Where to live in Chile: best places in Santiago and outside

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You have just decided that you will be living in Chile for the new few years? Or maybe your boss has just announced you that the company has an interesting opportunity for you there?

And now you are wondering where to live in chile?

Let's have a look at Chile. In this section, we will see where most expats live. This will allow you to get a better understanding of the different areas, and (hopefully) decide where in Chile you want to relocate.

If you need help to decide or, if you have specific criteria and are looking for the perfect place, do not hesitate to book a call with us.

A few words about Chile

The country is very concentrated. The Chilean population (around 19 millions inhabitants) is mostly located in the metropolitan region around Santiago (40%), the regions of Valparaiso and Concepción (around 6-7% each). The remaining 50% are living in the rest of the country.

In the table below, you can find the top 10 of the biggest cities in Chile. You can easily notice that the amount of population decreases really quickly.

TOP 10 cities in Chile

Where do foreigners live in Chile?

As a foreigner, you are likely to work in Santiago. Most large companies have their offices in the metropolitan region. Therefore, most expatriates live in Santiago. Some prefer Valparaiso/Viña del Mar, especially those who can afford to work remotely.

Yet, it really depends on what you plan to do in Chile. For example, if you are specialized in mining exploration, you may find more opportunities in the north of Chile near Antofagasta. If you are looking for a job in the tourism industry, it is good to know that this is one of the leading industries in the southern regions. It can be worth to look for positions in these regions. You'll likely be facing less competition than in the region of Santiago.

In this section, you will find a detailed description of the various cities (communas) where foreigners live in Chile. Please click on the links below for more information:

In the Santiago region:

• Santiago Centro
• Providencia
• Ñuñoa
• Las Condes
• Vitacura
• Lo Barnechea
• La Reina

Just south and west of Santiago, these cities can also be great alternatives if you don't mind a more rural way of life, amongst the vineyards:

• Pirque
• Isla de Maipo
• Casablanca

Cities Outside Santiago

While Santiago remains the center of expat life in Chile, several other cities offer unique opportunities and lifestyles for foreigners:

Coastal Cities

Central Coast:

• Valparaíso / Viña del Mar - UNESCO heritage city and beach resort
• La Serena / Coquimbo - Colonial architecture and pristine beaches

Lake District and South

• Puerto Varas / Puerto Montt - German heritage and stunning lake landscapes
• Valdivia - Historic city with river access and university atmosphere
• Punta Arenas / Puerto Natales - Gateway to Patagonia and Torres del Paine

Mining and Northern Chile

• Antofagasta / Calama - Mining opportunities in the Atacama Desert
• Iquique - Coastal city with free trade zone opportunities

Additional Areas

Other regions have limited expat populations, making current information scarce. For specific regional inquiries, consider contacting international companies operating in those areas or high-end real estate agents who may have expat client contacts.

Good luck!

Do you want to go more in detail?

I wrote the Chile Handbook for Foreigners for anyone and everyone looking to move permanently and enjoy life in Chile. It's a 265-page book that goes over all aspects of relocating to Chile. Here is what you get:
✅ Practical tips based on 7-year relocation experience
✅ To-do lists to help you start
✅ Last updated in 2025

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