Cost Comparison 2025

SantiagovsRiyadh

Chile
Saudi Arabia

Overall

đź’°

0.0%

Santiago is 0.0%same cost

Rent

🏠

0.0%

Housing is 0.0% same

Dining

🍽️

0.0%

Restaurants 0.0% same

Groceries

đź›’

-5.5%

Food shopping 5.5% less

Comparing the cost of living between Santiago, Chile and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Santiago is similarly priced than Riyadh. 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 Riyadh. A one-bedroom apartment in Santiago's city center costs around CLP 500,000, while the same in Riyadh is approximately SAR 3,000.

Dining out in Santiago costs about the same compared to Riyadh. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CLP 7,000 in Santiago versus SAR 25 in Riyadh.

Public transportation in Santiago is more expensive, with monthly passes at CLP 33,000 compared to SAR 140 in Riyadh.

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

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 Riyadh, the same lifestyle would cost around SAR 1,307. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CLP 1,003,100 monthly in Santiago versus SAR 4,575 in Riyadh. 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
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CLP 500,000
SAR 3,000
1BR Outside Center
CLP 350,000
SAR 2,000
3BR City Center
CLP 900,000
SAR 6,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CLP 7,000
SAR 25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CLP 40,000
SAR 150
Cappuccino
CLP 3,000
SAR 15
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CLP 3,000
SAR 0

đź›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
CLP 900
SAR 6
Bread (500g)
CLP 1,000
SAR 3
Eggs (12)
CLP 2,500
SAR 8
Cheese (1kg)
CLP 8,000
SAR 35

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CLP 800
SAR 3
Monthly Pass
CLP 33,000
SAR 140
Taxi Start
CLP 700
SAR 10
Gasoline (1L)
CLP 1,200
SAR 2

đź’ˇ Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CLP 80,000
SAR 150
Internet (60 Mbps)
CLP 20,000
SAR 300
Mobile Minute
CLP 100
SAR 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Riyadh 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 Riyadh 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

Riyadh

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index90

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santiago more expensive than Riyadh?

The cost of living in Santiago and Riyadh is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 100% of your Riyadh salary when living in Santiago. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Riyadh, you'd need about $50,000 in Santiago for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Santiago and Riyadh?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 6%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Riyadh, these figures are SAR 3,307 for singles and SAR 8,575 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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