Cost of Living in Carmelo

Betsy Burlingame

If you're moving to Carmelo, understanding the the cost of living in Carmelo helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category	Details
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in the city center: $300 – $500 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $200 – $400 per month 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: $600 – $1,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $400 – $800 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in the city center: $1,000 – $1,500 Price per square meter outside the city center: $600 – $1,000
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: $1.00 – $1.50 Monthly local transport pass: $30 – $50 Taxi starting tariff: $2.00 – $3.00 Taxi fare per kilometer: $1.00 – $1.50 Gasoline (1 liter): $1.50 – $2.00
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): $0.80 – $1.20 Bread (500g): $1.00 – $2.00 Rice (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Eggs (12): $1.50 – $2.50 Chicken breast (1kg): $4.00 – $6.00 Beef round (1kg): $5.00 – $7.00 Apples (1kg): $1.50 – $2.50 Tomatoes (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Potatoes (1kg): $0.50 – $1.00 Water (1.5-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): $1.00 – $2.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.00 – $3.00 Cigarettes (Marlboro): $3.50 – $5.00
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $5.00 – $10.00 Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $30 – $50 Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: $5.00 – $8.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $1.50 – $3.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.00 – $4.00 Cappuccino: $1.50 – $2.50 Coca-Cola/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 – $2.00 Water (0.33-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $100 – $200 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $30 – $50 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: $200 – $400 per month Elementary school tuition: $300 – $600 per month Middle school tuition: $400 – $800 per month High school tuition: $500 – $1,000 per month

Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary depending on the specific area within Carmelo, as well as the current economic situation. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Carmelo

“The cost of living in Carmelo, is considered moderate compared to other cities in the country. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while outside the city center, it can be even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also relatively low. Groceries in Carmelo are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower costs. Dining out in Carmelo can vary, with inexpensive restaurants being quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant can be more expensive. Public transportation in Carmelo is also quite affordable, and the cost of gasoline is comparable to that in other parts of the country. Health care in Carmelo is of good quality and is relatively inexpensive. Overall, while the cost of living in Carmelo is not the cheapest in Uruguay, it is quite manageable and offers a good quality of life,” said one expat living in Carmelo.

Can I live in Carmelo on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Carmelo for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Barrio Centenario or Barrio Artigas, where you can find more budget-friendly housing options. Avoid neighborhoods like Barrio Norte or Barrio Sur, as they tend to be more expensive.When it comes to utilities and other monthly expenses, you’ll need to be mindful of your usage. For example, try to conserve electricity by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and be conscious of your water usage. You might also want to consider using public transportation or walking instead of owning a car, as gas prices can be high.Eating out can be quite expensive in Carmelo, so I suggest cooking at home as much as possible. Shop at local markets for fresh produce and meats, and try to buy in bulk when possible to save money. If you do want to eat out occasionally, look for more affordable options like local parrillas or empanada shops.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up quickly, so you’ll need to be selective about what you choose to do. Instead of going to the movies or out for drinks every weekend, consider more budget-friendly options like visiting local parks, attending free community events, or hosting a game night with friends.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Carmelo, Uruguay is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, cooking at home, and finding budget-friendly entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Carmelo.

Can I live in Carmelo on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Carmelo for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll need to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. I’d recommend looking into areas like Barrio Centenario or Barrio Artigas, where you can find reasonably priced apartments or houses. These neighborhoods are not as upscale as some others in Carmelo, but they’re still safe and have a good sense of community. I’d avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Barrio Norte or Barrio Sur, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Uruguay due to high import taxes. I’d recommend using public transportation or getting a bicycle to get around Carmelo. The city is relatively small, so it’s easy to navigate on foot or by bike. Plus, you’ll save a lot of money on gas and car maintenance.Eating out can also be a bit pricey, especially if you’re used to dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, I’d suggest cooking at home more often and exploring local markets for fresh produce and meats. When you do eat out, try to stick to more affordable local eateries instead of fancy restaurants.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Carmelo. You can visit the beautiful beaches along the Rio de la Plata, explore the historic town center, or take a stroll through the picturesque vineyards in the area. There are also several local festivals and events throughout the year that are either free or have a minimal entrance fee.In terms of healthcare, Uruguay has a public healthcare system that is accessible to both citizens and residents. However, the quality of care can vary, and wait times can be long. If you prefer private healthcare, you can purchase a private health insurance plan, but this will add to your monthly expenses.Overall, living in Carmelo on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can live comfortably while still enjoying the modern amenities you’re used to,” said one expat living in Carmelo.

Can I live in Carmelo on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Carmelo for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll want to choose a neighborhood that’s more affordable. I’d recommend looking into areas like Barrio Centenario or Barrio Artigas, where you can find reasonably priced housing options. These neighborhoods are still close to the city center, so you won’t feel too isolated. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Barrio Norte or Barrio Sur, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, you might have to rely more on public transport or even consider getting a bicycle, as owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high fuel prices. However, the public transportation system in Carmelo is quite reliable, and you can easily get around the city without a car.As for dining out and entertainment, you might have to cut back a bit on how often you go out to eat or attend events. However, there are still plenty of affordable local restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a nice meal or a drink without breaking the bank. Additionally, there are many free or low-cost cultural events and activities happening around the city, so you won’t be bored.One thing to keep in mind is that while you can find most modern amenities in Carmelo, some imported goods or luxury items might be more expensive due to import taxes. So, you might have to adjust your shopping habits and prioritize buying local products whenever possible.Overall, living in Carmelo on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. However, the city has a lot to offer, and you’ll still be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget,” commented an expat living in Carmelo.

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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