Cost of Living in Calama - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $625 (excluding rent), and $1,088 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,582 (excluding rent), and $2,166 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.98 CLP 7,406

$7.46 CLP 6,920

$8.51 CLP 7,901

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$33.72 CLP 31.3K

$23.92 CLP 22.2K

$43.51 CLP 40.4K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.82 CLP 7,256

$7.01 CLP 6,501

$9.5 CLP 8,820

Cappuccino

$2.11 CLP 1,960

$1.58 CLP 1,470

$2.63 CLP 2,441

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.98 CLP 910

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.92 CLP 857

$0.82 CLP 760

$1.03 CLP 954

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.27 CLP 3,036

$1.64 CLP 1,523

$5.46 CLP 5,066

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.25 CLP 3,942

$2.73 CLP 2,537

$6.58 CLP 6,101

Milk (1 liter)

$1.19 CLP 1,108

$1.07 CLP 989

$1.38 CLP 1,282

White Bread (500g)

$1.53 CLP 1,418

$1.07 CLP 995

$2.84 CLP 2,634

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.91 CLP 1,776

$1.31 CLP 1,215

$2.71 CLP 2,514

Eggs

$3.63 CLP 3,368

$2.66 CLP 2,471

$6.65 CLP 6,173

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.43 CLP 9,682

$5.69 CLP 5,280

$17.19 CLP 16K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.64 CLP 6,163

$3.01 CLP 2,790

$9.12 CLP 8,463

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.05 CLP 10.3K

$7.62 CLP 7,066

$14.13 CLP 13.1K

Apples (1kg)

$1.87 CLP 1,738

$1.09 CLP 1,014

$2.83 CLP 2,630

Banana (1kg)

$1.57 CLP 1,460

$1.1 CLP 1,024

$3.53 CLP 3,271

Oranges (1kg)

$1.52 CLP 1,410

$1.05 CLP 976

$2.94 CLP 2,729

Tomato (1kg)

$1.44 CLP 1,334

$0.94 CLP 874

$2.52 CLP 2,335

Potato (1kg)

$1.23 CLP 1,138

$0.79 CLP 731

$2.72 CLP 2,528

Onion (1kg)

$1.39 CLP 1,291

$1.03 CLP 954

$2.18 CLP 2,021

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.27 CLP 1,177

$0.66 CLP 617

$2.21 CLP 2,049

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.18 CLP 1,099

$0.85 CLP 788

$1.92 CLP 1,777

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.33 CLP 4,944

$4.79 CLP 4,449

$7.46 CLP 6,925

Wine (Bottle)

$5.04 CLP 4,680

$3.72 CLP 3,453

$7.98 CLP 7,400

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.55 CLP 1,436

$0.95 CLP 881

$2.63 CLP 2,444

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.28 CLP 2,117

$1.09 CLP 1,007

$4.12 CLP 3,824

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.57 CLP 533

$0.55 CLP 507

$0.88 CLP 818

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.5 CLP 466

$0.44 CLP 409

$1.32 CLP 1,227

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.53 CLP 1,420

$1.07 CLP 994

$2 CLP 1,856

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.61 CLP 1,490

$1.55 CLP 1,442

$1.67 CLP 1,547

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$19.2K CLP 17.8M

$16.9K CLP 15.7M

$21.1K CLP 19.6M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$21.1K CLP 19.6M

$18.9K CLP 17.6M

$25.5K CLP 23.7M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$130 CLP 120.9K

$69.2 CLP 64.2K

$252 CLP 233.9K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$13.79 CLP 12.8K

$7.68 CLP 7,131

$27.43 CLP 25.5K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$22.1 CLP 20.5K

$16.27 CLP 15.1K

$35.26 CLP 32.7K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.91 CLP 35.2K

$18.52 CLP 17.2K

$55.6 CLP 51.6K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$20.9 CLP 19.4K

$9.02 CLP 8,365

$23.85 CLP 22.1K

Cinema Ticket

$5.51 CLP 5,117

$4.73 CLP 4,385

$8.4 CLP 7,794

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$443 CLP 410.9K

$351 CLP 325.5K

$548 CLP 508.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$51 CLP 47.3K

$27.14 CLP 25.2K

$76 CLP 70.5K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$30.7 CLP 28.5K

$16.37 CLP 15.2K

$50.2 CLP 46.6K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$62.6 CLP 58K

$49.17 CLP 45.6K

$109 CLP 101.4K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$83.7 CLP 77.7K

$57.5 CLP 53.3K

$109 CLP 101.6K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$355 CLP 329.3K

$164 CLP 152K

$546 CLP 506.6K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$371 CLP 343.9K

$321 CLP 297.9K

$428 CLP 397.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$853 CLP 791.2K

$746 CLP 692.3K

$959 CLP 890.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$594 CLP 550.7K

$513 CLP 475.6K

$701 CLP 650.9K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,349 CLP 2.2M

$1,715 CLP 1.6M

$2,531 CLP 2.3M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,285 CLP 1.2M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,169 CLP 1.1M

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.18

4.5

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 29, 2025

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Cost of Living in Calama - Frequently Asked Questions

Calama tends to be more approachable for longer stays than Chile’s big-city hubs, especially if you focus on everyday essentials. You’ll find modest apartments and local rentals that suit a range of budgets, with services that feel reliable without the premium pull of Santiago or coastal resorts. The value comes from a practical pace, accessible amenities, and the ability to settle into a community without overspending on luxuries. The desert climate also shapes daily costs in predictable ways, helping you plan routines that fit your budget. Cost of Living in Calama, Chile provides a clear frame as you map your first weeks. Tip: Look for neighborhoods near markets and transit to maximize value.

Expect a steady routine built around the town’s services and outdoor schedule. Housing options range from compact central rentals to larger units on the outskirts, with choices influenced by proximity to markets and transit. Food options include local eateries and groceries with desert-grown produce; you can stretch your budget by shopping at markets, cooking at home, and choosing casual meals over fancier options. Public transport connects neighborhoods, and rideshares or a small scooter can cover longer hops. Calama, Chile living cost will feel approachable once you prioritize neighborhoods near markets and transit. Tip: Start with a few in-person visits to gauge noise, daylight, and convenience.

Think in simple budgeting pillars: housing, groceries, transport, and activities. You maximize value by choosing quieter neighborhoods within easy reach of markets and clinics, using public transit, and cooking at home rather than eating out frequently. Seasonal shifts mainly affect outdoor activities and energy use, so plan for sun and dry conditions with smart hydration and shade. Test neighborhoods at different times of day to gauge noise and safety, and compare coworking options to find a pace that suits you. With a clear framework you’ll spot where you can save without missing essential comforts. Tip: Build your routine around local markets to maximize consistency and save.