Cost Comparison 2025

SantiagovsMoscow

Chile
Russia

Overall

đź’°

-9.1%

Santiago is 9.1%cheaper

Rent

🏠

0.0%

Housing is 0.0% same

Dining

🍽️

+10.0%

Restaurants 10.0% pricier

Groceries

đź›’

-18.2%

Food shopping 18.2% less

Comparing the cost of living between Santiago, Chile and Moscow, Russia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Santiago is more affordable than Moscow by approximately 9.1%. 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 similar than in Moscow. A one-bedroom apartment in Santiago's city center costs around CLP 500,000, while the same in Moscow is approximately RUB 80,000.

Dining out in Santiago costs about the same compared to Moscow. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CLP 7,000 in Santiago versus RUB 600 in Moscow.

Public transportation in Santiago is more expensive, with monthly passes at CLP 33,000 compared to RUB 2,700 in Moscow.

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 Moscow, the same lifestyle would cost around RUB 23,560. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CLP 1,003,100 monthly in Santiago versus RUB 82,460 in Moscow. 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
Moscow, Russia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CLP 500,000
RUB 80,000
1BR Outside Center
CLP 350,000
RUB 45,000
3BR City Center
CLP 900,000
RUB 150,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CLP 7,000
RUB 600
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CLP 40,000
RUB 3,000
Cappuccino
CLP 3,000
RUB 200
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CLP 3,000
RUB 200

đź›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
CLP 900
RUB 90
Bread (500g)
CLP 1,000
RUB 45
Eggs (12)
CLP 2,500
RUB 120
Cheese (1kg)
CLP 8,000
RUB 700

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CLP 800
RUB 60
Monthly Pass
CLP 33,000
RUB 2,700
Taxi Start
CLP 700
RUB 150
Gasoline (1L)
CLP 1,200
RUB 55

đź’ˇ Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CLP 80,000
RUB 8,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
CLP 20,000
RUB 600
Mobile Minute
CLP 100
RUB 3

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Moscow 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 Moscow 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

Moscow

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index50

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santiago more expensive than Moscow?

No, Santiago is approximately 9.1% cheaper than Moscow. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 92% of your Moscow salary when living in Santiago. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Moscow, you'd need about $45,833 in Santiago for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Santiago and Moscow?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 22%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Moscow 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 cultural experiences, or Moscow for affordability.

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

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 Moscow, these figures are RUB 68,560 for singles and RUB 167,460 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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