Last update: Oct 2026 Chile 188K

Cost of Living in Iquique

For one person, living costs in Iquique are estimated at $999 a month, including rent and utilities, which take just under half of the total. Other living expenses average about $17 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Iquique

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Iquique actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $999 monthly including rent, or $529 excluding housing.

$999 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,590 with rent, or $919 without housing.

$1,590 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,180 including rent, or $1,310 for daily expenses alone.

$2,180 /mo
Currency
Do you live in Iquique? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.48 CLP 7,359
$3.49 CLP 3,439
$14.96 CLP 14.7K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$40.30 CLP 39.7K
$30.23 CLP 29.8K
$80.6 CLP 79.4K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.04 CLP 6,934
$6.21 CLP 6,116
$7.04 CLP 6,934
Cappuccino
$3.44 CLP 3,384
$1.52 CLP 1,501
$4.08 CLP 4,012
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.23 CLP 1,210
$0.99 CLP 979
$1.49 CLP 1,469
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.95 CLP 937
$0.88 CLP 871
$0.98 CLP 966
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.27 CLP 3,222
$2.07 CLP 2,041
$4.68 CLP 4,603
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.61 CLP 3,552
$3.30 CLP 3,244
$5.15 CLP 5,070
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.09 CLP 1,077
$1.01 CLP 990
$1.21 CLP 1,193
White Bread (500g)
$1.13 CLP 1,111
$1.00 CLP 985
$1.26 CLP 1,236
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.31 CLP 1,285
$0.80 CLP 792
$1.81 CLP 1,778
Eggs
$3.02 CLP 2,972
-
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.12 CLP 9,962
-
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.05 CLP 9,896
-
Apples (1kg)
$2.31 CLP 2,273
-
Banana (1kg)
$2.15 CLP 2,121
$1.90 CLP 1,870
$2.40 CLP 2,362
Oranges (1kg)
$1.51 CLP 1,484
-
Tomato (1kg)
$1.06 CLP 1,040
$0.50 CLP 496
$1.61 CLP 1,584
Potato (1kg)
$0.73 CLP 722
$0.58 CLP 572
$0.88 CLP 863
Onion (1kg)
$0.64 CLP 628
$0.53 CLP 525
$0.75 CLP 742
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.00 CLP 981
-
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.35 CLP 1,326
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$7.25 CLP 7,139
-
Wine (Bottle)
$7.86 CLP 7,734
$2.19 CLP 2,157
$13.53 CLP 13.3K
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.84 CLP 828
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.69 CLP 679
$0.58 CLP 576
$1.07 CLP 1,049
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.44 CLP 1,419
$1.24 CLP 1,221
$1.75 CLP 1,727
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$88.6 CLP 87.2K
$83.2 CLP 81.9K
$94.3 CLP 92.8K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$15.63 CLP 15.4K
-
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$23.17 CLP 22.8K
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$50.7 CLP 49.9K
$20.28 CLP 20.0K
$71.0 CLP 69.9K
Cinema Ticket
$6.91 CLP 6,803
$6.91 CLP 6,803
$6.91 CLP 6,803
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$254 CLP 249.8K
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$30.11 CLP 29.6K
$25.10 CLP 24.7K
$35.12 CLP 34.6K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$23.04 CLP 22.7K
$12.38 CLP 12.2K
$36.10 CLP 35.5K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$46.57 CLP 45.8K
$36.22 CLP 35.7K
$62.1 CLP 61.1K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$58.3 CLP 57.4K
$45.62 CLP 44.9K
$71.0 CLP 69.9K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$422 CLP 415.4K
$358 CLP 352.5K
$563 CLP 553.9K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$382 CLP 375.7K
$301 CLP 296.6K
$452 CLP 444.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$683 CLP 671.9K
$607 CLP 597.3K
$910 CLP 895.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$781 CLP 769.3K
$615 CLP 605.3K
$922 CLP 908.0K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,718 CLP 1.7M
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,926 CLP 1.9M
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$958 CLP 943.5K
-
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: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Iquique $999
Accommodation & Living
$382
Groceries & Markets
$197 *
Eating Out
$155
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$127
Clothing & Footwear
$71
Sport & Entertainment
$65
Getting Around
$2.8 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $422 for a central one-bedroom, or $382 outside the center. At 44% of the average salary ($958), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $958, while typical expenses reach $999. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $197 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $40.00 for two.

Cost Highlights

Iquique has the 4th cheapest imported beer in South America

Gym membership is more expensive than 96% of cities in South America

Average monthly net salary is higher than 94% of cities in South America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
06:43 6:43 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
188,003
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to CLP – Chilean Peso Converter

Chilean Peso exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 984 CLP (1,000 CLP = 1.02 USD). 1 EUR = 1,107 CLP (10,000 CLP = 9.04 EUR).

On the map
From you
  • Iquique

Distances are measured in a straight line. Your location is detected approximately.

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
City tags:
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 Iquique one of the cheaper cities to live in?
Compared to most cities worldwide, Iquique is just cheap – all-in costs average $999 monthly. Both housing and daily necessities sit below the international median, which explains its popularity with budget travelers, nomads, and locals on modest incomes.
Is Iquique a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
Your money goes further in Iquique than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $999 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
How does the average salary in Iquique compare to the cost of living?
At $958 take-home, most residents in Iquique can cover the $999 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,498 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 $382 to $422, 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 $254 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 is a typical monthly grocery bill in Iquique?
Groceries in Iquique cost around $197 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Iquique?
$1,200 stretches far in Iquique – all-in monthly costs average only $999. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What are the pros and cons of living in Iquique?
Living in Iquique means access to fast internet at about $999 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 $999, so putting money aside takes more than $1,498 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

Iquique vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities

Show times on the 12-hour clock, temperatures in °F and distances in miles?