Santiago combines modern metropolitan amenities with stunning Andean mountain views, making it South America's most developed capital for expat families. The city boasts excellent international schools, a sophisticated healthcare system, and reliable infrastructure. Chile's stable economy and democratic institutions provide security for long-term planning. The expat community is well-established, particularly among business professionals and academics. Santiago offers world-class restaurants, cultural venues, and easy access to both Pacific beaches and Andean ski resorts. Air pollution can be problematic during winter months due to the mountain basin location. Spanish is essential for daily life, though English proficiency is growing in business sectors. The cost of living is reasonable compared to other major Latin American capitals, with good value for housing and services.

💰 Cost of Living

Monthly family budget estimates (USD)

At a Glance

$800

Avg. rent /mo

$10

Budget meal

$40

Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)

Dining & Drinks

Cappuccino$3.20

Domestic beer$3.00

Imported beer$5.00

Water (1.5L)$1.00

Groceries

Loaf of bread$1.60

Milk (1L)$1.30

Dozen eggs$2.80

Chicken (1 kg)$5.50

Transport

Taxi flag-drop$1.50

Taxi per km$0.80

Monthly transit pass$42

Gasoline (per liter)$1.40

Monthly Bills

Internet$28 /mo

Utilities (avg.)$120 /mo

Gym membership$45 /mo

Domestic help$500 /mo

Preschool / nursery$450 /mo

Comfortable

A family renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Nunoa or Macul, using the Metro and bus network, shopping at local ferias, and enrolling children in a subsidised bilingual school.

$3,370/mo

Rent$900

Groceries$400

Lifestyle & leisure$250

Transport$100

Utilities$120

Dining out$250

Healthcare$200

School fees (per child)$800

Domestic help$350

Established

A family in a modern 3-bedroom apartment in Providencia or Las Condes, children at a reputable international school like Nido de Aguilas or Santiago College, dining out regularly, gym membership.

$6,780/mo

Rent$1,800

Groceries$700

Lifestyle & leisure$500

Transport$300

Utilities$180

Dining out$500

Healthcare$400

School fees (per child)$1,800

Domestic help$600

Premium

A spacious house or penthouse in Vitacura or Lo Barnechea, children at top-tier schools, private driver, country club membership, regular domestic travel to the coast or lakes.

$12,680/mo

Rent$3,500

Groceries$1,100

Lifestyle & leisure$1,200

Transport$700

Utilities$280

Dining out$1,000

Healthcare$700

School fees (per child)$3,000

Domestic help$1,200

Santiago is the most affordable major Latin American capital for expats after Buenos Aires. It combines First World infrastructure with developing-country prices on services and domestic goods, though imported products carry steep tariffs. All figures in USD at approximately 1 USD = 950 CLP.