Valdivia, a picturesque city in southern Chile, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Understanding the cost of living in Valdivia is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting 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 $6.18 on average, with a range between $5.15 and $6.38.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $36.03, with prices ranging from $30.89 to $74.86.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.8, with a range between $6.38 and $7.21.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.39 to $3.6, imported beer $3.39 to $4.63, cappuccino $1.44 to $2.27, and Coke/Pepsi $0.99 to $2.57.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $0.95 and $1.24 per liter, averaging $1.1.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.93 and $1.85, with an average price of $1.22.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.46 to $3.45, averaging $3.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.03 to $2.77 per kg, while oranges range from $1.54 to $2.06 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.03 and $1.54 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.02 to $2.06 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.51 and $0.67.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.24 and $1.44 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.54.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $514.78 to $772.17, averaging $600.58.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $360.35 to $411.82, averaging $394.66.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $720.69 to $1235.47, averaging $960.92.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $514.78 to $669.21, averaging $566.26.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $92.66 on average.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $15.44 to $36.03, with an average cost of $25.74.

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: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 11 user contributions, as of the most recent update in August, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$6.18
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$36.03
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$6.80
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.35
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.60
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.56
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.37
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.96
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.10
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.22
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.00
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.18
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.91
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$4.63
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.65
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.32
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$5.15
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.54
Apples (1kg)
$2.19
Oranges (1kg)
$1.87
Potato (1kg)
$1.33
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.60
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.59
Tomato (1kg)
$1.97
Banana (1kg)
$1.97
Onion (1kg)
$1.44
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$12.69
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.56
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.32
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$15,433.08
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.54
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$18,521.76
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$600.58
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$394.66
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$960.92
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$566.26
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$92.66
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$25.74
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$5.15
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$33.17
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.47
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$4.63
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$51.47
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$17.84
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$49.76
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$77.22
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$600.58
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$257.39
Valdivia Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Valdivia offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities in Chile. Dining out is budget-friendly, with inexpensive meals available for under $7.

Grocery prices are reasonable, with staples like milk and bread costing just over a dollar. Housing is affordable, especially outside the city centre.

Transportation costs are low, with public transport and fuel prices being quite economical. Utilities and internet services are also reasonably priced.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Valdivia presents an attractive option for those seeking a balance between cost and quality of life. The city offers affordable dining, housing, and transportation options, making it a viable choice for both residents and visitors.

Whether you're planning a short stay or considering a permanent move, understanding the cost of living in Valdivia will help you manage your budget effectively and enjoy all that this charming city has to offer.