🇲🇳 Cost of Living: Mongolia vs Russia — Price Comparison
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameMongolia
CapitalUlan Bator
Population3.5 million
Area1,564,110 km² (603906 sq mi)
LanguagesMongolian
CurrencyMongolian tögrög (₮)
TimezoneUTC+07:00, UTC+08:00
RegionAsia / Eastern Asia
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$19,145 (2024)
Inflation Rate6.2% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$360 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend48.8% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)3.7% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data
Mongolia is generally cheaper than Russia, with an overall cost of living that is around 20-30% lower.
Quick Facts
Mongolia GDP per Capita (PPP)14,240
Russia GDP per Capita (PPP)29,181
Mongolia Inflation Rate6.4
Russia Inflation Rate4.3
Overall Winner (Cheaper)Mongolia
Overview: Mongolia vs Russia
Mongolia and Russia are two neighboring countries with distinct economic profiles. Mongolia, a smaller and less populous country, has a more limited economy, which contributes to its lower cost of living. The country's GDP per capita is significantly lower than Russia's, and its inflation rate is slightly higher. In contrast, Russia has a more diversified economy, with a strong energy sector, which drives up prices. Overall, Mongolia offers a more affordable lifestyle, with lower prices for housing, food, and transportation.
The cost difference between Mongolia and Russia is significant, with Mongolia being around 20-30% cheaper. This is especially noticeable in the cost of housing, where a one-bedroom apartment in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, can cost around $200-300 per month, compared to $500-700 per month in Moscow, the capital of Russia. Additionally, the cost of food and transportation in Mongolia is also lower, making it an attractive option for expats, students, and retirees looking for an affordable lifestyle.
Rent & Housing Comparison
Item
Mongolia (USD)
Russia (USD)
Difference
1BR Apartment (City Center)
250
600
58% cheaper
1BR Apartment (Outside)
150
400
62% cheaper
3BR Apartment (City Center)
400
1,200
66% cheaper
Food & Dining Comparison
Item
Mongolia (USD)
Russia (USD)
Difference
Meal at Restaurant
5
10
50% cheaper
Groceries (monthly)
100
200
50% cheaper
Beer (500ml)
2
3
33% cheaper
Coffee
1.50
2.50
40% cheaper
Transport Comparison
Item
Mongolia (USD)
Russia (USD)
Difference
Monthly Transit Pass
10
20
50% cheaper
Taxi (per km)
0.50
1.00
50% cheaper
Fuel (per liter)
0.80
1.20
33% cheaper
Utilities & Internet Comparison
Item
Mongolia (USD)
Russia (USD)
Difference
Utilities (85 sqm apt)
50
100
50% cheaper
Internet (60 Mbps)
20
30
33% cheaper
Mobile Plan
10
20
50% cheaper
Monthly Budget Comparison
Budget Tier
Mongolia (USD)
Russia (USD)
Savings
Budget
400
700
43%
Mid-Range
700
1,200
42%
Comfortable
1,200
2,500
52%
Where Each Country Wins
Mongolia is cheaper for:
Rent and housing, with prices up to 60% lower than in Russia
Food and dining, with meal prices up to 50% lower
Transportation, with fuel and taxi prices up to 50% lower
Utilities and internet, with prices up to 50% lower
Russia is cheaper for:
Certain luxury goods, which may be more widely available and cheaper in Russia
International travel, with more flight options and competitive prices from Russian airports
Entertainment, with a wider range of cultural and recreational activities available in Russia
High-end education and healthcare, with more options and higher quality services in Russia
Bottom Line
For expats, students, and retirees looking for an affordable lifestyle, Mongolia offers a more attractive option, with lower prices for housing, food, and transportation. However, Russia may be a better choice for those prioritizing luxury goods, international travel, entertainment, and high-end education and healthcare. Ultimately, the choice between Mongolia and Russia depends on individual preferences and priorities. Mongolia's lower cost of living and more relaxed pace of life make it an attractive option for those seeking a simpler, more affordable lifestyle, while Russia's more diversified economy and wider range of amenities make it a better choice for those seeking a more dynamic and cosmopolitan experience.