Montevideo

UruguayGMT-3

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

78.6/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

500+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$1,327/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

140Mbps

About Montevideo

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is a coastal gem that blends modern infrastructure with a rich cultural heritage, making it an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads and expats. Situated along the Río de la Plata, it offers a laid-back yet vibrant lifestyle, with a growing reputation as a hub for remote workers due to its reliable internet and affordable cost of living. The city’s walkable streets, scenic Rambla promenade, and safe environment provide an appealing backdrop for both work and leisure.

The city’s appeal is bolstered by its robust tech scene, with over 530 IT companies contributing to a dynamic professional landscape that surprises many newcomers. High-speed internet, averaging 140 Mbps in public work-friendly spaces, ensures seamless remote work, while a variety of coworking spaces cater to nomads seeking community and collaboration. Montevideo’s affordability—70% cheaper than cities like New York—combined with a temperate climate, makes it a practical choice for long-term stays.

Culturally, Montevideo shines with its theaters, museums, and a food scene celebrated for its beef and diverse culinary offerings, earning it a spot as a foodie heaven. The expat community is welcoming, with regular meetups and events fostering connections, though learning Spanish is recommended for deeper integration. Public transport is efficient, and the city’s compact layout enhances its walkability, appealing to those who value convenience and exploration.

For digital nomads, Montevideo’s visa-friendly policies, including a 90-day tourist stay and a digital nomad visa option, add flexibility. Its ranking as Latin America’s top city for quality of life by Mercer underscores its safety and livability. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of outdoor activities along the coast or the creative vibe of its urban core, Montevideo offers a balanced, enriching experience for remote workers and expatriates alike.

Demographics

Population1,800,000
LanguagesSpanish, English

Location

CountryUruguay
TimezoneGMT-3
Airport to City25 minutes
TransportTaxi, Uber, Bus, Shuttle, Car Rental

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa CostFree
Digital Nomad VisaAvailable

Cost of Living

$1,327
/mo
25.3% lower than average

The total monthly cost of living in Montevideo, Uruguay is $1,327, which is 25.3% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$500
37.7% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$177
13.3% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$350
26.4% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$50
3.8% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$150
11.3% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$100
7.5% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Montevideo boasts a robust internet infrastructure, with a median download speed of 140 Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and coworking cafes, based on Speedtest data. Major providers—Antel, Claro, and Movistar—offer widespread 4G and emerging 5G coverage, ensuring reliable mobile data. While occasional slowdowns can occur during peak usage, the network is generally stable, supporting video calls, streaming, and large file transfers essential for remote work. Public Wi-Fi is common in cafes and plazas, though nomads often rely on coworking spaces for consistent high-speed access.

Montevideo’s digital nomad community, estimated at around 500, is small but growing, supported by a welcoming expat scene. With approximately 15 coworking spaces like Cowork18, nomads find ample options for collaboration and productivity. Regular meetups, tech events, and social gatherings—often organized through platforms like Meetup or local Facebook groups—create a tight-knit network. The city’s safe, affordable environment and English-speaking pockets in tourist areas make it easy for newcomers to settle in and connect.

140Mbps
5G
3providers
500
Nomads
15+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Temperate
Montevideo enjoys a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, moderated by its coastal location along the Río de la Plata. Summers (December to February) are warm, averaging 23-24°C, ideal for beach outings, while winters (June to August) are mild, dipping to 9-11°C, rarely seeing frost. Rainfall is evenly distributed, peaking at 110 mm in April and May, with occasional spring and summer storms adding variety. This temperate weather supports year-round outdoor activities, though nomads should pack for both warm days and cooler, rainy spells.
Temperature Range
9°C - 24°C
Avg: 17°C
Annual Rainfall
1140mm
Monthly Avg: 95mm
Jan
01
24°C
☀️
100 mm
💧
Feb
02
23°C
☀️
90 mm
Mar
03
21°C
☀️
90 mm
Apr
04
17°C
☀️
110 mm
💧
May
05
13°C
110 mm
💧
Jun
06
10°C
100 mm
💧
Jul
07
9°C
90 mm
Aug
08
11°C
90 mm
Sep
09
14°C
80 mm
Oct
10
17°C
☀️
100 mm
💧
Nov
11
20°C
☀️
90 mm
Dec
12
23°C
☀️
90 mm
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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