Is Uruguay Expensive?

Is Uruguay expensive to visit?

Uruguay is known as both a well-liked and budget-friendly destination. When compared to the rest of South America, it is a moderately priced country. It places in the top 50% of countries in South America for its travel costs. This puts it on par with destinations such as Brazil and Chile.

Uruguay has popular destinations that attract plenty of visitors. One of the most expensive places to visit is Salto. For more affordability, you can visit Colonia del Sacramento.


Average daily price of selected cities in Uruguay, by affordability
City Average Daily Cost
Punta del Este $112
Salto $81
Piriapolis $77
Colonia del Sacramento $75
Montevideo $67


Punta del Este, Uruguay

How expensive is Uruguay?

Travelers spend an average of $89 per day when visiting Uruguay (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations which come from the expenses of previous visitors. While this is an average cost, prices can vary by travel style, the length of your trip, and other factors. However, you can keep close to this average, or even travel cheaper if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and take public transportation when possible. See more travel costs for Uruguay here.

How expensive is a one week trip to Uruguay?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a one week trip to Uruguay will cost around $620 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a one week trip would cost $1,240.

How expensive is a two week trip to Uruguay?

On average, a two week trip to Uruguay costs about $1,240 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a two week trip costs $2,481.

How expensive is a month long trip to Uruguay?

A one month trip to Uruguay costs about $2,658 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a one month trip costs $5,316.



Farming is an important part of Uruguay's culture and economy.

Is it expensive to backpack in Uruguay?

With more than 40 hostels around the country, Uruguay is fairly popular with backpackers wanting to travel on a tight budget and meet up with others along the way. Hostels here cost an average of $17 per night for a bed in a dorm. (See hostel prices in Uruguay here.) Many backpackers head to Montevideo and Punta del Este. Typically, the most expensive hostels are in Punta del Este, which average $19 per night. On the other hand, the cheapest hostels are in Montevideo which average $15 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Uruguay.

  • $17 for a dorm bed at Viajero Montevideo Hostel in Montevideo
  • $17 for a dorm bed at TAS D VIAJE SUITES - HOSTEL BOUTIQUE in Punta del Este
  • $10 for a dorm bed at Compay Hostel Punta del Diablo in Punta del Diablo

Where to find affordable hostels in Uruguay
City Number of Hostels Average Price for a Dorm
Montevideo 15 $15
Punta del Este 11 $19

Are hotels expensive in Uruguay?

When it comes to hotel prices in Uruguay, they are slightly more affordable compared to other countries. On average, you can expect to spend about $85 per night for a comfortable room. It's essential to note that within Uruguay, certain cities such as Punta del Diablo command a higher average price, reaching $113 per night. On the flip side, there are also more budget-friendly alternatives like Montevideo, where hotel prices average $53 per night.


Where to find affordable hotels in Uruguay
City Average Hotel Price
Punta del Diablo $113
Maldonado $108
La Paloma $99
Punta del Este $84
Salto $82
Piriapolis $81
Colonia del Sacramento $74
Montevideo $53

Rambla Battle Pacheco, Parada 29, Punta del Este
Overall Rating 9.5
21 de Septiembre 2885, Montevideo
Overall Rating 8.9


Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Uruguay?

In Uruguay, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the country. On average, previous travelers have spent around $14 per day on sightseeing and entertainment.

  • Private & Exclusive Montevideo Tailor made Tour with a local: $140
  • Montevideo Electric Bicycle Tour: $45
  • Wine Lovers - Punta Wine Experience: $180
  • Tour and tasting at Bodega Santa Rosa: $40
  • Discover why we Love the Colonia Wine Experience : $200
  • Enjoy Private Montevideo Tour with Local Guide: $70
  • Private Have It Your Way Tour in Punta Del Este: $213
  • Best Montevideo Tour for Cruisers ‐Small group : $52

Is food expensive in Uruguay?

In Uruguay, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $36 per day on food, per person.

  • Montevideo Private Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $102
  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $98
  • Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $95
  • Sensory Experience - Blind dinner in Colonia Del Sacramento: $95


Piriapolis, Uruguay

Is transportation expensive in Uruguay?

Local transportation in Uruguay can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $21 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

Expenses for intercity transportation within Uruguay can vary based on the type of transportation used and the distance traveled. On average, previous travelers have spent $38 per person per day for intercity transit. To save money, it's advisable to choose long-distance buses or trains over air travel. This is generally a more cost-effective choice despite the potential increase in travel time.

More for Uruguay

If you're planning a trip to Uruguay, check out these other informative travel guides.



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.



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