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Cost of Living in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins, Chile · Population 34,914

▼ -16% vs Chile average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$471,468 ($496)
Couple, monthly$842,046 ($886)
Family of four, monthly$1,094,053 ($1,152)

Estimated Prices in Santa Cruz

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$4,874 ($5.13)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$19,494 ($20.52)per meal
Cappuccino$1,462 ($1.54)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$110,466 ($116)per month
Monthly public transport pass$17,870 ($18.81)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$47,111 ($49.59)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$13,646 ($14.36)per month
Fitness club membership$13,646 ($14.36)per month
Cinema ticket$3,574 ($3.76)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$210,692 ($222)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$146,568 ($154)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$439,704 ($463)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Santa Cruz is $769,500 ($810) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $471,468 ($496) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $612,909 ($645) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($146,568 ($154)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz vs SantiagoSanta Cruz vs ValparaísoSanta Cruz vs ConcepciónSanta Cruz vs Puente AltoSanta Cruz vs MaipúSanta Cruz vs La Serena

Nearby Cities

Palmilla

4 km away · Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins

Chépica

13 km away · Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins

Nancagua

14 km away · Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins

Peralillo

20 km away · Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins

Teno

31 km away · Maule

Chimbarongo

31 km away · Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins

Peumo

32 km away · Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins

Pichidegua

32 km away · Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins

Other Major Cities in Chile

Santiago

Región Metropolitana · pop. 7,171,000

$701,395 ($738) / mo

Valparaíso

Valparaíso · pop. 952,000

$562,493 ($592) / mo

Concepción

Biobío · pop. 719,944

$562,493 ($592) / mo

Puente Alto

Región Metropolitana · pop. 573,935

$562,493 ($592) / mo

Maipú

Región Metropolitana · pop. 521,627

$562,493 ($592) / mo

La Serena

Coquimbo · pop. 401,938

$562,493 ($592) / mo

La Florida

Región Metropolitana · pop. 366,916

$562,493 ($592) / mo

Antofagasta

Antofagasta · pop. 348,517

$562,493 ($592) / mo

Living in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is one of the key cities in Chile. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $471,468 ($496), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $146,568 ($154) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $1,094,053 ($1,152) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $842,046 ($886) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Santa Cruz is $769,500 ($810). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $612,909 ($645) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santa Cruz expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $471,468 ($496) per month in Santa Cruz including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Chile.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Santa Cruz?
A net salary of around $612,909 ($645) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Santa Cruz with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Santa Cruz is $769,500 ($810).
How much is rent in Santa Cruz?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $210,692 ($222) per month in the city centre and $146,568 ($154) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $439,704 ($463).
Is Santa Cruz cheaper than Chile on average?
Yes — Santa Cruz is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Chile average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Santa Cruz?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $110,466 ($116) in Santa Cruz. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $4,874 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around $1,462 ($2).
How do transport costs in Santa Cruz compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Santa Cruz is estimated at $17,870 ($19). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Santa Cruz are estimates based on Chile national averages adjusted for city size (population 34,914). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.