Cost of Living in Chile
Expats will find the cost of living in Chile affordable and on par with that of a medium-sized American city, like Houston, or an emerging Asian metropolis, like Bangkok, Thailand. The nation's consistent political and economic stability has landed it a position as one of the more expensive South American countries, but it still remains far cheaper than the continental industrial giants of Brazil and Venezuela.
Furthermore, expats moving to Chile's capital and its most popular destination for foreigners, Santiago, will find their money well-spent. The city was recently ranked as having the continent's third highest quality of life (Mercer 2010), and also boasts one of the highest ratios of executive salary rates to cost of living.
The latter factor is certainly an alluring point for expats, but top management positions in multinational firms are coveted, and those planning to move to Chile shouldn't assume they'll be high-rolling all the way home.
Chile also claims one of the continent's largest wealth disparities, and though it's unlikely expats will ever toe the poverty line, it does mean that it's possible to pinch pennies if need be.
The purchasing power of foreign currencies, like the USD, Euro and British Pound, is strong when compared to the Chilean Peso (CLP).
Chile boasts a range of accommodation options, and even top-quality housing tends to be affordable when compared to other global expat hotspots. Both the buying and renting prices in the nation are among the cheapest in Latin America, and a construction boom yielding sleek skyscrapers and an array of housing developments means that standards aren't sacrificed even in the face of lower fees.
For those who favour economy, there's plenty of opportunity to negotiate for incredibly cheap shared housing, either with a Chilean family or in a furnished space with others.
Rent prices in Santiago
The cost of food in Chile registers as cheap on a global scale, but more expensive
than in neighbouring South American nations like Peru and Argentina. Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables from the large central markets is a great way to save money and to sample some local flavour. Supermarket prices are slightly higher, and purchasing typically western, imported food items can be costly.
Eating out is a popular pastime in Chile and is an activity that won't necessarily run your bank balance dry. Many restaurants in Chile offer two-course set lunch menus at an appetisingly low price (~3500 CLP), and dinner in a moderately-priced Chilean restaurant, including multiple courses and alcohol, also amounts to a manageable fare (~20,000 CLP for a couple).
Chile prides itself on its urban infrastructure and it follows that its systems of public transport are well-connected, and affordable to boot. The country's main modes of transit are buses (micros) and the metro (for expats in Santiago), and both are efficient, safe and economical. Expats can purchase a Tarjeta Bip! for 1300 CLP, and these convenient cards allow for travel on either for a mere fare of 400 CLP. Journeys within 90 minutes of each other also carry over on the initial fare charged.
Taxis are more expensive, and drivers are notorious for ripping off foreigners. Fortunately, losing this small battle is a blip on the front of the larger cost of living war. The meter starts at 1000 CLP and then increases per kilometre travelled.
Furthermore, expats moving to Chile's capital and its most popular destination for foreigners, Santiago, will find their money well-spent. The city was recently ranked as having the continent's third highest quality of life (Mercer 2010), and also boasts one of the highest ratios of executive salary rates to cost of living.The latter factor is certainly an alluring point for expats, but top management positions in multinational firms are coveted, and those planning to move to Chile shouldn't assume they'll be high-rolling all the way home.
Chile also claims one of the continent's largest wealth disparities, and though it's unlikely expats will ever toe the poverty line, it does mean that it's possible to pinch pennies if need be.
The purchasing power of foreign currencies, like the USD, Euro and British Pound, is strong when compared to the Chilean Peso (CLP).
Cost of accommodation in Chile
Chile boasts a range of accommodation options, and even top-quality housing tends to be affordable when compared to other global expat hotspots. Both the buying and renting prices in the nation are among the cheapest in Latin America, and a construction boom yielding sleek skyscrapers and an array of housing developments means that standards aren't sacrificed even in the face of lower fees.For those who favour economy, there's plenty of opportunity to negotiate for incredibly cheap shared housing, either with a Chilean family or in a furnished space with others.
Rent prices in Santiago
- Standard furnished one-bedroom apartment ranges from 175,000 CLP to 240,000 CLP
- Standard furnished two-bedroom apartment ranges from 220,000 CLP to 380,000 CLP
Food costs in Chile
The cost of food in Chile registers as cheap on a global scale, but more expensive
than in neighbouring South American nations like Peru and Argentina. Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables from the large central markets is a great way to save money and to sample some local flavour. Supermarket prices are slightly higher, and purchasing typically western, imported food items can be costly.Eating out is a popular pastime in Chile and is an activity that won't necessarily run your bank balance dry. Many restaurants in Chile offer two-course set lunch menus at an appetisingly low price (~3500 CLP), and dinner in a moderately-priced Chilean restaurant, including multiple courses and alcohol, also amounts to a manageable fare (~20,000 CLP for a couple).
Cost of transport in Chile
Chile prides itself on its urban infrastructure and it follows that its systems of public transport are well-connected, and affordable to boot. The country's main modes of transit are buses (micros) and the metro (for expats in Santiago), and both are efficient, safe and economical. Expats can purchase a Tarjeta Bip! for 1300 CLP, and these convenient cards allow for travel on either for a mere fare of 400 CLP. Journeys within 90 minutes of each other also carry over on the initial fare charged.
Taxis are more expensive, and drivers are notorious for ripping off foreigners. Fortunately, losing this small battle is a blip on the front of the larger cost of living war. The meter starts at 1000 CLP and then increases per kilometre travelled.
