Budget

What is a safe budget per day in Mongolia if you stay in basic hostels or guesthouses, eat and cheap local places, and use public transportation? Backpacker style.

Are you just planning to stay in Ulan Bator, the capitol or are you planning to travel in the country side?

If you plan to stay in UB then look at the websites of hostelworld and such for current accommodation prices for guest houses or hostels.

If you plan to travel outside of UB, you will discover that your best bet given limited time is to take a 4x4 tour with others. Prices will range from 45-65+ USD per day for transportation, guide etc. if going to places like Khovsgul or Gobi.

Ruth

Time is not an issue because I have two months. I do not plan on taking 'guided tours.' I like to sort things out on my own. True Budget style.

Hi
I traveled last summer backpacker style - took only public transportation, usually cooked my own food, slept with a tent when traveling and in cheap guesthouses in towns. I didn't keep a record of my spendings but you can keep them very low.
Accommodation is 5-8 USD per night in a dorm guesthouse. Food can be 2-5 USD per a very cheap meal. 5-15 for a nicer and more western like one. If you buy and cook your own food it can be even cheaper (you can get away with an average of a few USD per day).

Transportation ranges (one way) are 20-30 USD to Khovsgol, 20-30 USD to the Gobi (Dalanzadgad), 40-50 USD to the far west (Khovd and Olgii) and 20-30 USD to the east (Choibalsan). Shared rides from Aimag (Province) centers to smaller towns in the Aimag are around 10 USD. I guess this gives you a good enough picture.

Expect more expenses if you plan to go horse riding (I guess around 15-30 USD per day if you are solo and 10-20 per day with more people), and also if you want a driver to take you somewhere where shared cars don't go to - like if you want to start a trek in the Altai-Tavan-Bogd mountains near the base camp which can cost 240 per the whole ride (60 per person if you are 4). Anyway, things like that are here and there and not a regular daily cost.

Some people may disagree with my ranges of prices (I may have miscalculated some of them but also - I did go really cheap)
I hope this helps.
Good luck and great travels!
Yoni

If you plan to stay in Mongolia more than 30 days, be sure to register by the 7th day or you will have problems. Mongolian Visa Extension and Visa extension

Ruth

Yes, the guesthouse price is 6$ including a breakfast---UB Guesthouse,Khonger guesthouse,Golden Gobi.
The taxi is 400T/km. food is 1-2$/meal.you can go to the Khovsgol lakes or west by a local bus without any problems.