Cost Of Living For a Student in Santiago 2025
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: CLP
Average monthly spending for students in Santiago
How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Santiago?
Students in Santiago spend around 1.4M CLP per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 220,000 CLP or as high as 9.6M CLP. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Santiago
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
| 2,700 CLP | 5,400 CLP | 9,100 CLP |
Restaurant meal for one
| 9,600 CLP | 14,000 CLP | 29,000 CLP |
Fine dining meal for one
| 19,000 CLP | 29,000 CLP | 110,000 CLP |
Cappuccino or latte
| 2,300 CLP | 3,600 CLP | 5,400 CLP |
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
| 1,800 CLP | 2,200 CLP | 2,700 CLP |
12 eggs
| 1,400 CLP | 1,800 CLP | 2,700 CLP |
Fresh whole chicken
| 3,100 CLP | 4,000 CLP | 5,700 CLP |
Pack of beef
| 3,600 CLP | 5,400 CLP | 11,000 CLP |
Medium bag of rice
| 1,500 CLP | 2,000 CLP | 2,800 CLP |
Bag of tomatos
| 540 CLP | 720 CLP | 1,400 CLP |
Bag of apples
| 970 CLP | 1,300 CLP | 2,100 CLP |
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
| 2,400 CLP | 2,900 CLP | 5,700 CLP |
Average car full tank
| 14,000 CLP | 18,000 CLP | 36,000 CLP |
Average car 1-day rental
| 15,000 CLP | 20,000 CLP | 30,000 CLP |
Average car price
Bus ticket one way
| 510 CLP | 760 CLP | 1,500 CLP |
Car Service
| 20,000 CLP | 30,000 CLP | 61,000 CLP |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Student
| 8,800 CLP | 58,000 CLP | 390,000 CLP |
Internet and cable
| 14,000 CLP | 27,000 CLP | 36,000 CLP |
Mobile phone charges
| 11,000 CLP | 18,000 CLP | 54,000 CLP |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
| 6,800 CLP | 9,100 CLP | 14,000 CLP |
One month gym membership
| 24,000 CLP | 30,000 CLP | 61,000 CLP |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
| 18,000 CLP | 25,000 CLP | 38,000 CLP |
Woman dress
| 17,000 CLP | 23,000 CLP | 76,000 CLP |
Woman shoes
| 16,000 CLP | 22,000 CLP | 51,000 CLP |
Men's shoes
| 14,000 CLP | 17,000 CLP | 34,000 CLP |
Men suit
| 15,000 CLP | 19,000 CLP | 100,000 CLP |
Regular t-shirt
| 7,600 CLP | 10,000 CLP | 30,000 CLP |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 250,000 CLP | 380,000 CLP | 1M CLP |
1-bedroom apartment
| 380,000 CLP | 610,000 CLP | 1.5M CLP |
2-bedroom apartment
| 510,000 CLP | 760,000 CLP | 2M CLP |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment
| 61M CLP | 100M CLP | 380M CLP |
| $62,000 | $100,000 | $390,000 |
2-bedroom apartment
| 100M CLP | 300M CLP | 610M CLP |
| $100,000 | $310,000 | $620,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 270,000 CLP | 340,000 CLP | 450,000 CLP |
Double Bed
| 180,000 CLP | 270,000 CLP | 340,000 CLP |
Single Bed
| 160,000 CLP | 210,000 CLP | 270,000 CLP |
Living Room
| 300,000 CLP | 390,000 CLP | 1.4M CLP |
Dining Table
| 140,000 CLP | 180,000 CLP | 340,000 CLP |
Sofa or Couch
| 180,000 CLP | 250,000 CLP | 540,000 CLP |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 180,000 CLP | 270,000 CLP | 540,000 CLP |
Fridge or Freezer
| 160,000 CLP | 250,000 CLP | 340,000 CLP |
Washing Machine
| 210,000 CLP | 300,000 CLP | 540,000 CLP |
Stove or Cooker
| 190,000 CLP | 250,000 CLP | 340,000 CLP |
Mobile Phone
| 230,000 CLP | 270,000 CLP | 390,000 CLP |
Laptop or Computer
| 250,000 CLP | 300,000 CLP | 540,000 CLP |
How do students spend their money in Santiago?
We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.
Housing and accomodation expenditure for students
Accomodation Cost20%
20% of total expenses on average (15% to 26%)
| LOW | $54 53,000 CLP |
| AVERAGE | $360 350,000 CLP |
| HIGH | $2,400 2.3M CLP |
| Per Month |
Students in Santiago 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 350,000 CLP with expenditure ranging from 53,000 CLP to 2.3M 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
Cost of utilities6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $9.1 8,800 CLP |
| AVERAGE | $59 58,000 CLP |
| HIGH | $400 390,000 CLP |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Santiago ranges from 4% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 58,000 CLP with 8,800 CLP and 390,000 CLP being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.
Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students
Cost of transport and fuel5%
5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $16 15,000 CLP |
| AVERAGE | $100 100,000 CLP |
| HIGH | $690 670,000 CLP |
| Per Month |
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 15,000 CLP to 670,000 CLP in a month on commuting with 100,000 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
Food and Groceries Cost22%
22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)
| LOW | $45 44,000 CLP |
| AVERAGE | $300 290,000 CLP |
| HIGH | $2,000 1.9M CLP |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Santiago is 290,000 CLP. The cost of groceries can range between 44,000 CLP to 1.9M 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
Cost of healthcare8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $14 13,000 CLP |
| AVERAGE | $89 87,000 CLP |
| HIGH | $590 580,000 CLP |
| Per Month |
Students in Santiago 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 13,000 CLP to 580,000 CLP with 87,000 CLP being the norm for most students.
Leisure and shopping expenditure for students
Cost of leisure and shopping3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $11 11,000 CLP |
| AVERAGE | $74 72,000 CLP |
| HIGH | $490 480,000 CLP |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 11,000 CLP to 480,000 CLP with 72,000 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
Cost of education and schooling19%
19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $43 42,000 CLP |
| AVERAGE | $280 270,000 CLP |
| HIGH | $1,900 1.8M CLP |
| Per Month |
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 270,000 CLP per month with 42,000 CLP being the minimum spent amount and 1.8M CLP being the maximum.
Other Expenses17%
17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $34 33,000 CLP |
| AVERAGE | $220 220,000 CLP |
| HIGH | $1,500 1.4M CLP |
| Per Month |
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
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Affordable living in Santiago
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Santiago?
Around 79% of surveyed students think that living in Santiago is affordable with proper budgeting while 22% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Santiago
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 options68%
Few low-cost options32%
Based on the survey, 68% of the students living in Santiago have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 32% 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 Santiago whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes75%
No25%
Based on the survey, 25% of the students living in Santiago said that they don't have an emergency fund while 75% 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 Santiago 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 Santiago
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Santiago
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 250,000 CLP | 380,000 CLP | 1M CLP |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 380,000 CLP | 610,000 CLP | 1.5M CLP |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 510,000 CLP | 760,000 CLP | 2M CLP |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 610,000 CLP | 1M CLP | 2.8M CLP |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
Townhouse monthly rent cost
House monthly rent cost
Villa monthly rent cost
| 1.5M CLP | 3.8M CLP | 6.1M CLP |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Santiago ranges between 250,000 CLP and 1M CLP, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 380,000 CLP to 1.5M CLP. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 510,000 CLP and 2M CLP per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 610,000 CLP to 2.8M CLP. The average rent of a townhouse in Santiago is around 1.5M CLP while house rental costs can be as high as 3M CLP per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1.5M CLP to 6.1M CLP per month.
Apartment and house prices in Santiago
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
1-bedroom apartment price
| 61M CLP | 100M CLP | 380M CLP |
| $62,000 | $100,000 | $390,000 |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 100M CLP | 300M CLP | 610M CLP |
| $100,000 | $310,000 | $620,000 |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 340M CLP | 510M CLP | 1,500M CLP |
Townhouse price
| 430M CLP | 1,000M CLP | 3,800M CLP |
House price
| 510M CLP | 3,000M CLP | 4,300M CLP |
Villa price
| 610M CLP | 3,400M CLP | 5,100M CLP |
The average price of a studio apartment in Santiago can range from 51M CLP to 150M CLP depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 61M CLP to 380M CLP. A villa can cost you 3,400M CLP on average with prices ranging from 610M CLP to 5,100M CLP.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Santiago will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 42 | x121 monthly income | 234 |
Property prices in Santiago can be x121 to x234 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x121 multiples of the average monthly salary in Santiago.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Santiago is around 35%. This means that people pay 35% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 46% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
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.
Housing Affordability Index
32% 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.
| 4,400 CLP | 58,000 CLP | 580,000 CLP |
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 Santiago
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Santiago
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student
| 8,800 CLP | 58,000 CLP | 390,000 CLP |
Internet and cable cost
| 14,000 CLP | 27,000 CLP | 36,000 CLP |
Mobile phone bill and charges
| 11,000 CLP | 18,000 CLP | 54,000 CLP |
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 58,000 CLP. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 14,000 CLP to 36,000 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 54,000 CLP depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Santiago is around 6.9%. This means that people pay 6.9% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.5% to 12% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Santiago
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Santiago
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
| 2,700 CLP | 5,400 CLP | 9,100 CLP |
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Santiago is approximatly 5,400 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
| 9,600 CLP | 14,000 CLP | 29,000 CLP |
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 9,600 CLP and 29,000 CLP with 14,000 CLP being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Santiago.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 19,000 CLP | 29,000 CLP | 110,000 CLP |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 19,000 CLP to 110,000 CLP with the average cost being 29,000 CLP for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Santiago.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
| 2,300 CLP | 3,600 CLP | 5,400 CLP |
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Santiago is around 3,600 CLP. Price ranges between 2,300 CLP and 5,400 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 |
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Santiago 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 |
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 |
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Santiago 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
| 3,600 CLP | 5,400 CLP | 11,000 CLP |
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 5,400 CLP. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
| 1,500 CLP | 2,000 CLP | 2,800 CLP |
A bag of rice in Santiago costs around 2,000 CLP on average with prices rangeing between 1,500 CLP and 2,800 CLP depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
| 540 CLP | 720 CLP | 1,400 CLP |
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 540 CLP to 1,400 CLP. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
| 970 CLP | 1,300 CLP | 2,100 CLP |
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
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Santiago is around 30%. This means that students spend 30% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 21% to 37% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for students
Students' spending on grocery ranges from 44,000 CLP to 1.9M CLP with the location, income, and size of the student being the most determinite factors.
