Cost of living in Calama
Calama, located in the heart of Chile's Atacama Desert, is a city known for its mining industry and unique desert landscapes. Understanding the cost of living in Calama is crucial for anyone considering relocating to this vibrant city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $7.72 on average, with a range between $7.21 and $8.24.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $31.92, with prices ranging from $22.65 to $41.18.
- Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - A domestic beer costs approximately $3.09.
- Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - An imported beer is priced at about $5.15.
- Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs $0.93.
- Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of water ranges from $0.82 to $1.03, averaging $0.93.
- Cappuccino (regular) - A regular cappuccino costs between $1.54 and $2.57, averaging $2.06.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced at $1.13 per liter.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.82.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are priced at $4.94.
- Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs $9.27 per kg.
- Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $6.18 per kg.
- Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round costs $7.72 per kg.
- Apples (1kg) - Apples are priced at $1.24 per kg.
- Oranges (1kg) - Oranges cost $1.54 per kg.
- Potato (1kg) - Potatoes are priced at $0.93 per kg.
- Tomato (1kg) - Tomatoes cost $1.13 per kg.
- Banana (1kg) - Bananas are priced at $1.03 per kg.
- Onion (1kg) - Onions cost $0.98 per kg.
- Rice (white), (1kg) - Rice is priced at $2.68 per kg.
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - A mid-range bottle of wine costs $4.12.
- Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) - A domestic beer bottle costs $1.03.
- Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - An imported beer bottle is priced at $1.24.
- Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) - A pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs $5.15.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.93.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.44 and $1.54 per liter, averaging $1.49.
- Taxi Fares (1km) - Taxi fares cost between $1.03 and $1.92 per km, averaging $1.47.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $154.43 to $514.78, averaging $334.61.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $102.96.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $720.69 to $926.6, averaging $823.65.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $617.74.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $1417.7.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $1235.47.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $41.18.
- Internet - Internet services cost $13.37.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Chile are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Chile, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Calama offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities, with low rental prices and inexpensive dining options.
Transportation costs are minimal, making it easy to get around the city without breaking the bank.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though some imported goods may be more expensive.
Utilities and internet services are quite affordable, contributing to the overall low cost of living.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Calama presents an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in Chile. With affordable housing, dining, and transportation, it is well-suited for individuals and families alike.
While some imported goods may carry a higher price tag, the overall expenses remain manageable, making Calama a practical choice for budget-conscious residents.