Cost of Living: Mongolia vs Canada

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

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Mongolia is 57.5% cheaper than Canada. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 87.8% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Canada, you would spend about $42 in Mongolia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 87.8%

Mongolia is 87.8% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 84.6%

Mongolia is 84.6% cheaper

Mobile and Internet 79.1%

Mongolia is 79.1% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 57.5%

Mongolia is 57.5% cheaper than Canada

Most Expensive Categories

  • Clothing And Shoes +24.8%

Is Mongolia cheaper than Canada?

Yes, Mongolia is cheaper than Canada

Overall, living costs in Mongolia are 57.5% lower than in Canada.

Where Mongolia is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 87.8% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 84.6% cheaper
  • Mobile and Internet 79.1% cheaper

Where Mongolia is more expensive:

  • Clothing And Shoes 24.8% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Mongolia: 4.71 $ Canada: 18.20 $
74.1% cheaper in Mongolia

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Mongolia: 495.58 $ Canada: 1,339.05 $
63.0% cheaper in Mongolia

Monthly public transport pass

Mongolia: 7.73 $ Canada: 76.38 $
89.9% cheaper in Mongolia

1 liter of milk

Mongolia: 1.41 $ Canada: 2.24 $
37.1% cheaper in Mongolia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Mongolia is indeed cheaper than Canada. You would save approximately 57.5% on living expenses by choosing Mongolia over Canada. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

57.5%

Mongolia is 57.5% cheaper than Canada

Restaurants

57.7%

Mongolia is 57.7% cheaper than Canada in this category

Markets

60.5%

Mongolia is 60.5% cheaper than Canada in this category

Other Expenses

87.8%

Mongolia is 87.8% cheaper than Canada in this category

Transportation

15.9%

Mongolia is 15.9% cheaper than Canada in this category

Household Utilities

51.8%

Mongolia is 51.8% cheaper than Canada in this category

Mobile and Internet

79.1%

Mongolia is 79.1% cheaper than Canada in this category

Sports And Leisure

1.8%

Mongolia is 1.8% cheaper than Canada in this category

Childcare

47.2%

Mongolia is 47.2% cheaper than Canada in this category

Clothing And Shoes

24.8%

Mongolia is 24.8% more expensive than Canada in this category

Rent Per Month

54.8%

Mongolia is 54.8% cheaper than Canada in this category

Property Prices

78.1%

Mongolia is 78.1% cheaper than Canada in this category

Salaries And Financing

84.6%

Mongolia is 84.6% cheaper than Canada in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Mongolia Canada Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 4.71 $ 18.20 $ 74.1%
Mongolia is 74.1% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 29.43 $ 72.81 $ 59.6%
Mongolia is 59.6% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 5.30 $ 10.92 $ 51.5%
Mongolia is 51.5% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 2.52 $ 3.77 $ 33.2%
Mongolia is 33.2% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.72 $ 2.10 $ 65.7%
Mongolia is 65.7% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.47 $ 1.70 $ 72.4%
Mongolia is 72.4% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.72 $ 1.81 $ 60.2%
Mongolia is 60.2% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.20 $ 3.47 $ 36.6%
Mongolia is 36.6% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.28 $ 4.55 $ 49.9%
Mongolia is 49.9% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 7.35 $ 11.71 $ 37.2%
Mongolia is 37.2% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.33 $ 6.07 $ 61.6%
Mongolia is 61.6% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.41 $ 2.24 $ 37.1%
Mongolia is 37.1% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 0.93 $ 2.70 $ 65.6%
Mongolia is 65.6% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.94 $ 3.66 $ 47.0%
Mongolia is 47.0% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.13 $ 3.51 $ 39.3%
Mongolia is 39.3% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 13.32 $ 11.48 $ 16.0%
Mongolia is 16.0% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 5.22 $ 12.22 $ 57.3%
Mongolia is 57.3% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 11.43 $ 14.97 $ 23.6%
Mongolia is 23.6% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.92 $ 4.20 $ 30.5%
Mongolia is 30.5% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 2.56 $ 1.44 $ 77.8%
Mongolia is 77.8% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 3.79 $ 3.85 $ 1.6%
Mongolia is 1.6% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 2.64 $ 4.14 $ 36.2%
Mongolia is 36.2% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 0.68 $ 2.67 $ 74.5%
Mongolia is 74.5% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 0.98 $ 2.66 $ 63.2%
Mongolia is 63.2% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.09 $ 2.55 $ 57.3%
Mongolia is 57.3% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 7.73 $ 76.38 $ 89.9%
Mongolia is 89.9% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 1.77 $ 14.56 $ 87.8%
Mongolia is 87.8% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.15 $ 2.55 $ 94.1%
Mongolia is 94.1% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 0.59 $ 3.42 $ 82.7%
Mongolia is 82.7% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.59 $ 1.59 $ 62.9%
Mongolia is 62.9% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 5.30 $ 28.35 $ 81.3%
Mongolia is 81.3% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.02 $ 1.17 $ 12.8%
Mongolia is 12.8% cheaper
New Economy Car 21,777.52 $ 24,739.68 $ 12.0%
Mongolia is 12.0% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 16,245.59 $ 20,433.99 $ 20.5%
Mongolia is 20.5% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 72.77 $ 150.84 $ 51.8%
Mongolia is 51.8% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 7.27 $ 45.41 $ 84.0%
Mongolia is 84.0% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 15.16 $ 61.96 $ 75.5%
Mongolia is 75.5% cheaper
Gym Membership 53.95 $ 42.65 $ 26.5%
Mongolia is 26.5% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 12.69 $ 17.42 $ 27.2%
Mongolia is 27.2% cheaper
Movie Ticket 3.53 $ 11.36 $ 68.9%
Mongolia is 68.9% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 176.57 $ 802.92 $ 78.0%
Mongolia is 78.0% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 6,549.48 $ 11,932.95 $ 45.1%
Mongolia is 45.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 74.52 $ 55.66 $ 33.9%
Mongolia is 33.9% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 60.96 $ 41.19 $ 48.0%
Mongolia is 48.0% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 98.75 $ 88.39 $ 11.7%
Mongolia is 11.7% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 130.59 $ 107.04 $ 22.0%
Mongolia is 22.0% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 495.58 $ 1,339.05 $ 63.0%
Mongolia is 63.0% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 393.61 $ 1,186.00 $ 66.8%
Mongolia is 66.8% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,329.16 $ 2,143.71 $ 38.0%
Mongolia is 38.0% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 731.52 $ 1,856.86 $ 60.6%
Mongolia is 60.6% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,575.93 $ 6,761.35 $ 76.7%
Mongolia is 76.7% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 944.71 $ 4,732.37 $ 80.0%
Mongolia is 80.0% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 437.02 $ 2,865.96 $ 84.8%
Mongolia is 84.8% 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 Canada. 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 Canada 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 Canada

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Mongolia

Canada

  • 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 Canada

Related comparisons