Chile🇨🇱
At a Glance
How Chile compares across key indices
Cost of Living
38 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
39/100
Healthcare
64/100
Quality of Life
111/200
Climate
96/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Chile
Cost of Living
38
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
11
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
41
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
39
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Santiago
Cheapest$1,317/mo
Safety & Crime
Higher RiskHow safe residents feel in Chile — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
39/100
Crime Index
61/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
80/100
Crime perceived as increasing
Walking Safety
29 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 916 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Chile
Chile has 1 city with Numbeo data. Santiago has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $1,317. Santiago leads on safety, scoring 36/100. Santiago ranks highest for quality of life at 110/200.
Santiago
$1,317/mo
Santiago
36/100
Santiago
110/200
Santiago
66/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santiago | $1,317 | 36/100 | 110/200 | 66/100 | 71 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Chile
Healthcare Index
64/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 212 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Chile
Pollution Index
77/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 544 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Chile
Average One-Way Commute
36minutes
Average
Traffic Index
128
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
113
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
3.2kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 132 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Chile, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Chile?
Chile has a cost of living index of 38 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,317 in Santiago.
Is Chile safe for expats?
Chile has a safety index of 39/100, making it worth researching carefully before committing for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Santiago scores highest on safety at 36/100.
What is the best city in Chile for expats and digital nomads?
Santiago ranks highest for quality of life in Chile, scoring 110/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $1,317/mo for a single person.
How good is healthcare in Chile?
Chile scores 64/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it good by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Chile cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Chile's cost of living is roughly 62% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 89% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Chile?
Chile has a pollution index of 77/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Chile
Plan Your Move
Escape Plan Quiz
Find your best-fit country based on budget, climate, safety, and lifestyle priorities.
Salary Calculator
See what your income is actually worth after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
90-Day Move Planner
Your personalized countdown checklist — visas, banking, housing, and logistics.
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Set Up International Banking
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Get Connected
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet — sorted before you land.
Book Your First Accommodation
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Find Flights
Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.
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