Cost of Living in Puerto Montt

By Betsy Burlingame

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: If you're moving to Puerto Montt, understanding the the cost of living in Puerto Montt helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Puerto Montt
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $400 to $800 USD per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $800 to $1,200 USD per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Puerto Montt can range from $50,000 to $150,000 USD, depending on the size and location.
Transportation Public transportation in Puerto Montt is inexpensive and efficient. A one-way ticket on the bus costs around $1 USD. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is around $5 USD.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Puerto Montt is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $1 USD, a liter of milk costs around $1.50 USD, and a dozen eggs costs around $2 USD.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Puerto Montt is relatively low. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $10 USD per person. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around $30 USD.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Puerto Montt is relatively low. The average cost of electricity, water, and garbage collection for a two-bedroom apartment is around $50 USD per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Puerto Montt varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition can range from $200 to $400 USD per month. Elementary school tuition can range from $400 to $800 USD per month. Middle school tuition can range from $800 to $1,200 USD per month. High school tuition can range from $1,200 to $2,000 USD per month.

Can I live in Puerto Montt on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Puerto Montt for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Población Modelo, Villa Los Presidentes, or Mirasol. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly and still offer decent living conditions. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Pelluco, Valle Volcanes, or Jardines del Sur, as they can be quite pricey.When it comes to housing, you'll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or a shared living situation to keep costs down. Utilities and internet might also be a bit more expensive than you're used to, so you'll need to be mindful of your usage. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local restaurants and avoid touristy areas, but you'll likely need to cook most of your meals at home to save money. Shopping at local markets and buying in-season produce can help you keep your grocery bills low.Transportation is relatively affordable in Puerto Montt, with buses and colectivos (shared taxis) being the most common options. However, you might need to rely on public transportation more than you're used to, as owning a car can be expensive due to high import taxes and fuel costs.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to prioritize and choose more affordable options. Going to the movies, for example, can be quite expensive, so you might want to opt for streaming services or renting DVDs instead. Outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the beautiful landscapes around Puerto Montt can be a great way to enjoy your free time without spending too much money.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Puerto Montt is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment," commented an expat living in Puerto Montt.

Can I live in Puerto Montt on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Puerto Montt for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment options.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Pelluco or Valle Volcanes, you might have to spend a bit more on rent, which could make it difficult to stick to your $3,000 budget. However, there are more affordable neighborhoods like Mirasol, Población Modelo, and Alerce where you can find decent apartments or houses for a lower price. I'd recommend looking into those areas if you want to save on housing costs.As for transportation, public transportation is quite affordable here, so you shouldn't have any issues getting around the city. If you prefer to have your own car, keep in mind that gas prices can be a bit high, so that might be an additional expense to consider.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll find that prices are generally lower than in the US or Europe. However, if you're used to eating at high-end restaurants or buying imported products, you might have to cut back on those expenses to stay within your budget. There are plenty of local markets and supermarkets where you can find fresh produce and other essentials at reasonable prices.Entertainment options might be a bit limited compared to what you're used to, especially if you're into nightlife or cultural events. However, there are still plenty of things to do and see in Puerto Montt, like visiting the beautiful nearby national parks, going on boat trips, or exploring the local art scene. You might just have to be a bit more selective with your activities to make sure you don't overspend.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Puerto Montt is definitely doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being selective with your activities, you should be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," said one expat living in Puerto Montt.

Can I live in Puerto Montt on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Puerto Montt for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can maintain a good quality of life here.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save money, I'd recommend looking for a place to live in neighborhoods like Mirasol, Alerce, or Villa Los Presidentes. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a decent apartment or house for around $500 to $800 a month. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on housing, you can consider neighborhoods like Pelluco, Puerto Varas, or Jardín del Mar. These areas are more upscale and offer better views, but the rent can go up to $1,500 a month or more.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the high cost of gas and maintenance. However, public transportation is pretty reliable and affordable. You can get a monthly pass for around $40, which will give you access to buses and colectivos (shared taxis). If you need to travel outside of Puerto Montt, you can take advantage of the affordable long-distance buses or even domestic flights.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that prices are generally lower than in the US or Europe. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, depending on your preferences. If you enjoy eating out, there are plenty of affordable options, with meals at local restaurants costing around $10 to $15 per person. Of course, if you want to splurge on a fancy dinner, you can find more upscale restaurants where you'll spend around $30 to $50 per person.Regarding entertainment and leisure activities, there's a lot to do in Puerto Montt without breaking the bank. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or visiting nearby national parks for a relatively low cost. There are also plenty of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, many of which are free or have a low entrance fee. If you're into sports, you can join a local gym for around $30 to $50 a month.In terms of healthcare, you'll find that private clinics and hospitals in Puerto Montt offer high-quality services at a fraction of the cost compared to the US. You can get a private health insurance plan for around $100 to $200 a month, which will give you access to these facilities.So, overall, living in Puerto Montt on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can maintain a comfortable lifestyle without making too many sacrifices. Just be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and transportation, and you'll be able to enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer," commented an expat living in Puerto Montt.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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