Cost of Living: Mongolia vs Australia

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Mongolia and Australia.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Mongolia is 57.9% cheaper than Australia. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 94.3% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Australia, you would spend about $42 in Mongolia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 94.3%

Mongolia is 94.3% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 87.8%

Mongolia is 87.8% cheaper

Property Prices 78.8%

Mongolia is 78.8% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 57.9%

Mongolia is 57.9% cheaper than Australia

Most Expensive Categories

  • Clothing And Shoes +9.1%

Is Mongolia cheaper than Australia?

Yes, Mongolia is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Mongolia are 57.9% lower than in Australia.

Where Mongolia is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 94.3% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 87.8% cheaper
  • Property Prices 78.8% cheaper

Where Mongolia is more expensive:

  • Clothing And Shoes 9.1% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Mongolia: 4.71 $ Australia: 16.22 $
71.0% cheaper in Mongolia

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Mongolia: 495.58 $ Australia: 1,381.57 $
64.1% cheaper in Mongolia

Monthly public transport pass

Mongolia: 7.73 $ Australia: 97.35 $
92.1% cheaper in Mongolia

1 liter of gasoline

Mongolia: 1.02 $ Australia: 1.18 $
13.6% cheaper in Mongolia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Mongolia is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would save approximately 57.9% on living expenses by choosing Mongolia over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

57.9%

Mongolia is 57.9% cheaper than Australia

Restaurants

55.4%

Mongolia is 55.4% cheaper than Australia in this category

Markets

63.0%

Mongolia is 63.0% cheaper than Australia in this category

Other Expenses

94.3%

Mongolia is 94.3% cheaper than Australia in this category

Transportation

26.2%

Mongolia is 26.2% cheaper than Australia in this category

Household Utilities

58.6%

Mongolia is 58.6% cheaper than Australia in this category

Mobile and Internet

71.8%

Mongolia is 71.8% cheaper than Australia in this category

Sports And Leisure

10.4%

Mongolia is 10.4% cheaper than Australia in this category

Childcare

51.7%

Mongolia is 51.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Clothing And Shoes

9.1%

Mongolia is 9.1% more expensive than Australia in this category

Rent Per Month

54.9%

Mongolia is 54.9% cheaper than Australia in this category

Property Prices

78.8%

Mongolia is 78.8% cheaper than Australia in this category

Salaries And Financing

87.8%

Mongolia is 87.8% cheaper than Australia in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Mongolia Australia Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 4.71 $ 16.22 $ 71.0%
Mongolia is 71.0% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 29.43 $ 77.88 $ 62.2%
Mongolia is 62.2% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 5.30 $ 9.73 $ 45.5%
Mongolia is 45.5% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 2.52 $ 3.48 $ 27.6%
Mongolia is 27.6% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.72 $ 2.62 $ 72.5%
Mongolia is 72.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.47 $ 2.16 $ 78.2%
Mongolia is 78.2% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.72 $ 1.51 $ 52.3%
Mongolia is 52.3% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.20 $ 5.69 $ 61.3%
Mongolia is 61.3% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.28 $ 1.29 $ 76.7%
Mongolia is 76.7% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 7.35 $ 7.97 $ 7.8%
Mongolia is 7.8% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.33 $ 1.43 $ 62.9%
Mongolia is 62.9% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.41 $ 1.53 $ 7.8%
Mongolia is 7.8% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 0.93 $ 2.45 $ 62.0%
Mongolia is 62.0% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.94 $ 2.05 $ 5.4%
Mongolia is 5.4% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.13 $ 4.31 $ 50.6%
Mongolia is 50.6% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 13.32 $ 8.89 $ 49.8%
Mongolia is 49.8% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 5.22 $ 8.44 $ 38.2%
Mongolia is 38.2% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 11.43 $ 13.88 $ 17.7%
Mongolia is 17.7% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.92 $ 3.19 $ 8.5%
Mongolia is 8.5% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 2.56 $ 2.75 $ 6.9%
Mongolia is 6.9% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 3.79 $ 2.93 $ 29.4%
Mongolia is 29.4% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 2.64 $ 4.30 $ 38.6%
Mongolia is 38.6% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 0.68 $ 2.47 $ 72.5%
Mongolia is 72.5% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 0.98 $ 2.14 $ 54.2%
Mongolia is 54.2% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.09 $ 2.22 $ 50.9%
Mongolia is 50.9% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 7.73 $ 97.35 $ 92.1%
Mongolia is 92.1% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 1.77 $ 31.15 $ 94.3%
Mongolia is 94.3% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.15 $ 2.92 $ 94.9%
Mongolia is 94.9% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 0.59 $ 3.89 $ 84.8%
Mongolia is 84.8% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.59 $ 1.88 $ 68.6%
Mongolia is 68.6% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 5.30 $ 37.90 $ 86.0%
Mongolia is 86.0% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.02 $ 1.18 $ 13.6%
Mongolia is 13.6% cheaper
New Economy Car 21,777.52 $ 28,829.12 $ 24.5%
Mongolia is 24.5% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 16,245.59 $ 22,658.59 $ 28.3%
Mongolia is 28.3% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 72.77 $ 175.90 $ 58.6%
Mongolia is 58.6% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 7.27 $ 26.66 $ 72.7%
Mongolia is 72.7% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 15.16 $ 52.98 $ 71.4%
Mongolia is 71.4% cheaper
Gym Membership 53.95 $ 47.43 $ 13.7%
Mongolia is 13.7% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 12.69 $ 16.59 $ 23.5%
Mongolia is 23.5% cheaper
Movie Ticket 3.53 $ 14.28 $ 75.3%
Mongolia is 75.3% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 176.57 $ 1,570.69 $ 88.8%
Mongolia is 88.8% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 6,549.48 $ 12,354.33 $ 47.0%
Mongolia is 47.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 74.52 $ 71.57 $ 4.1%
Mongolia is 4.1% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 60.96 $ 50.87 $ 19.8%
Mongolia is 19.8% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 98.75 $ 102.13 $ 3.3%
Mongolia is 3.3% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 130.59 $ 109.73 $ 19.0%
Mongolia is 19.0% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 495.58 $ 1,381.57 $ 64.1%
Mongolia is 64.1% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 393.61 $ 1,095.96 $ 64.1%
Mongolia is 64.1% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,329.16 $ 2,332.99 $ 43.0%
Mongolia is 43.0% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 731.52 $ 1,729.44 $ 57.7%
Mongolia is 57.7% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,575.93 $ 6,794.53 $ 76.8%
Mongolia is 76.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 944.71 $ 5,084.33 $ 81.4%
Mongolia is 81.4% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 437.02 $ 3,619.71 $ 87.9%
Mongolia is 87.9% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 6.00 6.35 5.5%
Mongolia is 5.5% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Australia. Enter your monthly expenses in Mongolia to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Mongolia and Australia goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Mongolia vs Australia

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Mongolia

Australia

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Mongolia Cost of living in Australia

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