San Francisco
Ulaanbaatar

San Francisco vs Ulaanbaatar — Cost of Living Comparison

San Francisco
United States
VS
Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia
Estimated average living costs are ~83% lower in Ulaanbaatar

San Francisco

$4,100

avg. monthly cost

Population

873,965

Safety

45/100

Quality

63/100

Cost
96
Safety
45
Life
63

Ulaanbaatar

$680

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,500,000

Safety

55/100

Quality

40/100

Cost
25
Safety
55
Life
40

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~83% lower in Ulaanbaatar

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

San Francisco

$4,100

estimated per month

Ulaanbaatar

$680

estimated per month

Difference

-83.4%

Monthly savings

$3,420

Yearly savings

$41,040

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$12,439

-$62,561/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemSan FranciscoUlaanbaatarDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$3,200.00$350.00
-89.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,400.00$200.00
-91.7%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$6,200.00$650.00
-89.5%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$4,000.00$400.00
-90.0%
ItemSan FranciscoUlaanbaatarDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$25.00$3.50
-86.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$105.00$18.00
-82.9%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$13.00$5.00
-61.5%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.40$1.30
-7.1%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$4.50$0.50
-88.9%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.20$1.20
-76.9%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$5.00$1.80
-64.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$14.00$4.50
-67.9%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.80$2.00
-65.5%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.00$2.50
+25.0%
ItemSan FranciscoUlaanbaatarDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$98.00$10.00
-89.8%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.50$0.15
-94.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.50$0.60
-82.9%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$2.15$0.40
-81.4%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.40$1.00
-28.6%
ItemSan FranciscoUlaanbaatarDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$185.00$50.00
-73.0%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$52.00$6.00
-88.5%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$70.00$15.00
-78.6%
ItemSan FranciscoUlaanbaatarDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$260.00$10.00
-96.2%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$210.00$15.00
-92.9%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$55.00$4.00
-92.7%
ItemSan FranciscoUlaanbaatarDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$85.00$25.00
-70.6%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$17.50$4.00
-77.1%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$5.75$2.50
-56.5%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$9.00$2.00
-77.8%
ItemSan FranciscoUlaanbaatarDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$55.00$40.00
-27.3%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$43.00$20.00
-53.5%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$95.00$60.00
-36.8%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: San Francisco vs Ulaanbaatar

Is San Francisco or Ulaanbaatar more expensive?
San Francisco is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 96 compared with 25 for Ulaanbaatar.
How much cheaper is Ulaanbaatar than San Francisco?
Living in Ulaanbaatar is around 74% cheaper than San Francisco, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between San Francisco and Ulaanbaatar?
San Francisco scores 96 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Ulaanbaatar scores 25 — where New York City equals 100.