Moving to Santiago

The buzzing metropolis of Santiago, situated at the heart of Chile, is the country's political and financial centre. The city is attracting expats in their droves thanks to its cosmopolitan and fun atmosphere.

Living in Santiago as an expat

There are plenty of job opportunities available in Santiago, which serves as another huge drawcard for expats, particularly those with expertise in mining, agriculture and finance. A host of multinational companies have also set up shops in the city, and expats may even have luck setting up their own businesses in the Chilean capital. There's also a gap for those wanting to teach English in the city, which expats are taking full advantage of.

With its effective transport network, Santiago is one of South America's most modern cities. It has an expanding metro network, cheap buses and an inner-city highway network that links the eastern and western parts of the city in a short half-hour drive. Santiago also has a range of high-quality hospitals and medical facilities. Many expats prefer to make use of the country's private clinics, but should ensure they are covered by medical insurance if they wish to do so.

With a range of shopping malls, an impressive array of international cuisine, and local restaurants, Santiago is an exciting city for expats to get to know. While expats can live a spectacular lifestyle within the confines of Santiago, one of the charms of the city is the ease with which people can take a break and get out of the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Andes ski slopes and hiking trails are a short drive east of the city, and some of Chile's beautiful beaches are just an hour or so to the west. Longer trips out of Santiago allow expats to explore glaciers in the south or the eerie moonlike scapes of the Atacama Desert in the north. With cheap flights throughout the region, it's equally easy for expats to spend a weekend away watching tango dancing or shopping in Buenos Aires.

Cost of living in Santiago

Aggressive interest rate cuts and declining inflation have helped alleviate the cost of living in Chile, and Santiago definitely incurs a more moderate cost of living for expats than it has in recent history. In Mercer's Cost of Living Survey for 2024, Santiago was ranked 160th out of 226 cities.

While accommodation at reasonable rental prices can be found in several areas and suburbs, some of the more centrally located neighbourhoods will naturally be more expensive. That said, with a range of modern conveniences at one's doorstep, the slightly higher cost of living is understandable.

Expat families and children

Further adding to the long list of attributes that this city has to offer, and that makes it such an attractive expat destination, are its many quality international schools. While the local schools have a sufficient level of education, the language of instruction is Spanish and this results in many parents choosing the international schools route. Fees at these schools are high though, and to keep them from breaking the bank, expats should negotiate a school allowance into their salary.

Outside of school hours, parents will find an abundance of family-friendly attractions to keep their kids busy and happy. There is a slew of both indoor and outdoor activities in the city, from zoos and parks to interactive soft play centres such as City Toys and Museo Interactivo Mirador. A family trip to the beach or the ski slopes is also always an option for a day or weekend trip out of the city.

Climate in Santiago

Santiago has a typically Mediterranean climate, characterised by long, hot summers and milt, wet winters. From December to February, the summer months average between 77°F (25°C) and 86°F (30°C), while winter daytime averages sit around 55°F (13°C). Frost occurs regularly during the colder months, which is also when the city receives the majority of its rainfall.

Overall, expats moving to Santiago will enjoy a high quality of life in this bustling city, with plenty of activities, events and natural attractions to keep them entertained throughout their stay in Chile.