This wondrous South American land is famous for its cultural richness, extravagant Atlantic beaches, and liberal society. With over 420 miles (660 km) of coastline and a high quality of life, it’s easy to see that the country is an ideal place to settle down. It’s time to discover the absolute best places to live in Uruguay.
The country has some of South America’s best places to visit, and calling it home is even better. Moving is a pivotal decision, as it shapes the way you live. We’re here to help you find your ideal home based on your needs.
Best Places to Live in Uruguay for…
- Expats: Piriápolis
- English Speakers: Punta del Este
- Digital Nomads: Montevideo
- Solo Travelers: La Pedrera
- Couples: José Ignacio
- Groups: Colonia Del Sacramento
Top 10 Places to Live in Uruguay
1. Piriápolis
The Best Place in Uruguay for Expats
Cost of Living: $$$
Piriápolis is a beachside town ideal for a serene escape while still having modern attractions at bay. Expats will find it easy to integrate into a Uruguayan lifestyle thanks to the close-knit community. The town has numerous cultural events and fun activities to enjoy, creating a wholesome environment for building connections.
Tip: You might want to brush up on your Spanish, as some locals aren’t great at English.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, solo travelers, and retirees.
Pros:
- You get to live in a city with backdrops of serene coastal views while still having access to modern luxuries.
- Piriápolis may offer a more affordable lifestyle than the larger cities in Uruguay.
- The close-knit community creates a beautiful atmosphere for building a life in Uruguay.
Cons:
- While some residents may speak English, overall proficiency is not standard.
- The small town means employment opportunities are limited.
2. Punta del Este
The Best Place in Uruguay for English Speakers
Cost of Living: $$$$
Punta del Este is a renowned international tourist destination, meaning English is widely spoken throughout the city. There are also plenty of foreign nationals living there, which is the perfect opportunity for you to make new friends.
Tip: You can live like a tourist and explore the Museo Casapueblo, which is an art gallery and museum, the Playa Brava beach, and the iconic Gorlero Avenue.
Who Would Like to Live There: English speakers, expats, digital nomads, and solo travelers.
Pros:
- There are endless things to do and see like admiring art at the Ralli Museum, or going wine tasting at Viña Edén.
- The city is safe and has a stable economy.
Cons:
- The town has high property taxes and expensive ‘maintenance’ rental fees.
- Almost all living expenses, including food and entertainment, are costly, especially during tourist season.
3. Montevideo
The Best Place in Uruguay for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living: $$$
As the capital and largest city, Montevideo is a bustling digital nomad destination. There are also various things to do in your downtime, like strolling the Rambla boulevard or exploring the historic Ciudad Vieja. It has coworking spaces, speedy internet connectivity, and a diverse community of locals and foreigners.
Tip: Uruguay has one of the best festivals in the world, and that is the Llamadas Carnival, hosted in Montevideo.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital nomads, English speakers, expats, and solo travelers.
Pros:
- Montevideo has everything you need and more, from coworking spaces and trendy restaurants to cultural markets.
- You won’t struggle with a language barrier, as English is typically spoken here.
Cons:
- Many places in the city are costly compared to other cities in Uruguay.
- Montevideo has awful traffic.
4. La Pedrera
The Best Place in Uruguay for Solo Travelers
Cost of Living: $$$
La Pedrera has a tranquil and bohemian atmosphere, making it a blissful place for your solo travels turned into coastal living. The town is known for its extraordinary beaches with perfect waves for surf-seekers.
Tip: La Pedrera is relatively small and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot.
Who Would Like to Live There: Solo travelers, retirees, nature lovers, and surfers.
Pros:
- Although small, the town still offers a variety of entertainment, including restaurants, cafes, art galleries, live music performances, and cultural events.
- La Pedrera is known for its phenomenal beaches, rugged coastline, and natural landscapes.
Cons:
- You’ll need to learn some Spanish to get used to living here.
- La Pedrera is a few hours’ drive from larger cities like Montevideo.
5. José Ignacio
The Best Place in Uruguay for Couples
Cost of Living: $$$$
José Ignacio has chic restaurants, boutique shops, and breathtaking beaches. This makes it an ideal romantic destination for you and your significant other to revel in an upper-class and trendy atmosphere. The town also has dreamy weather with warm summer days and mild winters.
Tip: Being a high-end destination, the dress code is more formal when going to restaurants and events.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples, solo travelers, and retirees.
Pros:
- José Ignacio may be a little beach town, but it offers luxury living, too.
- The town has excellent hospitals, both public and private.
Cons:
- Living in José Ignacio is expensive.
- Public transportation is limited, and you’ll need a car.
- Many businesses are closed outside of the tourist season.
6. Colonia Del Sacramento
The Best Place in Uruguay for Groups
Cost of Living: $$
This historic city is partially a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers groups divine adventures and blissful relaxation. Colonia is small enough to walk or bike around, and there are plenty of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, museums, and landmarks to see.
Tip: You can attend local events, join social groups, or use online platforms to connect with other expats for support and socializing.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups, low-budget travelers, and culture enthusiasts.
Pros:
- The cost of living is much lower than other places in Uruguay.
- The community is friendly and sociable.
Cons:
- Vegetarians and vegans might struggle as the cuisine here is heavily meat-based.
- It is far away from the big cities of Punta del Este and Montevideo.
7. Maldonado
The Best Place in Uruguay For Business Professionals
Cost of Living: $$$$
Maldonado, a city located in southeastern Uruguay, has been experiencing significant economic growth in recent years. The city is a commercial and administrative hub, and its recent expansion has led to increased employment opportunities. This makes it a hotspot for those who mean business.
Tip: Familiarize yourself with the business culture in Uruguay to enhance your professional relationships.
Who Would Like to Live There: Business professionals, digital nomads, and nature lovers.
Pros:
- Maldonado is located near Punta del Este, and you can easily access its beaches, nightlife, and cultural events as it is well-connected with public transport.
- The city itself has gorgeous beaches, including Playa Mansa and Playa Brava.
Cons:
- The cost of living is higher compared to other cities due to its high status as a tourist destination.
- Maldonado has an influx of tourists during peak seasons, which leads to crowded conditions and increased costs for food and entertainment.
8. Punta del Diablo
The Best Place in Uruguay For Nature Lovers
Cost of Living: $$
Punta del Diablo, a quaint beachside town in Uruguay, offers your nature-loving spirit remarkable national parks and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The region also has numerous hiking trails that wind through lush greenery and splendid eucalyptus trees. You’ll get to interact with the charming capybaras and various bird species that call the town home.
Tip: If you love fishing, Punta del Diablo has an enthusiastic fishing community, and there’s a perfect lake nearby, called Laguna Negra.
Who Would Like to Live There: Nature lovers, solo travelers, and retirees.
Pros:
- There’s a strong sense of community here, which focuses on the well-being of the people and nature.
- Thanks to its beaches and national parks, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
Cons:
- Families with school-age children have limited options for education.
- It is a rustic environment with limited entertainment and infrastructure.
9. Atlántida
The Best Place in Uruguay For Low Budget Travelers
Cost of Living: $$
Atlántida is a fascinating place to live with its unique architectural styles. Traditional homes with thatched roofs, known as “casitas,” coexist alongside Art Deco-inspired buildings.
It exudes an old-world charm and has a small population of around 6,000 people, which doubles in numbers during tourist season. The properties in Atlántida are significantly more affordable than those in other coastal towns in Uruguay.
Tip: Atlántida, like many places in Uruguay, offers tasty local cuisine. Feel free to explore the restaurants and try traditional dishes like asado and local seafood.
Who Would Like to Live There: Low-budgeters, couples, groups, and solo travelers.
Pros:
- It is one of the most affordable places in Uruguay.
- You get to enjoy small-town living among stunning Atlantic beaches and quaint restaurants.
Cons:
- Entertainment is limited, and it only becomes lively in the tourist season between October and March.
- Atlántida has limited healthcare and educational facilities.
10. Garzón
The Best Place in Uruguay For Retirees
Cost of Living: $$
Garzón is a haven for retirees looking for a peaceful and slow-paced lifestyle. Tucked away in the countryside, the town escapes all the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. The unparalleled natural beauty includes rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, which are perfect for your golden year adventures.
Tip: If you are exploring South American options, here are Brazil’s best places to live, which is Uruguay’s neighbor.
Who Would Like to Live There: Retirees, nature lovers, and low-budgeters.
Pros:
- Besides its beauty, this coastal town has an affordable cost of living.
- You get to experience a serene environment away from tourists.
Cons:
- You will need to learn basic Spanish to get by.
- If you crave city life, the major ones like Montevideo are far from Garzón.