How Much Does It Cost To Move to Uruguay From the US?
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: Hiring international movers will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on move size. Raw shipping costs between the US and Uruguay account for $2,400 to $5,000 of this.
Here’s how some moving costs between these countries break down:
- Professional movers: The $3,000 to $15,000 range covers shipping, add-ons, customs clearance assistance, shipment tracking and possible vehicle shipping services.
- Living expenses: You should try to have six months of living expenses saved, including five additional months’ rent to account for Uruguay’s maximum allowed security deposit requirements for apartment rentals. Monthly living costs for a family of four are $3,066 without rent, while a three-bedroom apartment is $1,110 per month according to Numbeo.
- Additional costs: Plan to pay for your airfare a few months in advance. This will cost between $800 and $1,200 per person for an economy ticket. Work visa application costs are negligible, at $42.
Once you’ve fully budgeted for your move, you should hire a qualified international moving company. This will take up a significant portion of your moving costs between the US and Uruguay, but will be worth the price due to the added services such movers provide.
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Average cost of moving to Uruguay from the US
Between ocean and air freight, it can cost anywhere from $2,400 to $5,000 to ship your goods to Uruguay from the US. We recommend ocean freight for anyone staging an international move due to the high costs of getting your life started in a new country.
However, air freight is an option if you’re willing to splurge on your relocation.
Sea freight costs from the US to Uruguay
Ocean freight is the most cost-effective way to ship an entire home’s worth of household goods overseas. While this comes with transit times between three and six weeks between the US and Montevideo, you’ll save thousands of dollars opting for this.
The costs below reflect shipping rates for 20-foot containers, which can fit most three-bedroom homes.
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | Montevideo | $1,581 | ~20 days |
| Oakland | Montevideo | $2,955 | ~40 days |
| Memphis | Montevideo | $2,515 | ~21 days |
| Salt Lake City | Montevideo | $4,205 | ~40 days |
*Source: Cost data and transit times are from iContainers for a 20-foot container.
Air freight costs from the US to Uruguay
Keeping essential goods close at-hand during a move is a huge benefit and convenience. We’ve researched the typical rate for shipping 100 kg of essential goods via air freight to reflect this.
By shipping most of your goods via an ocean-bound container and sending a small parcel of essential goods via air freight, you’ll be able to maximize both savings and convenience.
| From | To | Shipment Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | Montevideo | $400–$800 | 2–4 days |
| Oakland | Montevideo | $400–$800 | 2–4 days |
| Memphis | Montevideo | $400–$800 | 2–4 days |
| Salt Lake City | Montevideo | $400–$800 | 2–4 days |
*Source: Cost data is from Freightright.com and reflects average worldwide air freight pricing.
How much does it cost to live in Uruguay?
Uruguay is far more affordable to live in than the US. The below cost comparisons show one of Uruguay’s most expensive locales, making costs more comparable. Overall, Uruguay is 61.6% more affordable than the US when rent is included, according to Numbeo resident data.
A single person would pay $858.10 for all basic expenses before rent is factored in. The nationwide average for renting a one-bedroom apartment is $581.58, making monthly costs total $1,439.68. You should survey your options when moving to Uruguay; many locales present more affordable options than what Punta del Este offers, although the luxury and amenities of that area may be worth considering.
Housing costs in Uruguay
Punta del Este is a more expensive city in Uruguay, which the resident data from Numbeo reflects. Apartment rentals are between 20% and 50% more expensive than in comparably-sized Springfield, Missouri.
The median home value in Springfield is $231,746, according to Zillow. While we couldn’t get a consistent median home price for Punta del Este, LuxuryPunta noted that these costs started at $300,000 for The Barra and Cerro Porteno.
| Apartment | Springfield, MO | Punta del Este | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rental | $940 | $1,133.33 | +20.6% |
| 3BR rental | $1,675 | $2,500 | +49.3% |
| Price per sq. ft. (for purchase) | $165.99 | $371.61 | +123.9% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Punta del Este and Springfield, MO (March 2025)
We recommend contracting the services of a listing agent when searching for property in Uruguay. Online forums and real estate sites are great sources for finding potential listings, but having an agent will help you to avoid any pitfalls, scams or subpar properties. Be prepared to pay your first month’s rent, along with a security deposit equaling up to five months’ rent when you sign your lease.
Here are a few of Uruguay’s more in-demand locales:
- Montevideo: The country’s capital city holds more than a third of its population and offers a great option for expats. Its many beaches and abundant natural attractions coupled with plenty of cultural and nightlife destinations mean you’ll have plenty to do after moving here.
- Punta del Este: This luxury peninsular city sits on the dividing line between the Rio de la Plata and Atlantic Ocean. If you’d like comparable amenities at a lower price, nearby Maldonado is worth researching.
- Atlantida: This locale is just east of Montevideo on Uruguay’s Gold Coast. It’s more of a tourist destination, but the natural beauty and climate set it apart.
Utilities costs in Uruguay
Utilities costs are far lower across the board in Uruguay, with electricity, sewer usage and similar amenities costing 59.3% less here. Monthly cell phone plans see an even greater discount at 77%.
| Utility | Springfield, MO | Punta del Este | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Basic housing utilities | $225.85 | $91.96 | -59.3% |
| Internet | $74.38 | $38.56 | -48.1% |
| Monthly cell phone plan | $67.55 | $15.54 | -77% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Punta del Este and Springfield, MO (March 2025)
*Based on the combined cost of electricity, water/sewer, and trash for a 915 square foot apartment as of March 2025
Food costs in Uruguay
Food costs in Uruguay are higher than in the states. The cost of eating a three-course meal at a restaurant is comparable, but many staple food items are far more expensive in a grocery store. Dairy costs far exceed those in the US. However, many produce items are cheaper.
| Food | Springfield, MO | Punta del Este | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food meal | $8.50 | $11.04 | +29.8% |
| 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant | $50 | $47.46 | -5.1% |
| Gallon of milk | $3.76 | $4.57 | +21.6% |
| 1 dozen eggs | $2.87 | $3.79 | +31.8% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Punta del Este and Springfield, MO (March 2025)
Transportation costs in Uruguay
Public transportation is marginally more expensive in Punta del Este than in Springfield. As is the case with many foreign countries, the cost of private transportation in Uruguay far exceeds those seen in the US. The most notable difference here is the price of gas, which is 126.4% more expensive.
| Transportation Mode | Springfield, MO | Punta del Este | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way public transit ticket | $1.25 | $1.32 | +5.4% |
| Monthly public transit pass | $45 | $47.46 | +5.5% |
| Cost of one gallon of gas | $3.02 | $6.85 | +126.4% |
| *Cost to buy a new car | $25,977 | $33,647.02 | +29.5% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Punta del Este and Springfield, MO (March 2025)
*Based on the cost of Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or equivalent new vehicle as of March 2025
Education costs in Uruguay
Sending your child to an international school may be a necessity in Uruguay. English is taught in schools, but is not widely spoken in day-to-day conversation. Luckily, such an education is more than 60% cheaper in Uruguay.
| Type of Education | Springfield, MO | Punta del Este | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-day private preschool/kindergarten (monthly) | $766.67 | $400.53 | -47.8% |
| International primary school (annual) | $18,980 | $7,356.79 | -61.2% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Punta del Este and Springfield, MO (March 2025)
Uruguay’s visa & immigration requirements
The first step in obtaining permanent residency in Uruguay will be to obtain a work visa. This will require that you get a job offer from a Uruguayan employer. Aside from this, you’ll need a completed application and a passport valid until at least six months after your move to the country.
Application for permanent residency requires that you live in Uruguay continuously for two years after your move. Submit all needed documentation to the Dirección Nacional de Migración in Montevideo when you’re ready to apply. This will include police clearance, vaccination and medical records and proof of address.
Moving to Uruguay from the US
Relocating to another country involves far more than just booking an international mover. You’ll have to secure employment and housing, apply for a visa and conduct many hours of research into your new home to minimize culture shock.
Finally, you’ll have to pay your airfare to reach your new home. All of this requires months of planning; we recommend that you begin this process at least four to six months ahead of your move date.
Top international moving companies
Booking with a top international moving company will help alleviate some of the stress you’ll feel during the relocation process. Along with licensing to operate in many countries, these providers offer shipment tracking, customs clearance assistance and a single point of contact from beginning to end.
International moving costs encompass all of these add-ons along with the actual shipping costs. Generally, such moves range in cost from $3,000 to $15,000 and up. Customer testimonials from International Van Lines (IVL) cite costs between $2,500 and $10,000, but these vary based on move distance and add-on service requirements.
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Shipping your vehicle to Uruguay
Shipping a car overseas is another component of many moves. Some providers like IVL and others offer this as an add-on option. However, you may need to book this through a dedicated car shipping company. Similar to movers, these shippers can offer shipment tracking, delivery assurances, insurance and more.
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Tips for moving to Uruguay from the US
When planning any relocation, you should draw up a comprehensive moving checklist at the beginning of the moving process. Using this, you can map out your progress and keep track of completed and in-progress tasks:
- Downsize: Shipping goods overseas is costly. Getting rid of unneeded goods and decluttering before moving day can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Donating items, holding a garage sale and selling goods online are all common ways people handle this step.
- Pack your own home: Packing is a time-consuming and expensive add-on service. Handling this yourself can reduce stress and moving costs. We recommend beginning to pack at least two months before your international move to ensure that you have enough time.
- Research your new home: Starting the process of getting acclimated to Uruguay doesn’t have to wait until you move. Researching and familiarizing yourself with the country’s culture will minimize stress after your move.
- Secure housing and employment first: Most countries require proof of funds or income sufficient enough to support yourself before allowing you to apply for a visa. Handle this step before attempting to qualify for a visa.
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