The Global Expat Hub
Chile
The most stable, developed economy in South America, with desert, Andes, wine and Patagonia in one ribbon of a country; Santiago's smog and the earthquake risk are real.
Your plan for Chile checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Chile
Costs and character vary significantly within Chile. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
South America's most modern capital — safe, efficient and well-equipped
Bohemian port city with colourful hillside homes and artistic energy
Beach resort next to Valparaíso — more affluent and family-friendly
Chile by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Atacama desert north, Mediterranean centre (Santiago: hot dry summers, cool wet winters), temperate rainforest and glaciers south.
Mean temperatures for Santiago.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 350 mm (14 in) a year.
Snow Andes; rare in Santiago.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationLey Chile (National Library of Congress) ↗
OverviewLaw of Chile on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax Contribuciones ~1.2% of fiscal value, many homes exempt.
Local & regional income tax None regional; national 0–40%.
🎓 University
Free (gratuidad) for lower-income Chileans; otherwise $4–10k/yr.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Entel, Movistar, Claro, WOM.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $12/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $15 for 10 GB.
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🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Rentista residence on ~$1,500/mo
- Foreign income untaxed for the first 3 years of residency
- Fastest fibre broadband in the Americas
- Investor and entrepreneur visas
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Chile embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Chile faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Chile: remote work you can do from Santiago, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Chile and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chile safe for expats?
Chile scores 64 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 65 out of 100 for liveability — #44 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Chile?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Chile from around $2,000 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Chile?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Chile include: Rentista residence on ~$1,500/mo; foreign income untaxed for the first 3 years of residency; fastest fibre broadband in the Americas; investor and entrepreneur visas. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Chile for expats?
The top cities for expats in Chile profiled on this page are Santiago, Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Santiago is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.