Santiago

ChileGMT-3

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

85.7/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

5,000+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$1,224/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

125Mbps

About Santiago

Santiago, the capital of Chile, is an emerging hub for digital nomads and expats, blending modern urban life with stunning natural surroundings. Nestled in a valley with the Andes Mountains to the east, it offers a unique appeal with its growing infrastructure tailored to remote work, including high-speed internet and coworking spaces. The city's moderate cost of living and vibrant cultural scene make it attractive for those seeking both productivity and leisure.

The digital nomad community in Santiago is steadily growing, estimated at around 5,000 individuals, supported by a network of meetups and events. Reliable internet, with median speeds of 125.64 Mbps in public work-friendly spaces, ensures seamless connectivity, while the availability of 50 coworking spaces caters to diverse professional needs. The expat community, numbering around 840,000, adds to the welcoming vibe, though Spanish is the dominant language, posing a potential challenge for non-speakers.

Living costs are reasonable, with a total monthly budget of approximately $1,224 USD covering housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure. A furnished one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages $589 USD, and the efficient public transport system, including metro and buses, keeps commuting costs low at $44 USD monthly. The Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and cool winters, enhances the quality of life, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Beyond work, Santiago shines with its rich culture—museums, theaters, and a thriving food scene await in neighborhoods like Bellavista. The Andes provide hiking and skiing, while the Pacific coast is within reach for weekend getaways. Safety is generally high, though caution is advised in busy areas. With no dedicated digital nomad visa yet, its 90-day tourist stay remains a draw, making Santiago a balanced destination for work and adventure.

Demographics

Population6,999,460
LanguagesSpanish

Location

CountryChile
TimezoneGMT-3
Airport to City30 minutes
TransportUber, Taxi, Metro, Bus

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa CostFree
Digital Nomad VisaNot Available

Cost of Living

$1,224
/mo
31.1% lower than average

The total monthly cost of living in Santiago, Chile is $1,224, which is 31.1% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$589
48.1% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$91
7.4% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$250
20.4% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$44
3.6% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$200
16.3% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$50
4.1% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Santiago boasts robust internet infrastructure, with a median download speed of 125 Mbps in public work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes, based on recent Speedtest by Ookla data. Mobile networks primarily run on 4G, with some 5G rollout in urban areas, supported by four major providers: Movistar, Entel, Claro, and VTR. Reliability is high, though occasional outages can occur during peak usage or in less central areas.

The digital nomad community in Santiago, estimated at 5,000, is vibrant and growing, with regular meetups hosted via platforms like Meetup.com and local coworking spaces. Around 50 coworking spaces, such as Urban Station and WeWork, offer flexible work environments starting at $200 USD monthly. The social scene thrives in expat-friendly areas like Providencia, blending local and international influences.

125Mbps
4G
4providers
5,000
Nomads
50+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Temperate
Santiago enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (December to March) averaging 25.5°C and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor pursuits. Winters (June to August) are cool, with temperatures dropping to 11.4°C and rainfall peaking at 67mm in June, bringing a cozy indoor vibe or snowy Andes adventures. Spring and fall offer mild transitions, enhancing year-round appeal.
Temperature Range
11°C - 26°C
Avg: 19°C
Annual Rainfall
310mm
Monthly Avg: 26mm
Jan
01
26°C
☀️
0 mm
Feb
02
26°C
☀️
0 mm
Mar
03
24°C
☀️
10 mm
Apr
04
20°C
☀️
30 mm
May
05
16°C
☀️
50 mm
Jun
06
13°C
70 mm
Jul
07
11°C
60 mm
Aug
08
12°C
50 mm
Sep
09
15°C
☀️
30 mm
Oct
10
18°C
☀️
10 mm
Nov
11
21°C
☀️
0 mm
Dec
12
23°C
☀️
0 mm
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

Nearby Cities

Shopify - Start your online store for $1/month
Stay up to date with the latest

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest city insights delivered directly to your inbox