Cost Comparison 2025

SantiagovsHanoi

Chile
Vietnam

Overall

💰

-23.6%

Santiago is 23.6%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-37.1%

Housing is 37.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

-30.0%

Restaurants 30.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-18.2%

Food shopping 18.2% less

Comparing the cost of living between Santiago, Chile and Hanoi, Vietnam reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Santiago is more affordable than Hanoi by approximately 23.6%. 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 higher than in Hanoi by 59%. A one-bedroom apartment in Santiago's city center costs around CLP 500,000, while the same in Hanoi is approximately ₫12,000,000.

Dining out in Santiago is notably more expensive compared to Hanoi. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CLP 7,000 in Santiago versus ₫50,000 in Hanoi.

Public transportation in Santiago is more affordable, with monthly passes at CLP 33,000 compared to ₫200,000 in Hanoi.

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

Grocery shopping in Santiago is more expensive by approximately 22%. 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 Santiago can expect to spend approximately CLP 286,600 per month (excluding rent), while in Hanoi, the same lifestyle would cost around ₫4,820,000. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CLP 1,003,100 monthly in Santiago versus ₫16,870,000 in Hanoi. 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
Hanoi, Vietnam

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CLP 500,000
₫12,000,000
1BR Outside Center
CLP 350,000
₫7,000,000
3BR City Center
CLP 900,000
₫25,000,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CLP 7,000
₫50,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CLP 40,000
₫400,000
Cappuccino
CLP 3,000
₫50,000
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CLP 3,000
₫25,000

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CLP 900
₫35,000
Bread (500g)
CLP 1,000
₫20,000
Eggs (12)
CLP 2,500
₫35,000
Cheese (1kg)
CLP 8,000
₫350,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CLP 800
₫8,000
Monthly Pass
CLP 33,000
₫200,000
Taxi Start
CLP 700
₫15,000
Gasoline (1L)
CLP 1,200
₫24,000

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CLP 80,000
₫2,000,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
CLP 20,000
₫200,000
Mobile Minute
CLP 100
₫2,000

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Hanoi to Santiago, 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 Santiago to Hanoi 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

Hanoi

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index22
Purchasing Power Index28

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santiago more expensive than Hanoi?

No, Santiago is approximately 23.6% cheaper than Hanoi. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 81% of your Hanoi salary when living in Santiago. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Hanoi, you'd need about $40,441 in Santiago for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Santiago and Hanoi?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 59%, 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?

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

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

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 Hanoi, these figures are ₫11,820,000 for singles and ₫31,870,000 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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