Cost Comparison 2025

SantiagovsJakarta

Chile
Indonesia

Overall

đź’°

-18.2%

Santiago is 18.2%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-28.6%

Housing is 28.6% lower

Dining

🍽️

-30.0%

Restaurants 30.0% cheaper

Groceries

đź›’

-9.1%

Food shopping 9.1% less

Comparing the cost of living between Santiago, Chile and Jakarta, Indonesia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Santiago is more affordable than Jakarta by approximately 18.2%. 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 Jakarta by 40%. A one-bedroom apartment in Santiago's city center costs around CLP 500,000, while the same in Jakarta is approximately IDR 8,000,000.

Dining out in Santiago is notably more expensive compared to Jakarta. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CLP 7,000 in Santiago versus IDR 35,000 in Jakarta.

Public transportation in Santiago is more affordable, with monthly passes at CLP 33,000 compared to IDR 150,000 in Jakarta.

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

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 Jakarta, the same lifestyle would cost around IDR 3,350,000. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CLP 1,003,100 monthly in Santiago versus IDR 11,725,000 in Jakarta. 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
Jakarta, Indonesia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CLP 500,000
IDR 8,000,000
1BR Outside Center
CLP 350,000
IDR 4,500,000
3BR City Center
CLP 900,000
IDR 18,000,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CLP 7,000
IDR 35,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CLP 40,000
IDR 250,000
Cappuccino
CLP 3,000
IDR 35,000
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CLP 3,000
IDR 40,000

đź›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
CLP 900
IDR 20,000
Bread (500g)
CLP 1,000
IDR 15,000
Eggs (12)
CLP 2,500
IDR 25,000
Cheese (1kg)
CLP 8,000
IDR 120,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CLP 800
IDR 5,000
Monthly Pass
CLP 33,000
IDR 150,000
Taxi Start
CLP 700
IDR 7,500
Gasoline (1L)
CLP 1,200
IDR 10,000

đź’ˇ Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CLP 80,000
IDR 1,200,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
CLP 20,000
IDR 400,000
Mobile Minute
CLP 100
IDR 1,500

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Jakarta 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 Jakarta 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

Jakarta

Cost of Living Index45
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index30

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santiago more expensive than Jakarta?

No, Santiago is approximately 18.2% cheaper than Jakarta. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 85% of your Jakarta salary when living in Santiago. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Jakarta, you'd need about $42,308 in Santiago for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Santiago and Jakarta?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 43%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. 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 Jakarta for affordability.

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

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 Jakarta, these figures are IDR 7,850,000 for singles and IDR 21,725,000 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Santiago and Jakarta in 2025 shows notable 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 Jakarta to maintain your lifestyle from Santiago

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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