Being prepared for a problem that doesn’t happen isn’t as costly as not being prepared and it does happen. The problem I have been considering is the possibility of World War 3 occurring in the next twenty-five years as being fifty/fifty. That may seem excessively gloomy, but with global warming proceeding rapidly, which will bring crop failures, coupled with a doubling of population, there will be greater international stress. Even in these good times there are countries that without imported food would soon have mass starvation. Also, there is an unpredictable increasing incidence of wars.

How bad would it be living in Montevideo, where the government is stable, there is little likelihood of a war, and it is considered the most livable city in South America? It is relatively expensive there, but less than living in the U. S. where being the world’s policeman means being involved in a war is inevitable. I will compare living in Montevideo to Berkeley, because I lived there for five decades.

Perplexity – How much does it cost to live in Montevideo, Uruguay, compared to Berkeley, California, if you own your home without a mortgage payment?

The cost of living in Montevideo, Uruguay, is significantly lower than in Berkeley, California, especially if you own your home and do not have a mortgage payment. Here are some key comparisons:

Cost of Living Index (COLI)

  • Cost of Living Index (COLI) Argentina 27.8, Australia 72,8, New Zealand 68.2, Uruguay 55.3, United States 72.9,
  • Montevideo: COLI 55.3 The overall cost of living in Montevideo is about 28-29% cheaper than in Berkeley in terms of cost of living.
  • Berkeley: Berkeley COLI 94.4 is known to be one of the more expensive cities in the United States.

Food and Groceries

  • Montevideo: Groceries COLI 50.3, are generally cheaper in Montevideo. For example, a loaf of bread costs around $2.03, local cheese (500 grams) is $5.05, and a dozen eggs are $3.14.
  • Berkeley: In Berkeley COLI 74.2, the same items are more expensive. A loaf of bread costs about $3.79, local cheese (500 grams) is $6.34, and a dozen eggs are $4.63.

Dining Out

  • Montevideo: A basic meal with a drink at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $14.85, and a fast food combo meal is around $10.53.
  • Berkeley: The same meal would cost approximately $19.70 at a restaurant and $10.02 for a fast food combo meal.

Transportation

  • Montevideo: Transportation costs are slightly lower. For instance, gasoline costs about $1.66 per liter.
  • Berkeley: Gasoline is more expensive, costing around $2.01 per liter.

Perplexity – What are the average property prices in Montevideo compared to Berkeley

Average Property Prices in Montevideo vs. Berkeley

Montevideo, Uruguay

  • City Centre: The average price per square meter is approximately $2,420. Rent Uruguay COLI 15.2
  • High-End Neighborhoods: Prices can be significantly higher in premium areas such as Puerto del Buceo ($4,410 per sqm), Villa Biarritz ($3,944 per sqm), and Carrasco ($3,862 per sqm).
  • Affordable Neighborhoods: In more affordable areas like Nuevo París, prices can be as low as $971 per sqm.

Berkeley, California

  • General Average: The average price per square meter in Berkeley is around $10,764 (approximately $1,000 per square foot). US COLI 44.7
  • High-End Properties: Prices in premium areas can be much higher, often exceeding $12,917 per sqm ($1,200 per square foot).

Summary

Property prices in Montevideo are generally much lower than in Berkeley. In Montevideo, even the most expensive neighborhoods have prices that are significantly lower than the average prices in Berkeley. This makes Montevideo a more affordable option for property investment compared to Berkeley.

There are several expat communities and social groups in Montevideo for foreigners living in the city. Here are some key options:

  1. InterNations Montevideo Community: This is a large global network for expatriates with an active community in Montevideo. They organize regular events, get-togethers, and activities for expats to meet and socialize. InterNations also provides online forums and resources for expats in the city.
  2. Expat.com Montevideo Forum: This online forum allows expats to connect, ask questions, and share experiences about living in Montevideo.
  3. Meetup Groups: There are various Meetup groups in Montevideo catering to different interests, including some specifically for expats and international residents.
  4. Facebook Groups: Several Facebook groups exist for expats in Montevideo, where members can share information, ask questions, and organize informal gatherings.
  5. International Clubs: Some international clubs and associations in Montevideo organize events and activities for expats, such as language exchange meetups or cultural events.
  6. Neighborhood-specific groups: In popular expat areas like Pocitos, Carrasco, and Ciudad Vieja, there may be local community groups that welcome foreign residents.
  7. Professional networks: Depending on your field of work, there might be professional associations or networking groups that cater to international professionals in Montevideo.

These communities and groups provide opportunities for expats to connect, make friends, and get support as they settle into life in Montevideo. They can be valuable resources for finding information, getting advice, and building a social network in your new home.