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Cost of Living in Santiago

Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile · Population 7,171,000 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Chile average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$701,395 ($738)
Couple, monthly$1,258,843 ($1,325)
Family of four, monthly$1,641,455 ($1,728)

Estimated Prices in Santiago

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$7,040 ($7.41)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$28,158 ($29.64)per meal
Cappuccino$2,112 ($2.22)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$159,562 ($168)per month
Monthly public transport pass$25,812 ($27.17)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$68,049 ($71.63)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$19,711 ($20.75)per month
Fitness club membership$19,711 ($20.75)per month
Cinema ticket$5,162 ($5.43)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$333,636 ($351)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$232,095 ($244)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$696,284 ($733)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Santiago is $1,111,500 ($1,170) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $701,395 ($738) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $911,813 ($960) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($232,095 ($244)) represents about 33% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Santiago

Santiago vs ValparaísoSantiago vs ConcepciónSantiago vs Puente AltoSantiago vs MaipúSantiago vs La SerenaSantiago vs La Florida

Nearby Cities

Las Condes

7 km away · Región Metropolitana

Los Cerrillos

7 km away · Región Metropolitana

Macul

7 km away · Región Metropolitana

San Joaquín

8 km away · Región Metropolitana

Renca

9 km away · Región Metropolitana

La Reina

9 km away · Región Metropolitana

Conchalí

10 km away · Región Metropolitana

San Ramón

12 km away · Región Metropolitana

Other Major Cities in Chile

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

Viña del Mar

Valparaíso · pop. 332,875

$562,493 ($592) / mo

Living in Santiago

Santiago is the capital and one of the key cities in Chile. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $701,395 ($738), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $232,095 ($244) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $1,641,455 ($1,728) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $1,258,843 ($1,325) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Santiago is $1,111,500 ($1,170). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $911,813 ($960) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santiago expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $701,395 ($738) per month in Santiago including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Chile.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Santiago?
A net salary of around $911,813 ($960) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Santiago with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Santiago is $1,111,500 ($1,170).
How much is rent in Santiago?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $333,636 ($351) per month in the city centre and $232,095 ($244) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $696,284 ($733).
Is Santiago cheaper than Chile on average?
No — Santiago is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Chile average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Santiago?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $159,562 ($168) in Santiago. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $7,040 ($7) and a cappuccino runs around $2,112 ($2).
How do transport costs in Santiago compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Santiago is estimated at $25,812 ($27). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Santiago are estimates based on Chile national averages adjusted for city size (population 7,171,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.