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If you've ever considered moving to Chile, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Chile?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Chile and whether the reported $1325 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $541.38.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
6.6 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
37.79 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
5.58 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.97 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.55 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.19 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.06 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.85 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.91 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.99 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.16 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.31 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
8.07 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
4.67 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
8.81 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
1.39 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.14 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.34 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.46 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.95 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.02 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.89 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.99 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
4.06 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.15 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.78 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
4.36 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.71 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
35.53 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
0.48 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.47 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
8.53 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.09 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
13368.39 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
14457.99 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
107.04 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.08 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
23.3 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
29.41 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
14.75 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
5.08 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
299.91 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
4862.3 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
40.78 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
22.19 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
48.48 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
60.29 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
368.67 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
312.66 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
644.57 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
546.51 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1779.93 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1528.15 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
541.38 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
5.52 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 6.6 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 37.79 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.91 USD, a loaf of bread 0.99 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.31 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.71 USD and a monthly pass around 35.53 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 107.04 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 29.41 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 14.75 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 299.91 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 4862.3 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 40.78 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 48.48 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 368.67 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 312.66 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1779.93 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1528.15 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 541.38 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 5.52% annually.
Chile
Chile is not that different from any other country for tourists, in the sense that you should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, which are the most common forms of crime on the streets of Chile.
All in all, public transportation and taxi cabs in Chile are safe. Be sure to book taxi rides from a hotel and make arrangements with taxi drivers in advance, preferably through recommendation, because cases of tourists being assaulted and robbed by taxi drivers have been reported. Keep in mind that taxis with company logos are the safest options.
As for pickpocketing, it is a recurring concern on the streets of Chile, but what is even more common is bag snatching, so be careful and hold your bags tightly by your side. Even better, keep your money and your valuables elsewhere, like in hidden pockets of your clothes and never ever keep all of your money in the same place.
If you want to enjoy a safe trip, you should be familiar with natural disaster threats lurking in Chile. Since it's a country filled with many natural wonders, there are as many natural hazards that may represent a threat to its inhabitants, such as earthquakes and active volcanoes.Chile is an active earthquake zone and in recent years its quakes have been of higher magnitude than before. It is also home of a couple of active volcanoes, some of which may erupt at any time.
Mugging, as already mentioned, does happen in Chile, and mostly in urban areas. People that are targeted are mostly people walking alone and tourists. In case of mugging, immediately hand over all your possessions without resisting.
Risks of terrorist attacks in Chile are extremely low. Instead of terrorist attacks, there is some risk of anarchist groups setting off small explosives on the streets, in banks or public transportations. Just follow any instructions you may receive from the authorities or tour guides and operators.
Just like anywhere else, taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride. Also, be weary of suspicious activities of thieves trying to rob you, such as tapping your shoulder, bumping into you and similar actions.
Women have traveled alone to Chile without any consequences or problems. Even though women travelers should take precaution measures in crowded places, public transportation or isolated spots, their biggest worry will probably be getting unwanted attention from men on the streets. However, if you are a woman traveling alone, avoid dark and empty streets and locations.
When it comes to tourist visits, most countries do not need visas to enter Chile. The only thing you should check, is that your passport is valid throughout the duration of your stay in Chile, and no validity beyond the time of your stay is necessary. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP) and you can withdraw your money from any available ATM on the street. Credit cards are widely accepted, mostly in larger cities, but never leave your card in plain sight.
Even though the temperature can drop during the middle of the year, it doesn't get extremely cold. The warmest period is during the beginning of the year, when temperatures in January reach as high as 86 F. It is coldest during July and August, with average temperatures of about 36 F.
There are three busiest airports in Chile: Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez (SCL) in Santiago, (the busiest airport in the country) Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) in Iquique and Cerro Morreno International Airport (ANF) in Antofagasta.
Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Chile because it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.