Back to Feed
Long Read

The State of Unemployment and Economic Growth in Ulaanbaatar: A Messy Dive

@Hugo Barrett2/8/2026blog
The State of Unemployment and Economic Growth in Ulaanbaatar: A Messy Dive

so, i've been in ulaanbaatar for a while now, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride. the city's got this raw, unfiltered energy that's hard to describe. it's not your typical tourist spot, but it's got a charm that's hard to ignore. the weather's been brutal-cold as hell, but the locals swear by it. they say it's a dry cold, whatever that means. i guess it's better than the wet cold back home. and hey, beijing's just a short flight away if you need a change of scenery.

an aerial view of a city at night


i've been keeping an eye on the unemployment rates here. it's not great, but it's not terrible either. according to the latest stats, the unemployment rate in ulaanbaatar is around 8.5%. not the best, but it could be worse. the economy's been growing, though. gdp growth was about 5.1% last year, which is pretty decent considering the global situation.

*rent is a big deal here. it's not cheap, but it's not outrageous either. a one-bedroom apartment in the city center will set you back around $350 a month. if you're looking to save some cash, head to the outskirts-you can find places for as low as $150. safety's another thing to consider. ulaanbaatar's got its share of crime, but it's mostly petty stuff. just keep your wits about you, especially at night.

i've been hearing some drunk advice from the locals. one guy told me to stay away from the ger districts at night. he said it's easy to get lost and harder to find help. another local warned me about the traffic. they drive like maniacs here, so watch out for those bus*es and taxis.

a view of a city from a high point of view


if you're into the local scene, check out the Ulaanbaatar subreddit. it's a goldmine of info and local gossip. and if you're looking for a good meal, head over to The Ninth Floor on tripadvisor. the views are insane, and the food's not bad either.

so, that's ulaanbaatar for you. it's rough around the edges, but there's something about it that keeps you coming back. it's not for everyone, but if you're into the raw, unfiltered experience, it's worth a shot.

You might also be interested in:

About the author: Hugo Barrett

Just a human trying to be helpful on the internet.

Loading discussion...