Is Uruguay expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Uruguay is one of the most expensive countries in South America, often pricier than Argentina or Brazil and closer to southern European prices. A budget traveller needs about UY$3,500 (roughly €75) per person a day sharing a room, mid-range about UY$7,700 and comfort about UY$15,800. Punta del Este in January is far more expensive still.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | UY$1,600 | UY$3,500 | UY$7,000 |
| Food & drink | UY$1,200 | UY$2,500 | UY$5,000 |
| Sights & tickets | UY$300 | UY$800 | UY$1,800 |
| Local transport | UY$400 | UY$900 | UY$2,000 |
| Per person, per day | UY$3,500 | UY$7,700 | UY$15,800 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Uruguay day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Montevideo city bus | about UY$50-60 |
| Chivito (steak sandwich) | UY$500-700 |
| Parrilla dinner | UY$1,200-2,000 |
| Museo Andes 1972 | about UY$400-500 |
| Bus Montevideo to Colonia | roughly UY$600-700 |
| Casapueblo | about UY$600-700 |
| Winery tasting with food | about UY$1,500-3,000 |
| Taxi from Carrasco Airport | about UY$1,500-2,000 |
| Mid-range hotel in Pocitos | UY$5,000-8,000 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the main cost, with hostels and simple rooms at UY$2,500-4,000 and mid-range hotels UY$5,000-8,000, much more on the coast in summer. Restaurants, especially parrillas, cost close to European prices. Buses are comfortable and fairly priced; tours and wineries add up. Supermarket food and the Mercado del Puerto at lunch help keep costs down.
When it is cheaper
March to November is much cheaper on the coast; Punta del Este and José Ignacio can cost roughly half their January prices out of season. Montevideo prices change less through the year.
How to spend less
- Pay with a foreign card where possible; Uruguay has offered VAT reductions for foreign tourists at restaurants and hotels (check current rules).
- Eat the menú ejecutivo (set lunch) in Montevideo for good value.
- Use COT, Turil and other buses from Tres Cruces rather than tours.
- Avoid Punta del Este from Christmas to Carnival, when prices double.
- Stay in Cordón or hostels in Colonia for cheaper rooms.
- Visit the Rambla, beaches and Ciudad Vieja for free.
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Common questions
Is Uruguay expensive?
Yes, by South American standards. Budget travellers need about UY$3,500 (roughly €75) a day and mid-range about UY$7,700.
How much is a meal in Uruguay?
A chivito costs about UY$500-700 and a parrilla dinner UY$1,200-2,000.
Is Punta del Este expensive?
Very, from Christmas to Carnival, when prices roughly double; out of season it is quiet and cheaper.