Comparison
Lima vs Santiago: cost of living compared
On an average lifestyle in a 1-bed apartment, Santiago costs 58% more than Lima: $1,700 against $1,073 a month, a difference of $627.
Data period: Q1–Q2 2026Status: modeled estimate
Category by category
One person, 1-bed apartment, average lifestyle.
| Category | Lima | Santiago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $530 | $900 | +$370 |
| Groceries | $200 | $290 | +$90 |
| Transport | $45 | $80 | +$35 |
| Utilities | $60 | $85 | +$25 |
| Internet | $28 | $35 | +$7 |
| Coworking | $110 | $150 | +$40 |
| Entertainment | $100 | $160 | +$60 |
| Total per month | $1,073 | $1,700 | +$627 |
The category that separates the two cities most is rent: $530 in Lima and $900 in Santiago, which is $370 of the $627 gap. Lima has an equal or lower estimate in every category.
Other households and lifestyles
| Scenario | Lima | Santiago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frugal · Room | $467 | $810 | +$343 |
| Frugal · 1-bed apartment | $732 | $1,210 | +$478 |
| Average · 1-bed apartment | $1,073 | $1,700 | +$627 |
| Comfortable · 1-bed apartment | $1,517 | $2,357 | +$840 |
| Average · Family apartment | $1,538 | $2,365 | +$827 |
| Comfortable · Family apartment | $2,107 | $3,237 | +$1,130 |
Currency and exchange rates
Peru uses the Peruvian sol; figures are converted to dollars at the exchange rate of the data period.
Chile uses the Chilean peso; figures are converted to dollars at the exchange rate of the data period.
A lower cost is not the same as a better fit. These figures do not measure housing quality, climate, safety or work opportunities.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Lima or Santiago?
In our data, Lima has the lower estimated total in the main scenario: $1,073 against $1,700 a month. Cost is not the whole decision: climate, visas, work and neighborhood matter too.
How much is rent in Lima and Santiago?
A 1-bed apartment is estimated at $380 to $750 in Lima, and $680 to $1,250 in Santiago, depending on lifestyle.