Skyline of Santiago
Cost of Living: 110 6,269,384

Santiago, RM, Chile

Chile's vibrant capital and economic hub, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes Mountains with world-class museums and cuisine.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 110

Above Average vs Chile Avg (100)

Housing Index 140

Above Average

Median Income CLP$12,000,000

Household income

Unemployment 8.5%

Job market health

Santiago vs Chile Average

Cost of Living
Santiago: 110
Chile Avg: 100
Housing Index
Santiago: 140
Chile Avg: 100
Income Tax
Santiago: 35%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 35.0%
  • VAT: 19.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: CLP$12,000,000
  • Unemployment: 8.5%
  • Population: 6,269,384

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 200/year
  • Summer High: 85°F
  • Winter Low: 38°F

Housing

  • Median Home: CLP$80,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: CLP$450000/mo

Cost of Living

Santiago's cost of living index is 110 (Chile average = 100).

CategorySantiagoNational AverageDifference
Overall110100+10.0%
Housing140100+40.0%

Data source: INE Chile / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceCLP$80,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)CLP$450000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)CLP$562,500/mo
Price per Sq FtCLP$53,333

Data source: Portal Inmobiliario / Numbeo, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

CLP$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
CLP$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Santiago:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityCLP$15000Based on ~200 kWh/month typical Chilean household usage
Heating & CoolingCLP$10858Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterCLP$8000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)CLP$15000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashCLP$5000Private service
Total UtilitiesCLP$53858Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: CNE, SEC, SUBTEL 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Santiago

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: CLP$540,000/mo.

Santiago Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: CLP$495,000/mo.

East Santiago

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: CLP$405,000/mo.

West Santiago

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: CLP$427,500/mo.

Remote Work Score

Santiago scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
110
Rent
CLP$450000
Sunny Days
200
Tax
35%
Unemployment
8.5%
Climate
85°F / 38°F

Climate

Santiago has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January58°F38°F2.5"
April70°F53°F2.8"
July85°F60°F1.5"
October65°F56°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 35%
  • VAT: 19%
  • Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 8.5%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Santiago per 100,000 residents:

150.0
Violent Crime
1,500.0
Property Crime
4.5
Homicide

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

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 Santiago, RM, Chile?

The cost of living index in Santiago is 110, which is Higher the Chile national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Santiago?

The median home price in Santiago is CLP$80,000,000. The housing index is 140.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Santiago is approximately CLP$450000/mo.

Does Santiago, RM have income tax?

Santiago is in RM, which has an income tax rate of 35%.

What is the climate like in Santiago?

Santiago enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 85°F, while winter lows can drop to around 38°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: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.