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

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Moving to Chile soon? Read this...

Since 2016, expat.cl has been maintaining this free online guide about Chile for foreigners, which takes a lot of time. Unfortunately, search engines now use this content to provide AI-generated answers. Therefore, our most up-to-date content is now only available in the Chile Handbook for Foreigners. Articles on this guide will still be updated, but less frequently.

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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

Near the sea, most foreigners live in the fifth region, not to be too far from Santiago. You should have a look at:

• Valparaiso
• Viña del Mar
• Renata
• Concon

And the rest of Chile?

As far as the other regions are concerned, there are very few expatriates who live there. Therefore, it is quite difficult to get up-to-date information. If you live there, we will be happy to hear your opinion on your region/city. Pros, cons, photos…

If you are interested in a particular region, and if you have difficulties finding information, here is a tip: it can be interesting to contact the main companies located in these regions (especially international ones). You will be able to ask if one or more expats are working there. If you can manage to get their contacts, this will allow you to get information and a more precise understanding of the region.

Finally, contacting a high-end real estate agent could also be a good option to gain contacts with other expatriates.

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 2024

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