Cost of Living in Iquique - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,116 monthly including rent, or $597 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,747 with rent, or $1,085 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,377 including rent, or $1,574 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.95 CLP 7,274
$3.71 CLP 3,392
$15.92 CLP 14.6K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$44.30 CLP 40.5K
$33.23 CLP 30.4K
$88.6 CLP 81.0K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.22 CLP 6,598
$6.37 CLP 5,823
$7.22 CLP 6,598
Cappuccino
$3.75 CLP 3,429
$1.66 CLP 1,519
$4.44 CLP 4,062
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.37 CLP 1,253
$1.11 CLP 1,019
$1.67 CLP 1,524
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.03 CLP 941
$0.96 CLP 878
$1.07 CLP 977
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.34 CLP 3,057
$2.12 CLP 1,943
$4.78 CLP 4,368
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.92 CLP 3,583
$3.59 CLP 3,282
$5.60 CLP 5,125
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.19 CLP 1,092
$1.10 CLP 1,009
$1.33 CLP 1,213
White Bread (500g)
$1.24 CLP 1,137
$1.10 CLP 1,008
$1.37 CLP 1,257
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.39 CLP 1,269
$0.85 CLP 778
$1.92 CLP 1,752
Eggs
$3.84 CLP 3,512
$2.73 CLP 2,498
$5.49 CLP 5,023
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.70 CLP 10.7K
$6.09 CLP 5,565
$16.58 CLP 15.2K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.03 CLP 6,432
$3.47 CLP 3,176
$10.68 CLP 9,770
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.47 CLP 9,575
$6.90 CLP 6,313
$15.88 CLP 14.5K
Apples (1kg)
$1.96 CLP 1,792
$1.11 CLP 1,017
$2.94 CLP 2,687
Banana (1kg)
$2.37 CLP 2,168
$2.10 CLP 1,918
$2.65 CLP 2,428
Oranges (1kg)
$1.66 CLP 1,517
$0.95 CLP 869
$2.96 CLP 2,706
Tomato (1kg)
$1.11 CLP 1,014
$0.53 CLP 480
$1.69 CLP 1,547
Potato (1kg)
$0.78 CLP 714
$0.62 CLP 566
$0.93 CLP 854
Onion (1kg)
$0.67 CLP 617
$0.56 CLP 512
$0.79 CLP 721
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.26 CLP 1,148
$0.74 CLP 676
$1.69 CLP 1,548
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.22 CLP 1,119
$1.01 CLP 921
$1.52 CLP 1,391
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$5.48 CLP 5,013
$4.93 CLP 4,507
$6.03 CLP 5,510
Wine (Bottle)
$8.21 CLP 7,510
$2.29 CLP 2,090
$14.14 CLP 12.9K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.82 CLP 1,660
$0.95 CLP 870
$2.92 CLP 2,670
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.17 CLP 1,986
$1.25 CLP 1,146
$3.39 CLP 3,097
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.73 CLP 671
$0.62 CLP 567
$1.13 CLP 1,030
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.81 CLP 741
$0.48 CLP 441
$1.28 CLP 1,172
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.51 CLP 1,377
$1.29 CLP 1,179
$1.82 CLP 1,666
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$16.3K CLP 14.9M
$14.1K CLP 12.9M
$16.9K CLP 15.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$21.2K CLP 19.4M
$18.4K CLP 16.8M
$26.4K CLP 24.1M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$92.1 CLP 84.2K
$86.4 CLP 79.0K
$97.9 CLP 89.6K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$13.67 CLP 12.5K
$7.74 CLP 7,079
$27.65 CLP 25.3K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$20.72 CLP 19.0K
$15.51 CLP 14.2K
$30.49 CLP 27.9K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$54.6 CLP 49.9K
$21.84 CLP 20.0K
$76.4 CLP 69.9K
Cinema Ticket
$7.26 CLP 6,643
$7.26 CLP 6,643
$7.26 CLP 6,643
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$452 CLP 413.0K
$323 CLP 295.1K
$687 CLP 628.5K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$9,371 CLP 8.6M
$7,552 CLP 6.9M
$13.0K CLP 11.9M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$32.49 CLP 29.7K
$27.07 CLP 24.8K
$37.90 CLP 34.7K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$24.23 CLP 22.2K
$13.02 CLP 11.9K
$37.97 CLP 34.7K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$48.34 CLP 44.2K
$37.59 CLP 34.4K
$64.5 CLP 58.9K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$63.3 CLP 57.9K
$49.58 CLP 45.3K
$77.1 CLP 70.5K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$455 CLP 416.0K
$386 CLP 353.0K
$607 CLP 554.6K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$408 CLP 373.3K
$322 CLP 294.7K
$483 CLP 442.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$749 CLP 685.0K
$666 CLP 608.9K
$999 CLP 913.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$848 CLP 775.2K
$667 CLP 610.0K
$1,001 CLP 915.0K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,872 CLP 1.7M
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,098 CLP 1.9M
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$985 CLP 900.8K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
7.5
4
11

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

Last update: August 10, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $455 for a central one-bedroom, or $408 outside the center. At 46% of the average salary ($985), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $985, while typical expenses reach $1,116. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $236 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $44.00 for two.

Cost Highlights

Iquique has the 9th most expensive gym membership in South America

Average monthly net salary is higher than 95% of cities in South America

Gasoline is more expensive than 91% of cities in South America

Iquique Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Iquique - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iquique a good value overall for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does its affordability compare to other Chilean cities?
Cost of Living in Iquique can feel approachable for travelers and expats who want a beachside base with reliable amenities. Compared with Santiago or other major Chilean cities, everyday needs and services often feel more accessible, and the pace is relaxed enough to support longer stays. Housing options range from compact city-center apartments to coast-adjacent units that balance price and view. Markets and casual eateries provide good value, and coworking spaces cater to remote work. Tip: Start with a short visit to feel the rhythm before settling in.
What does daily life in Iquique look like for housing search, food options, transport, coworking, and errands?
Daily life in Iquique blends a sunny coastal vibe with practical convenience. When you search for housing, start with neighborhood clusters near the boardwalk or the city center, then widen to hillside views where rents can feel more generous. Food options range from bustling markets to seafood shacks and modern cafes, giving you inexpensive meals and occasional splurges. Local transport is straightforward: buses are reliable for urban hops, taxis and ride-hailing are easy, and biking is feasible along the promenade. Iquique living cost varies by area and lifestyle, so plan a flexible budget for seasonality and preferences. Tip: Book a few days in a flexible rental to test commute times and grocery trips.
What about quality of life, budgeting frameworks, ways to save, seasonality, and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Iquique leans toward sun, sea, and a compact city feel that suits quick routines and easy access to essentials. A practical budgeting approach is to separate fixed costs (housing, utilities) from flexible ones (food, outings) and set a monthly cap, then adjust by season. Save by cooking at home, shopping at markets, and taking advantage of free or low-cost outdoor activities along the coast. Neighborhood fit depends on your pace: beachfront areas for nightlife and walks or quieter inland streets for longer rents and steadier routines. Tip: align your arrival with a low-season window to ease onboarding.
Is the cost of living in Iquique reasonable?
At around $1,116 monthly all-in, Iquique offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
Is Iquique affordable on an average income?
Everyday life in Iquique is moderately priced at about $1,116 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
How does the average salary in Iquique compare to the cost of living?
At $985 take-home, most residents in Iquique can cover the $1,116 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,674 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What is the rental price range for apartments in Iquique?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Iquique range from $408 to $455, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How expensive is preschool in Iquique per month?
Childcare averages $452 monthly at a private kindergarten in Iquique. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
What should I budget for groceries in Iquique?
At about $236 monthly, food costs in Iquique sit in moderate territory. A mix of local markets and supermarkets covers most needs at fair prices, and most residents eat well without having to pinch pennies.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Iquique?
Living on $2,000 in Iquique means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,116. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What are the pros and cons of living in Iquique?
Living in Iquique means access to fast internet at about $1,116 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.
How much can you save per month in Iquique?
Monthly expenses in Iquique run around $1,116, so putting money aside takes more than $1,674 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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