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What it's actually like here
Thinking of setting up shop somewhere vibrant and a little edgy? This bustling South American hub offers a compelling package for digital nomads. Rent, even for a 1-bedroom in the center, averages $700, making it genuinely affordable compared to most Western cities. Groceries hit around $300 monthly, and a decent meal out won't break the bank at $18. You'll find a moderate nomad community and 20 coworking spaces, perfect for networking. Internet is solid at 90 Mbps with good reliability. Infrastructure is decent, and walkability is a plus. It's best suited for those comfortable with a bit of grit, willing to learn some Spanish (English proficiency is moderate), and looking for a lively urban experience. The honest caveat? Air quality is moderate, so factor that in if you have respiratory sensitivities.
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Featured neighbourhoods
Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Santiago.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Santiago as a digital nomad?+
As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Santiago averages around $700 per month. The national cost-of-living index for Chile sits at 49 (USA=100) — sourced from World Bank ICP. City-level detail is coming as we gather it; for now this is a national figure. Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.
Is Santiago safe for digital nomads?+
Santiago scores 52/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most central neighbourhoods are fine with normal big-city awareness.
How fast is the internet in Santiago?+
Headline average internet speed in Santiago is around 90 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.
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