Pros and Cons of Living in Santiago
Last updated on Feb 25, 2023
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," remarked one expat in Santiago.

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What do expats in Santiago appreciate most about the local culture?
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.