Castro, a charming city in Chile, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Castro, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8.19 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $46.06.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.63.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $5.12, imported beer $7.17, cappuccino $1.54, and Coke/Pepsi $1.23.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $0.87 and $1.43 per liter, averaging $1.06.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.56 and $4.61, with an average price of $3.58.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.42 to $6.14, averaging $4.14.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.23 to $1.54 per kg, while oranges are consistently priced at $1.54 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.97 and $1.33 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.54 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.61 and $0.77.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.33 per liter.
  • Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs approximately $15,353.91, while a Toyota Corolla is around $18,424.69.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $358.26.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $286.61.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1,023.59.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $358.26 to $818.88, averaging $588.57.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $133.07.
  • Internet - Internet services average $30.71.

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Feb, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 4 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2023.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$8.19
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$46.06
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.63
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.12
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.17
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.23
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.02
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.54
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.06
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$3.58
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.14
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.72
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.54
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$7.68
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.02
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.07
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.68
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.09
Apples (1kg)
$1.38
Oranges (1kg)
$1.54
Potato (1kg)
$1.15
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.54
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.28
Tomato (1kg)
$1.94
Banana (1kg)
$2.25
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$8.39
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.69
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.33
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$15,353.91
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$18,424.69
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$358.26
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$286.61
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,023.59
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$588.57
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$133.07
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$30.71
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$81.89
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$614.16
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
7%
Castro Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Castro offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities in Chile. Dining out is reasonably priced, and grocery costs are manageable.

Housing is particularly affordable, especially outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for families or individuals seeking more space.

Transportation costs are low, with affordable public transport and fuel prices, although purchasing a new car can be a significant expense.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Castro presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing and reasonable daily expenses.

Whether you're planning to move or visit, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and enjoy what Castro has to offer.