Cost Of Living For a Student in Rancagua 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Rancagua

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Rancagua?

Students in Rancagua spend around 1.2M CLP per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 180,000 CLP or as high as 7.7M CLP. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Rancagua?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Rancagua typically spend from 15% to 26% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 20% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 280,000 CLP with expenditure ranging from 43,000 CLP to 1.9M CLP. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Rancagua ranges from 4% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 46,000 CLP with 7,100 CLP and 310,000 CLP being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 12,000 CLP to 540,000 CLP in a month on commuting with 81,000 CLP being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 5% or as high as 11%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Rancagua is 230,000 CLP. The cost of groceries can range between 35,000 CLP to 1.5M CLP. Students spend on average about 22% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 16% and 26% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Rancagua allocate 5% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 11,000 CLP to 460,000 CLP with 69,000 CLP being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 8,900 CLP to 390,000 CLP with 58,000 CLP being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 19% of the monthly expenditure of students with 12% and 24% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 220,000 CLP per month with 34,000 CLP being the minimum spent amount and 1.5M CLP being the maximum.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

• 50% for needs and financial obligations

  This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

• 30% for wants and discretionary spending

  This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

• 20% for savings and emergency fund

  This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

Affordable living in Rancagua

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Rancagua?

Around 63% of surveyed students think that living in Rancagua is affordable with proper budgeting while 37% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Rancagua

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked students how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options55%

Few low-cost options45%

Based on the survey, 55% of the students living in Rancagua have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 45% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Students

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked students of Rancagua whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes60%

No40%

Based on the survey, 40% of the students living in Rancagua said that they don't have an emergency fund while 60% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Chile

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy63%

We asked student guardians and parents in Rancagua whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 37% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 63% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.

Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether students of Chile have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 35% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 65% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance35%

Easily manages finances65%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Rancagua

Rent Cost in Rancagua

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

200,000 CLP

300,000 CLP

810,000 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$210

$310

$830

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

300,000 CLP

490,000 CLP

1.2M CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$310

$500

$1,200

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

400,000 CLP

610,000 CLP

1.6M CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$420

$620

$1,700

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

490,000 CLP

810,000 CLP

2.2M CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$500

$830

$2,300

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

970,000 CLP

2.4M CLP

4.9M CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,000

$2,500

$5,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

810,000 CLP

1.2M CLP

3.5M CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$830

$1,200

$3,600

House monthly rent cost

970,000 CLP

2.4M CLP

4.9M CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,000

$2,500

$5,000

Villa monthly rent cost

1.2M CLP

3M CLP

4.9M CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,200

$3,100

$5,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Rancagua ranges between 200,000 CLP and 810,000 CLP, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 300,000 CLP to 1.2M CLP. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 400,000 CLP and 1.6M CLP per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 490,000 CLP to 2.2M CLP. The average rent of a townhouse in Rancagua is around 1.2M CLP while house rental costs can be as high as 2.4M CLP per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1.2M CLP to 4.9M CLP per month.

Apartment and house prices in Rancagua

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

40M CLP

61M CLP

120M CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$42,000

$62,000

$120,000

1-bedroom apartment price

49M CLP

81M CLP

300M CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$50,000

$83,000

$310,000

2-bedroom apartment price

81M CLP

240M CLP

490M CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$83,000

$250,000

$500,000

3-bedroom apartment price

270M CLP

400M CLP

1,200M CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$280,000

$420,000

$1.2M

Townhouse price

350M CLP

810M CLP

3,000M CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$360,000

$830,000

$3.1M

House price

400M CLP

2,400M CLP

3,500M CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$420,000

$2.5M

$3.6M

Villa price

490M CLP

2,700M CLP

4,000M CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$500,000

$2.8M

$4.2M

The average price of a studio apartment in Rancagua can range from 40M CLP to 120M CLP depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 49M CLP to 300M CLP. A villa can cost you 2,700M CLP on average with prices ranging from 490M CLP to 4,000M CLP.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Rancagua can be x97 to x188 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x97 multiples of the average monthly salary in Rancagua.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Rancagua is around 28%. This means that people pay 28% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 19% to 37% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Rancagua

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Rancagua

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

7,100 CLP

46,000 CLP

310,000 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$7.3

$48

$320

Internet and cable cost

14,000 CLP

27,000 CLP

37,000 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$14

$28

$38

Mobile phone bill and charges

11,000 CLP

18,000 CLP

55,000 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$11

$19

$56

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 46,000 CLP. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 14,000 CLP to 37,000 CLP with 27,000 CLP being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 18,000 CLP but can range between 11,000 CLP and 55,000 CLP depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.

Energy / Utility expense to income ratio

The average utility-to-income ratio in Rancagua is around 5.6%. This means that people pay 5.6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.8% to 9.3% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Rancagua

Prices and cost of goods and services in Rancagua

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

2,700 CLP

5,500 CLP

9,100 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.8

$5.6

$9.4

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Rancagua is approximatly 5,500 CLP with meal cost ranging from 2,700 CLP to 9,100 CLP. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

8,600 CLP

13,000 CLP

26,000 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$8.8

$13

$27

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 8,600 CLP and 26,000 CLP with 13,000 CLP being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Rancagua.

Fine dining meal for one price

17,000 CLP

26,000 CLP

100,000 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$18

$27

$110

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 17,000 CLP to 100,000 CLP with the average cost being 26,000 CLP for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Rancagua.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

2,300 CLP

3,700 CLP

5,500 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.3

$3.8

$5.6

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Rancagua is around 3,700 CLP. Price ranges between 2,300 CLP and 5,500 CLP depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

1,800 CLP

2,200 CLP

2,700 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.9

$2.3

$2.8

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Rancagua is 2,200 CLP. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 2,700 CLP and the minimum being 1,800 CLP depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

1,400 CLP

1,800 CLP

2,700 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.4

$1.9

$2.8

A dozen eggs costs around 1,800 CLP on average with 1,400 CLP and 2,700 CLP being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

3,100 CLP

4,000 CLP

5,700 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.2

$4.1

$5.9

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Rancagua is between 3,100 CLP and 5,700 CLP depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 4,000 CLP.

Pack of beef price

3,700 CLP

5,500 CLP

11,000 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.8

$5.6

$11

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 5,500 CLP. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

1,500 CLP

2,000 CLP

2,900 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.5

$2.1

$2.9

A bag of rice in Rancagua costs around 2,000 CLP on average with prices rangeing between 1,500 CLP and 2,900 CLP depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

550 CLP

730 CLP

1,400 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.56

$0.75

$1.4

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 550 CLP to 1,400 CLP. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

980 CLP

1,300 CLP

2,100 CLP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1

$1.3

$2.2

A bag of apples costs 1,300 CLP on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Rancagua is around 24%. This means that students spend 24% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 17% to 30% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students