Cost Comparison 2025

SantiagovsCopenhagen

Chile
Denmark

Overall

💰

+60.0%

Santiago is 60.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+100.0%

Housing is 100.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+90.0%

Restaurants 90.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+54.5%

Food shopping 54.5% more

Comparing the cost of living between Santiago, Chile and Copenhagen, Denmark reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Santiago is more expensive than Copenhagen by approximately 60.0%. 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 Santiago are lower than in Copenhagen by 50%. A one-bedroom apartment in Santiago's city center costs around CLP 500,000, while the same in Copenhagen is approximately DKK 12,000.

Dining out in Santiago offers significant savings compared to Copenhagen. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CLP 7,000 in Santiago versus DKK 120 in Copenhagen.

Public transportation in Santiago is more expensive, with monthly passes at CLP 33,000 compared to DKK 750 in Copenhagen.

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

Grocery shopping in Santiago is more affordable by approximately 35%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Santiago can expect to spend approximately CLP 286,600 per month (excluding rent), while in Copenhagen, the same lifestyle would cost around DKK 4,448. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CLP 1,003,100 monthly in Santiago versus DKK 15,568 in Copenhagen. 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
Santiago, Chile
Copenhagen, Denmark

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CLP 500,000
DKK 12,000
1BR Outside Center
CLP 350,000
DKK 9,000
3BR City Center
CLP 900,000
DKK 22,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CLP 7,000
DKK 120
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CLP 40,000
DKK 700
Cappuccino
CLP 3,000
DKK 45
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CLP 3,000
DKK 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CLP 900
DKK 12
Bread (500g)
CLP 1,000
DKK 20
Eggs (12)
CLP 2,500
DKK 25
Cheese (1kg)
CLP 8,000
DKK 80

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CLP 800
DKK 24
Monthly Pass
CLP 33,000
DKK 750
Taxi Start
CLP 700
DKK 50
Gasoline (1L)
CLP 1,200
DKK 13

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CLP 80,000
DKK 1,200
Internet (60 Mbps)
CLP 20,000
DKK 300
Mobile Minute
CLP 100
DKK 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Santiago to Copenhagen, 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 Copenhagen 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

Santiago

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index50

Copenhagen

Cost of Living Index88
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santiago more expensive than Copenhagen?

Yes, Santiago is approximately 60.0% more expensive than Copenhagen overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.6x of your Copenhagen salary when living in Santiago. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Copenhagen, you'd need about $80,000 in Santiago for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Santiago and Copenhagen?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 50%, 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?

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

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

In Santiago, a single person needs approximately CLP 636,600 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CLP 1,653,100. In Copenhagen, these figures are DKK 13,448 for singles and DKK 31,568 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Santiago and Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen to maintain your lifestyle from Santiago

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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