Pros and Cons of Living in Santiago
Last updated on Mar 15, 2025
Summary: The pros of living in Santiago, Chile include its vibrant culture, excellent cuisine, and stunning natural beauty. The city is also home to a wide variety of entertainment and recreational activities, making it an ideal place to live for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. Additionally, Santiago is a safe and secure city with a low crime rate. The cons of living in Santiago include its high cost of living, which can be difficult for those on a budget. Additionally, the city can be quite crowded and traffic can be a problem during peak hours. The air quality can also be poor due to the city's location in a valley surrounded by mountains.
What are the pros and cons of living in Santiago?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Santiago responded:
"Expats and digital nomads generally like Santiago for its relatively low cost of living, which allows them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. They appreciate the city's modern infrastructure, including reliable public transportation, good internet connectivity, and well-maintained roads. Santiago's vibrant culture, with its mix of traditional and contemporary influences, is also a draw for many expats and digital nomads. The city offers a wide range of entertainment options, from museums and art galleries to lively bars and restaurants. Additionally, Santiago's location at the foot of the Andes Mountains provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may dislike Santiago's air pollution, which can be particularly bad during the winter months. The city's traffic can also be a source of frustration, as congestion is common during peak hours. Some expats and digital nomads may find it challenging to navigate the bureaucracy in Chile, especially when dealing with visas, work permits, and other legal matters. Finally, while many locals speak English, the language barrier can still be an issue for those who do not speak Spanish, making it more difficult to fully integrate into the local community," explained one expat living in Santiago.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do expats in Santiago appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Santiago appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is a mix of traditional and modern influences. They also enjoy the city's diverse cuisine, which features a variety of flavors from around the world. Additionally, expats appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, who are always willing to help out newcomers. The city's vibrant nightlife and its many cultural events, such as festivals and concerts, are also popular among expats. Finally, Santiago's stunning natural beauty, with its majestic mountains and lush green valleys, is a source of great admiration for many expats," replied an expat in Santiago.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Santiago often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the Chilean culture is very hierarchical, and expats may find it difficult to navigate the social norms and expectations. Furthermore, the Chilean work culture is very different from many other countries, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the different expectations and work styles. Finally, the Chilean lifestyle can be quite different from what expats are used to, and they may find it difficult to adjust to the different pace of life," explained one expat.
"The main thing is you have to use extreme caution in certain areas and protect your home," said one person in Santiago.
About the Author
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.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Santiago
- Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Santiago
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Santiago
- Best Bookstores and Libraries in Santiago
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Santiago
- Public Transportation in Santiago
- Best Markets in Santiago
- Retire in Santiago Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Santiago
- Pros & Cons of Living in Santiago
- Driving in Santiago
- Cost of Living in Santiago
- Health Care in Santiago
- The Insider's Guide to Santiago
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Chile
- Best Places to Live in Chile
- Pros & Cons of Living in Chile
- The Best Places to Live in Chile
- Pros and Cons of Living in Chile 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Chile