City Guide 2026
Uruguay
Living in Montevideo
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,285
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
50/100
Moderate
Avg Temperature
17°C
63°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
No DN visa
Internet Speed
70 Mbps
Good
Cost of Living in Montevideo
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $700 | $455 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,300 | $845 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$350/month
Healthcare
$120/month
Utilities
$80/month
Transport
$35/month
Climate in Montevideo
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
23°
Feb
22°
Mar
20°
Apr
17°
May
14°
Jun
11°
Jul
10°
Aug
11°
Sep
13°
Oct
16°
Nov
19°
Dec
22°
Air Quality (AQI)
18
Excellent
Avg Rain Days/mo
7
days per month
Beach Distance
20 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
500 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Montevideo
Walkability
70/100
Internet Speed
70 Mbps
Cultural Score
72/100
Nightlife
55/100
Outdoor Activities
65/100
English Proficiency
48/100
Expat Community
small
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
15+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
excellent
Visa & Immigration in Uruguay
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 90 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | N/A | Not available | - |
| Investment Visa | Available | Available | - |
Residency Pathway
Tourist -> Temporary RP (income proof ~$1,500/mo) -> 3yr PR -> 5yr Citizenship
Tax Overview in Uruguay
Tax System
Territorial (taxes local income only)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: limited
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 12% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 12% |
| Dividend Tax | 7% |
| Interest Income | 12% |
| Wealth Tax | 1.40% above $150,000 |
| Crypto Gains | 12% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Tax Holiday
Flat rate: 0% for 11 years
Requirements: New resident, 11-year exemption on foreign-source income
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Montevideo?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Montevideo costs approximately $1,285-2,056/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $700/month.
Is Montevideo safe for expats?
Montevideo has a safety index of 50/100 (higher is safer). Montevideo requires heightened awareness. Stick to well-known neighborhoods, avoid walking alone at night, and take standard urban safety precautions. Healthcare quality is rated 68/100.
What is the weather like in Montevideo?
Montevideo has an average annual temperature of 17°C (63°F). The warmest months reach 23°C and the coolest drop to 10°C. Air quality is excellent with an average AQI of 18.
What is the internet speed in Montevideo?
Average internet speed in Montevideo is 70 Mbps, which is good enough for most remote work needs. There are 15+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Uruguay?
Uruguay uses a territorial tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 12% (long-term) and dividends at 7%. There is a wealth tax of 1.40% on assets above $150,000. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (Tax Holiday) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a visa to live in Montevideo long-term?
Uruguay does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 90 days. The typical residency pathway is: Tourist -> Temporary RP (income proof ~$1,500/mo) -> 3yr PR -> 5yr Citizenship.
Is Montevideo good for digital nomads?
Montevideo has decent internet at 70 Mbps, a small expat community, and 15+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is limited at 48/100. The cost of living index is 45/100 (NYC = 100), making it moderately priced for remote workers.
Compare Montevideo with other cities
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