Cost Comparison 2025

SantiagovsNew York

Chile
United States

Overall

💰

+81.8%

Santiago is 81.8%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+185.7%

Housing is 185.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+100.0%

Restaurants 100.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+81.8%

Food shopping 81.8% more

Comparing the cost of living between Santiago, Chile and New York, United States reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Santiago is more expensive than New York by approximately 81.8%. 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 New York by 65%. A one-bedroom apartment in Santiago's city center costs around CLP 500,000, while the same in New York is approximately $3,500.

Dining out in Santiago offers significant savings compared to New York. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CLP 7,000 in Santiago versus $20 in New York.

Public transportation in Santiago is more expensive, with monthly passes at CLP 33,000 compared to $127 in New York.

Purchasing power in New York 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 45%. 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 New York, the same lifestyle would cost around $779. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CLP 1,003,100 monthly in Santiago versus $2,727 in New York. 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
New York, United States

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CLP 500,000
$3,500
1BR Outside Center
CLP 350,000
$2,500
3BR City Center
CLP 900,000
$7,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CLP 7,000
$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CLP 40,000
$120
Cappuccino
CLP 3,000
$6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CLP 3,000
$8

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CLP 900
$2
Bread (500g)
CLP 1,000
$4
Eggs (12)
CLP 2,500
$5
Cheese (1kg)
CLP 8,000
$15

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CLP 800
$3
Monthly Pass
CLP 33,000
$127
Taxi Start
CLP 700
$5
Gasoline (1L)
CLP 1,200
$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CLP 80,000
$180
Internet (60 Mbps)
CLP 20,000
$70
Mobile Minute
CLP 100
$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Santiago to New York, 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 New York 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

New York

Cost of Living Index100
Rent Index100
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santiago more expensive than New York?

Yes, Santiago is approximately 81.8% more expensive than New York overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Santiago compared to New York?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.8x of your New York salary when living in Santiago. For example, if you earn $50,000 in New York, you'd need about $90,909 in Santiago for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Santiago and New York?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 65%, 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?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Santiago vs New York?

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 New York, these figures are $3,279 for singles and $7,227 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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