Ulaanbaatar is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Ulaanbaatar?
A typical traveler spends $30 (₮108,999) per day on a trip to Ulaanbaatar. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Ulaanbaatar based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $15 (₮53,316) on meals
- $2.80 (₮10,029) on local transportation
- $23 (₮81,335) on hotels
A one-week trip to Ulaanbaatar for two people costs, on average, $426 (₮1,525,986). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$213
₮762,993
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$426
₮1,525,986
-
One Month
Per person
$912
₮3,269,970
-
One Week
For a couple
$426
₮1,525,986
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$852
₮3,051,972
-
One Month
For a couple
$1,825
₮6,539,940
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Ulaanbaatar cost?
A one week trip to Ulaanbaatar usually costs around $213 (₮762,993) for one person and $426 (₮1,525,986) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Ulaanbaatar on average costs around $426 (₮1,525,986) for one person and $852 (₮3,051,972) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Ulaanbaatar will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Ulaanbaatar on average costs around $912 (₮3,269,970) for one person and $1,825 (₮6,539,940) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Ulaanbaatar expensive to visit?
In Ulaanbaatar, budget travelers spend $12 (₮43,098) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $31 (₮108,999) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $77 (₮275,135) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Ulaanbaatar.
Ulaanbaatar is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you're not cautious, Ulaanbaatar can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Ulaanbaatar is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Asia for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Ulaanbaatar.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Ulaanbaatar Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Ulaanbaatar?
The average Ulaanbaatar trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ulaanbaatar travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ulaanbaatar cost?
Ulaanbaatar on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$4
(₮16,029)
|
$11
(₮40,667)
|
$29
(₮103,399)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$1
(₮3,847)
|
$3
(₮10,029)
|
$8
(₮27,039)
|
|
Food2
|
$6
(₮21,247)
|
$15
(₮53,316)
|
$37
(₮132,156)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$2
(₮6,414)
|
$4
(₮15,237)
|
$9
(₮32,784)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-2
(₮2,768-8,305)
|
$2-6
(₮6,603-19,808)
|
$4-12
(₮14,372-43,116)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Ulaanbaatar. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $12 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Thankfully, Ulaanbaatar features plenty of hostels, such as Golden Gobi, UB Guesthouse & Tours, and Top Tour Guesthouse Mongolia. At hostels like this, you can find economical dorm beds and a great social atmosphere, although amenities might be quite sparse.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most guests in Ulaanbaatar will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $31 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $77 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the destination with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Day Tour: Terelj National Park + Genghis Khan's Statue .. - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Ulaanbaatar
The hotel prices in Ulaanbaatar might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $, but during peak season, expect to pay around $. Prices vary from $ to $, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Ulaanbaatar for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $23 (₮81,335). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $11 (₮40,667) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Ulaanbaatar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Ulaanbaatar include:
- Bishrelt Hotel starting at $58
- Flower Hotel Ulaanbaatar starting at $47
- Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar starting at $94
- Urgoo hotel starting at $70
- Hotel Nine Ulaanbaatar starting at $47
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than , will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Ulaanbaatar
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $2.80 (₮10,029) per person, per day, on local transportation in Ulaanbaatar. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ulaanbaatar is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$2.80
₮10,029
Getting to Ulaanbaatar from China is how many visitors arrive. For one of the most affordable ways by bus and train from Beijing, see China to Mongolia, the cheapest way. Otherwise, many visitors arrive by air to the international airport in UB which has flights connecting to major cities in Asia and Europe.
Your main options for getting around Ulaanbaatar are by bus, taxi, or on foot. When you first arrive, particularly if you reach the city by train, a taxi is the best option to find your hotel. You'll likely be tired, as most trains are overnight, and while you may believe that you can walk to your hotel, you really can't as it's further than you realize. Take a taxi.
Buses are convenient as well, particularly after you've had some time to orient yourself with the city.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Airport Transfer taxi in Ulaanbaatar for $30 details
- Private Transfer between New Ulaanbaatar International Airport and Ulaanbaatar for $60 details
- Private Transfer from Chinggis Khaan Airport to Ulaanbaatar for $38 details
How much does it cost to go to Ulaanbaatar? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Ulaanbaatar will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Ulaanbaatar
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Ulaanbaatar can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ulaanbaatar is $15 (₮53,316) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$15
₮53,316
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ulaanbaatar is around $15 (₮53316) per person, with previous travelers spending from $6 to $37. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Ulaanbaatar are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $4
- Lunch: $2 to $6
- Dinner: $4 to $10
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Mongolia isn't really a foodie's destination, but the capital city does have a range for local and international restaurants. Most restaurants are reasonably priced and you can get a pizza for about US$3. It's worth eating some good food before you head out on your tour, as food options in the countryside are quite limited.
Most restaurants around town are either Korean or Chinese, but western restaurants are also easy to find. If you're on a tight budget, head to a local Mongolian eatery or cafeteria. Meals are cheap and the food is good and filling.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Ulaanbaatar, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Cooking Class in a Traditional Ger Home in Ulaanbaatar Suburbs for $172 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ulaanbaatar
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ulaanbaatar typically cost an average of $4.25 (₮15,237) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$4.25
₮15,237
If you have a few days in Ulaanbaatar, there are some interesting sights worth visiting. Head to the Gandan Monastery or Choijin Lama Monastery. Gandan Monastery is the main monastery in the city and about 5,000 monks live here. There are services at 10:00 every morning. Choijin Lama Monastery has a museum that has religious art on display. It's really quite impressive. Also make sure you check out Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, Zaisan Memorial, the International Intellectual Museum, and the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts.
Naadam is the largest festival in Mongolia. The event takes place between July 10th and 12th and includes the three traditional Mongolian sports of wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
Also make sure you see a cultural show, which is quite interesting with its music and very impressive contortionists.
A hike in the Bogd Khaan Uul Strictly Protected Area is also enjoyable. The area is just south of Ulaanbatar.
If you're looking for souvenirs to purchase, head to Peace Avenue and the Circus area. The State Department Store has a few interesting paintings, but this is the best place to stock up on supplies for your tour. If possible, it is best to pick up some fresh fruit and snacks before you head out, as the food provided on the tours is highly variable.
A nice way to explore destinations in Ulaanbaatar is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private tour with Olivia: Chinggis Statue-Terelj-Aryabal temple for $97 details
- Terelj National Park, Chinggis Khan Statue Day Tour for $184 details
- Secrets of the Mongol Script: 1-Hour Script Experience for $49 details
Nightlife Budget in Ulaanbaatar
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $3.68 (₮13,206) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Ulaanbaatar per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$3.68
₮13,206
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Travel cost data last updated: May 30, 2025
Traveling in Ulaanbaatar
Camping in Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia's capital city. It has a population of slightly over two million people, or about sixty percent of the country's entire population. You are likely to arrive in Ulaanbaatar either by train, coming from China or Russia, or by plane. Many people use Ulaanbaatar as a stop off while doing the Transsiberian Railway. The city is a great place to organize a tour of the surrounding countryside. It's also good city to relax, so make sure you allow yourself a few days to recover from your tour, enjoy some of the great food options, and see some of the fascinating cultural sights around town.
Ulaanbaatar sits at about 1,350 meters above sea level. The higher elevation and high latitude make it the coldest national capital in the world. The summers are short and warm while the winters are cold and dry. The lows in January can drop to -40 degrees Celsius. Rain is most common between June and September. The average annual temperature is 31 degrees Fahrenheit.
Neighborhoods & Around
As a tourist, you're likely to stay on or around Peace Avenue. This is the city's main street that passes through the center of town. There's plenty of shopping along the street, as well as many restaurants. Chinggis Square is at the center of the city. This is where you'll find the tourist information office and several famous statues including a seated statue of Chinggis Khaan and his sons and generals.
There are a small handful of hostels in Ulaanbaatar that are quite affordable. Most will arrange tours of the country for you, but do read reviews ahead of time. You'll find it challenging to find a mid range hotel, but there are some more high end, western chain hotels around town as well. During peak season you should definitely make reservations in advance.
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hostel in China?
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.