Are you a first-time homebuyer or looking to rent in Chile?
If so, you’re in for a real treat.
Chile is located in South America.
It borders other countries, including Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina.
But if expenses are your main concern, this guide will help you explore some of the more affordable options.
Without rent, one person can live quite comfortably in Chile for just over $500 a month.
So, before you take the plunge, read on to learn about some of the most affordable towns in Chile to live in.
11 of the Cheapest Places to Live in Chile
1. Santiago
Santiago, Chile, is the first place on the list that offers affordable living.
Santiago is the capital of Chile and is located along the Mapocho River.
Not only is Santiago the capital of Chile, but it’s also the largest city in the country.
Nearly 6,930,479 people live in Santiago.
Santiago has a really low cost of living for it to be considered a large, popular town.
Residents living here pay an average monthly cost of $1,065.
The average rent can range from $486 to $869 per month, depending on your family size.
If Santiago sounds like a place you could see yourself living, check out Sky Costanera, the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, and Cenco Costanera, a huge shopping mall in the city.
2. Viña del Mar
Viña del Mar is also referred to as the “Garden City.”
It’s a wonderful city to live in if you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to call home.
Just about 333,000 people call Viña del Mar home.
So, what’s so special about Viña del Mar, you ask?
The city is within the top 33% of the least expensive cities in the world.
One person pays an average of $854 per month to live comfortably in Viña del Mar, while a family of four pays about $2,151 per month, not including rent.
Rent, on the other hand, ranges from $386 to $759 per month.
No matter what you like to do, Viña del Mar offers a plethora of attractions.
Check out Wulff Castle, Quinta Vergara, and Flower Clock, all of which are known tourist attractions in the city.
3. San Bernardo
Also, worth considering is San Bernardo. San Bernardo is considered the capital city of Maipo Province.
It made the list because it also happens to be one of the cheapest places to live in Chile.
One person pays around $763 per month in San Bernardo, while a family of four costs about $2,053 per month.
Rent can range anywhere from $312 to $697 per month.
Just about 301,000 people call San Bernardo home.
The city also happens to be within the top 30% of the least expensive cities in the world.
Whether you enjoy hiking, shopping, or water sports, you can check out several attractions around town.
There are four scenic trails in the area, perfect for hiking.
You can also check out The Museo del Palacio, and Ailhuen del Maipo.
4. Puente Alto
Located in Chile’s Santiago Metropolitan Region is Puente Alto.
Puente Alto also happens to be the capital of the Cordillera
Province and yet another affordable town to consider living in.
Puente Alto is well known for being a wine region, offering plenty of high-quality wines.
More than 574,000 people are living in Puneto Alto.
On average, these residents pay about $862 per month, while a family of four pays about $2,196 per month.
Renters pay anywhere between $365 and $709 to live in the city.
Puente Alto offers a host of attractions to enjoy.
For instance, feel free to visit Jumper Trampoline Park if you have children.
You can also check out Mampato Punete Alto, and La Platina Park.
5. Temuco
If you’re looking for an affordable place to live in Chile that has a lot of history, consider Temuco.
It’s an ancient town, founded in 1881.
Temuco is located in the southern region of the country.
It is also the capital of Cautin Province and is located 416 miles from Santiago.
You can feel confident knowing that Temuco offers plenty of living options that will meet your budget.
For instance, one person pays around $820 per month to live in the city, while a family of four pays roughly $1,891 per month.
Rent may range from $389 to $626 per month, depending on where in the city you are looking to stay.
Some of the most notable attractions in Temuco include Plaza Anibal Pinto, Cautin Island Urban Park, and Casino Dreams Temuco.
6. Valparaiso
Valparaíso is located just 75 miles from Santiago, the capital of Chile.
Valparaiso is referred to as the “Jewel of the Pacific.”
It is also considered the third-largest metropolitan area in Chile.
More than 297,000 people live in the city.
It’s also one of the most affordable places to live in the country, hence the reason it made the list.
Not including rent, one person can live comfortably on $888 per month, while a family of four can live off $2,204 per month.
Renting in the city is also relatively cheap, ranging from $425 to $628 a month.
Are you wondering what attractions are available in Valparaíso?
One thing is for certain: you’ll never run out of things to do living here.
Consider visiting Plaza Sotomayor, Cerro Alegre, or Baburizza Palace.
7. Quillota
Next on the list is Quillota. Quillota is located in the Valparaiso Region of Chile.
It is well known for having a traditional layout and beautiful architecture.
Various towns surround Quillota, including San Isidro, San Pedro, Pocochay, and La Palma.
It’s also an affordable place to live.
So how cheap is it to live in Quillota, you ask?
The average cost of living with rent for one person is $828 per month.
The average per month for a family of four, including rent, is $1,965.
Rent alone can range from $400 to $674 per month.
There are several attractions to enjoy in Quillota.
Some of these places include Aconcagua Park, Parque Paraiso Escalante, and Plaza De Armas Quillota.
8. Los Andes
Los Andes, Chile, is another amazing and affordable city to consider moving to.
Los Andes is infamous for its proximity to Uspallata Pass, a beautiful mountain route, and Portillo ski resort.
It’s a town full of history, so it has been around since 1791.
Before moving to Los Andes, it’s important to know what you’re able to afford.
One person costs around $743 per month with rent, while a family of four will pay around $1,743 per month with rent.
Rentals are cheap in town, ranging from $471 to $581 per month.
Los Andes offers a variety of attractions, from museums to parks. Consider visiting Observatorio Pocuro, Flaherty Wines, and Termas Heart for some fun.
9. Talcahuano
Talcahuano is a town in Chile with a vibrant culture, a rich history, and affordable living.
Talcahuano is known for being a historic port town and has a great deal of naval history.
Nearly 148,000 people call Talcahuano home.
It’s also home to the University of Concepción, which is one of the most respected and oldest universities in the country.
Are you able to afford to live in Talcahuano?
The cost of living can range anywhere from $686 to $1,689 per month, depending on whether you’re a single individual or have a family.
Rent by itself can range from $279 to $450 per month, which is extremely affordable.
You’ll never run out of things to do in Talcahuano.
Several attractions around the city include Casino Marina del Sol, Huascar, and Ramuncho.
10. Los Angeles
California isn’t the only place that has Los Angeles.
There’s also a Los Angeles in Chile. Los Angeles is the capital of Bio Bio Province and is located in the center of the country.
Nearly 186,000 people are living in Los Angeles.
In terms of affordability, Los Angeles offers it all.
A single person pays around $757 per month, including rent, to live in Los Angeles, while a family of four pays around $1,711 per month.
Rent can range from $341 to $477 per month by itself.
Consider visiting Plaza Pinto, Laguna Esmeralda, Magna Sports, and Artequin, a well-known art museum in the area, for an enjoyable experience.
11. Quilpue
Finally, we have Quilpue.
It’s a town in Chile that has a rich history, a tight-knit community, and natural beauty.
There’s so much to know about Quilpue, including hidden caves, annual festivals, and much more.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a place that offers not only affordability but excellent weather, you’re in for a real treat.
The average cost of living for a single person living in Quilpue is around $825 per month.
A family of four pays around $1,994 per month.
Rent alone can range from $394 to $701 per month, including utilities.
Regarding attractions in the city, there’s so much to enjoy. Visit Quilpue Zoo, RedKids Trampoline Park, and Quinta Vergara.
Chile Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Chile Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost a family of four to live comfortably in Chile?
Costs are estimated to be around $2,452 per month for a family of four living in Chile.
As mentioned earlier, one person will pay anywhere between $500 and $700 per month, excluding rent.
Is it cheaper to live in Chile compared to the United States?
In terms of South America, Chile has the highest cost of living in the country.
But, compared to the U.S., it’s more than affordable for those looking to relocate here.
Overall, Chile is 46% cheaper than the United States.
Is the cost of living affordable for retirees living in Chile?
Yes, Chile is quite affordable for retirees living in the country.
Retirees can live on about $3,000 per month.
A single retiree will probably pay around $1,808 per month, including rent.
