Calama, Chile
The heart of Chile's copper mining industry, a high-desert city near the world's largest open-pit copper mine.
Overview
Calama is a city in AN with a population of 180,000. The heart of Chile’s copper mining industry, a high-desert city near the world’s largest open-pit copper mine. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 310 sunny days a year.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Above Average vs Chile Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Calama vs Chile Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 35.0%
- Sales Tax: 19.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: CLP$10,000,000
- Unemployment: 7.0%
- Population: 180,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 310/year
- Summer High: 80°F
- Winter Low: 55°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: CLP$55,000,000
- 1BR Rent: CLP$350000/mo
Cost of Living
Calama's cost of living index is 105 (Chile average = 100).
| Category | Calama | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
| Housing | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
Data source: INE Chile / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | CLP$55,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | CLP$350000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | CLP$437,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | CLP$36,666 |
Data source: Portal Inmobiliario / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Calama:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | CLP$22800 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | CLP$12000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | CLP$15000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | CLP$49800 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CNE, SEC, SUBTEL 2025
Remote Work Score
Calama scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Calama has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 75°F | 55°F | 2.5" |
| April | 65°F | 70°F | 2.8" |
| July | 80°F | 55°F | 1.5" |
| October | 60°F | 73°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Calama faces the following natural hazards:
Located in a highly active seismic zone with frequent major earthquakes.
Active volcanic chain in the Andes.
Pacific coast vulnerable to tsunamis.
Central Chile has frequent wildfires.
Central Chile experiences frequent droughts.
Andean region with landslides.
Andean region with frequent avalanches.
River and flash floods.
Southern Chile and Patagonia experience winter storms.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 35%
- Sales Tax: 19%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 7.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Calama per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day) in September is a major holiday.
Demographics
The population of Calama is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: INE Census (2017)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Calama, Chile?
The cost of living index in Calama is 105, which is Higher the Chile national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Calama?
The median home price in Calama is CLP$55,000,000. The housing index is 120.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Calama is approximately CLP$350000/mo.
Does Calama, AN have income tax?
Calama is in AN, which has an income tax rate of 35%.
What is the climate like in Calama?
Calama enjoys approximately 310 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 55°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: INE Chile / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Portal Inmobiliario / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: INE Chile Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities CNE, SEC, SUBTEL 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.