Chile is on most people’s bucket list due to geographical position and widely varying terrain. From Antarctica in the south to the Atacama desert in the north, Chile is a country worth exploring. It has 6,000kms of stunning coastline on the Pacific Ocean and 80% of the country is mountainous and includes part of the Himalaya range. The Chilean people are exceptionally hospitable and welcoming and enjoy sharing their homes and country with travellers and expats.
If you are considering moving to Chile, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part of the world.
Quick Chile Facts:
- Population: 19,532,426 (January 2023)
- Official Language:Spanish is the official language, but citizens also speak Mapudungun, Rapa and Aymara.
- GDP Per Capita:US$16,265 (2021)
- Ski and Surf on the same day: Ski at El Colorado early morning and then take a three hour drive to Pichilemu, Chile’s surfing capital, for a late afternoon and early evening surfing experience.
- Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP). As of 2023, CLP1 is $0.0012 (USD), £0.00019, €0.0011, $0.0016 (CAD), $0.0018 (AUD).
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Chile
Here are some sample container shipping rates to Chile from other countries around the world.
Also see the Best International Moving Companies in Chile.
2. Chile Housing Costs
Housing in Chile is very affordable compared with most countries around the world. Houses and apartments are plentiful in the cities and many rentals come fully furnished or semi furnished. The rural areas tend to offer houses and cabins rather than apartments.
- 1 bedroom apartment in City Centre: CLP300,000 – CLP500,000
- 1 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: CLP240,000 –CLP500,000
- 3-bedroom apartment in City Centre: CLP500,000 – CLP1,000,000
- 3-bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: CLP400,000 –CLP 900,000
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: CLP1,300,000 – CLP 2,820,000
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: CLP900,000 – CLP 3,200,000
Source: Numbeo
Chile Housing Cost Comparison
This is how rents in Chile compare with other countries around the globe.
United Kingdom is 125.2% more expensive
United States is 240.5% more expensive
Canada is 145.5% more expensive
Australia is 193.0% more expensive
Germany is 89.5% more expensive
France is 75.6% more expensive
Spain is 58.3% more expensive
Italy is 47.8% more expensive
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs
- Share an apartment or house. Sharing apartments or houses with a roommate or flatmate is common in Chilean cities. Have a look at the following sites to see what’s available and what sharing costs: Erasmusu, EXPAT, Roomster, Roommates & Flat Finders, Prosper Star, Gabino Home-Punta Arenas, and Apartments in Arica.
- Different areas – different prices. Accommodation prices in cities such as Santiago, Arica, Punta Arenas, Valparaiso and La Serena are the most expensive but still very low compared with most countries. Rural areas are exceptionally cheap to live in but accommodation can be very basic.
3. Chilean Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Seafood obviously features heavily in Chilean cuisine, but the different cultures and geography translate into a variety of foods depending on the area. A wide array of empanadas are available on most street corners in the cities and towns of Chile. There are also speciality empanada shops in the larger cities. The markets are a riot of colour and sell a great selection of locally produced foods.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: CLP4,000 – CLP12,000
- Domestic beer: CLP1,500 – CLP4,500
- Coke/Pepsi: CLP800 – CLP2,000
- 1L of milk: CLP750 – CLP1,200
- Loaf of Bread: CLP700 – CLP2,500
- 12 Eggs: CLP1,440 – CLP3,600
- 1kg Chicken Fillets: CLP2,790 – CLP8,000
- 1kg Beef: CLP6,000 – CLP14,000
- 1kg Apples: CLP600 – CLP2,200
- 1kg White Rice: CLP800 – CLP1,813.70
Source: Numbeo
This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major countries in the world.
- UKrestaurants are 0% more expensive and groceries are 15.9% more expensive than in Chile.
- US restaurants are0% more expensive and groceries are 70.3% more expensive than in Chile.
- Canadian restaurants are 0% more expensive and groceries are 55.6% more expensive than in Chile.
- Australian restaurants are 6% more expensive and groceries are 81.6% more expensive than in Chile.
- Germanrestaurants are 3% more expensive and groceries are 22.1% more expensive than in Chile.
- French restaurants are5% more expensive and groceries are 55.1% more expensive than in Chile.
- Spanish restaurants are 5% more expensive and groceries are 2.0% cheaper than in Chile.
- Italian restaurants are 9% more expensive and groceries are 24.2% more expensive than in Chile.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries
- Know your supermarkets: Popular supermarkets in Chile are Lider (owned by Walmart), Unimarc, Jumbo, Tottus Falabella and Don Harry Mini Market. You’ll find a much better selection of fruit and veg in the local markets than in the supermarkets. Lider stocks a good selection of imported food, especially from the States. Locally owned small grocers carry local produce at very affordable prices. There are markets everywhere and they offer excellent value for money.
- Find Cheap Eats:Eating out in Chile is very affordable compared with many other countries. Have a look at the following sites for suggestions on finding cheap eats in various cities in Chile – Trip Adviser, Contact Chile, Yelp, Inca to Inuit and Rough Guides.
4. Chile Alcohol Costs
Chile produces some great wines. The wine growing regions are now seeing the beginning of a fast growing craft beer market. Beer has been brewed in Chile for centuries, starting with beer brewed from corn but young entrepreneurs are now expanding the Chilean beer industry with innovative and interesting craft beers. Chile’s national drink is pisco – a spirit which is distilled from wine/grapes which in no way resembles cognac.
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: CLP1,500 – CLP4,500
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: CLP2,000 – CLP5,000
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket: CLP714.29 – CLP1,800
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: CLP990 – CLP3,100
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: CLP3,000 – CLP7,000
Source: Numbeo
How to drink for less in Chile
- Alcohol is extremely affordable in Chile. Search online for supermarkets offering special holiday and weekend deals on various forms of alcohol.
- Happy hours are everywhere in the major cities of Brazil. Google your favourite bar, restaurant or club and find out which days/times they are offering two for one drinks. Have a look at the following sites for more tips on where to go to save money on a night out in various cities in Chile – Happy Hours in Santiago, Providencia Happy Hours, Top 8 Nightlife Cities in Chileand Drinks Specials & Food Deals – Happy Hour.
5. Chile Transportation Fares
Buses are the most common mode of transport in Chile. There are trains which link some of the major cities but they tend to be slower and more expensive than bus transport. However, they are option for travelling to neighbouring countries. For long distance travel within the country, there are buses equipped with reclining seats and sleeper compartments. Flying internally is reasonably priced and a lot quicker than sitting on a bus for up to 40 hours.
Santiago has a fast and reliable metro system. It’s more expensive than taking the bus but it’s a lot quicker, especially in rush hour. Expat gives you a lot of detailed information on the transport system in Chile.
Here are some example ticket costs.
- One-way ticket (Local transport: CLP500 – CLP850
- Monthly Pass, (Regular Price): CLP23,000 – CLP52,000
- Taxi start (normal tariff): CLP300 – CLP900
- Taxi 1km (normal tariff): CLP6,600 – CLP18,000
Source: Numbeo
How to save money on public transport
- Travel by bus to save money as they are the cheapest and convenient in Chile
- Buy a bip! card for savings on both bus and metro
- Ride a bike
6. Cost of Internet in Chile
Chile has excellent high speed internet. Here are some sample broadband internet prices for unlimited downloads in 2023.
- Mundo Pacifico– CLP17,551.20/Mo for 300 Mbit/s
- WOM Fibra– CLP9,970.40 to CLP17805.37/Mo for download speed from 100 Mbit/s to 940 Mbit/s.
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
Chile’s climate varies dramatically depending on which region you’re in – deserts in the north, a Mediterranean climate in the central parts, an oceanic climate in the south and lots of snow and freezing conditions in the Andes. The majority of Chile experiences a temperate climate, with temperatures ranging from 10C to 25C. Read this interesting blog – Pedal Chile – for a comprehensive breakdown on the five different climatic zones.
Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans: CLP20,000 – CLP58,000
- Summer Dress: CLP12,000 – CLP35,000
- Running Shoes (Trainers): CLP32,000 – CLP80,000
- Business Shoes: CLP40,000 – CLP90,000
- Short Doctor’s visit (15 mins): CLP38,665
- Deodorant: CLP3,979
- Shampoo: CLP3,874
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): CLP1,959
- Gym membership: CLP15,000 – CLP55,000
- Movie (cinema) ticket: CLP4,000 – CLP7,500
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Chile
You can drive on your home country’s licence for 90 days in Chile but once you have residency you will need to get a Chilean driving licence. Chile has excellent major roads, but you may come across potholes on the more rural routes. Parking can be an issue in the major cities, on both the availability and a cost front.
Buying a car involves time consuming bureaucracy but it’s definitely a lot cheaper than importing a car. Driving through South America is extremely popular and many travellers sell their cars at the end of their journey so there’s a good choice of vehicles in most major cities. Have look at Overland Buy and Sell and Chile Autos to view a wide range of vehicles being sold by overlanders and expats. Blue Marble Vagabonds have written an excellent blow by blow account on how to buy a car in Chile.
Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Chile:
- Volkswagen Golf:CLP10,190,000 – CLP17,000,000
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):CLP950 – CLP1,400
- Other fees (if any):The average monthly cost of owning and running a car in Chile is CLP172,000.
Ways to save money driving in Chile
- Car sharing or pooling is great if you are on a budget and want to save money. Try Carpoolworld, Car Sharing, and Comunidad Socialab.
- Hiring a taxi may be better for shorter trips, especially if you need to park your car for the day. Try Uberand DiDi.
Need your car/vehicle moved to Chile? Then read our guide to: Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping
9. Taxes in Chile
If you live in Chile for less than three years, you will only be taxed on your Chilean income. After being resident for over three years, you’ll be taxed on your worldwide income. The top rate of tax is 35.5% and set to increase to 40% by the end of 2023. Non-residents who provide technical (such as engineering) or professional (such as project management) support pay a flat rate of 15%.
VAT is 19% in Chile. Santander Bank give a good overview on the various taxes payable in Chile on both a personal and corporate level.
10. Flight Costs from Chile
If you do make the move to Chile, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:
- London: CLP502,677
- New York: CLP250,972
- Toronto: CLP236,778
- Sydney: CLP662,605
- Paris: CLP504,333
- Rome: CLP504,586
- Madrid: CLP506,328
- Berlin: CLP510,473
Other Chile Relocation Tips
The costs and prices provided above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Chile. However, perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Relocating to Chile Alone
Moving anywhere alone is challenging but Chileans are extremely welcoming, and there are large expat communities in the major centres which will make your move a lot easier. Below are a few tips about settling in Chile.
- Meetups:There’s a wide selection of Meetup groups in Chile covering everything from sport to socialising over a drink.
- Attend local events: Chileans will find any excuse to organise a party, festival or gathering – celebrations are in their blood. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – Eventbrite, Event Always, Expat Arrivals, iExplore and 10 Times.
12. Moving to Chile with a Family
Chile has a lot to offer families – nature reserves, city parks, zoos, museums and indoor amusement centres plus the beach and mountains.
- New parents (or parents to be): Find support groups for new parents and parents to be through Meetup and InterNations.
- Live in a family friendly area:Chile is considered a safe country. Petty crime does exist, especially in the popular tourist areas. Most expats live in the major cities such as Santiago, La Serena, Vina del Mar, Pucon and Puerto Varas.
- Find things to do with the kids:Chile has a lot to offer both adults and kids. Have a look at the following website for inspiration – Cascada, Chile with Kids, Visiting Chile with Kids, Chile Travel and Our Whole Village.
13. Moving to Chile for Work
Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.
Tourism and hospitality always have job openings for expats. Other sectors include mining, energy, food processing, timber and agriculture.
Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary:The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to be making to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale.
- How to find work: : If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Chile, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Internations,Indeed, Visa Hunter, Craigslist and Go Abroad. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
14. Moving to Chile from Australia
Chile is home to over 150 Australian companies, by far the biggest Aussie presence in South America. If you are moving from Australia to Chile and want to meet up with fellow Aussies, here are a few things to consider.
- Size comparison:Australia is 10 times bigger than Chile. The population of Australia is 25,978,953 compared with the population of Chile which is 19,532,426.
- Join expat groups:MeetUp, Internations and Facebook can be help you connect with other Australians in Chile.
15. Moving to Chile from Canada
Chile has a fair number of Canadian expats, particularly those on working holiday visas. If you’re considering making the move from Canada and want to meet the fellow Canadians, here are a few things to consider.
- Size:Canada is 13 times bigger than Chile with a population of 39,292,355 whereas Chile has a population of 19,532,426.
- Expat groups:Internations and MeetUp will help you connect with fellow Canadians.
16. Moving to Chile from the United Kingdom
There’s a fairly large Brit contingent living and working in Chile. If you’re considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size: Chile is 3.1 times bigger than the UK and the population of UK is 67,508,936, whereas the population of Chile is only 19,532,426.
- Expat groups:If you want to meet other Brits have a look at Internations and MeetUp.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Chile you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
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