Cost Comparison 2025

AtlantavsSantiago

United States
Chile

Overall

💰

-26.7%

Atlanta is 26.7%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-41.7%

Housing is 41.7% lower

Dining

🍽️

-28.6%

Restaurants 28.6% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-26.7%

Food shopping 26.7% less

Comparing the cost of living between Atlanta, United States and Santiago, Chile reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Atlanta is more affordable than Santiago by approximately 26.7%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Atlanta are higher than in Santiago by 71%. A one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta's city center costs around $1,900, while the same in Santiago is approximately CLP 500,000.

Dining out in Atlanta is notably more expensive compared to Santiago. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $16 in Atlanta versus CLP 7,000 in Santiago.

Public transportation in Atlanta is more affordable, with monthly passes at $95 compared to CLP 33,000 in Santiago.

Purchasing power in Atlanta is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Santiago.

Grocery shopping in Atlanta is more expensive by approximately 36%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Atlanta can expect to spend approximately $572 per month (excluding rent), while in Santiago, the same lifestyle would cost around CLP 286,600. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $2,003 monthly in Atlanta versus CLP 1,003,100 in Santiago. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Atlanta, United States
Santiago, Chile

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$1,900
CLP 500,000
1BR Outside Center
$1,400
CLP 350,000
3BR City Center
$3,500
CLP 900,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$16
CLP 7,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$80
CLP 40,000
Cappuccino
$5
CLP 3,000
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$6
CLP 3,000

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$1
CLP 900
Bread (500g)
$3
CLP 1,000
Eggs (12)
$4
CLP 2,500
Cheese (1kg)
$12
CLP 8,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
CLP 800
Monthly Pass
$95
CLP 33,000
Taxi Start
$4
CLP 700
Gasoline (1L)
$1
CLP 1,200

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$130
CLP 80,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
$60
CLP 20,000
Mobile Minute
$0
CLP 100

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Santiago to Atlanta, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Atlanta to Santiago requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Atlanta

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index60
Purchasing Power Index108

Santiago

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index50

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta more expensive than Santiago?

No, Atlanta is approximately 26.7% cheaper than Santiago. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Atlanta compared to Santiago?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 79% of your Santiago salary when living in Atlanta. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Santiago, you'd need about $39,474 in Atlanta for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Atlanta and Santiago?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 71%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Atlanta offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Atlanta provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Atlanta if you prioritize earning potential, or Santiago for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Atlanta vs Santiago?

In Atlanta, a single person needs approximately $1,972 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $4,503. In Santiago, these figures are CLP 636,600 for singles and CLP 1,653,100 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Atlanta and Santiago in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Santiago to maintain your lifestyle from Atlanta

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers