-Saving Tips for Ulan Bator
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Ulan Bator Costs
How much does it cost to visit Ulan Bator?
Budget travellers can visit Ulan Bator for around MNT 70000/day (MNT 490000/week). Mid-range travellers should budget MNT 150000/day, while luxury travel costs around MNT 400000/day.
Is Ulan Bator expensive?
Ulan Bator is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least MNT 70000/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Ulan Bator?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Ulan Bator, budget MNT 150000/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Ulan Bator?
Budget travellers in Ulan Bator can get by on MNT 70000/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.