Is Chile expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Chile is one of the more expensive countries in South America, closer to southern European prices than to Peru or Bolivia. A budget day is about CLP$60,000 (roughly US$63) per person and a mid-range day about CLP$145,000, before domestic flights; Patagonia and the Atacama tours are where costs climb.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | CLP$20,000 | CLP$50,000 | CLP$140,000 |
| Food & drink | CLP$20,000 | CLP$40,000 | CLP$80,000 |
| Sights & tickets | CLP$15,000 | CLP$40,000 | CLP$80,000 |
| Local transport | CLP$5,000 | CLP$15,000 | CLP$40,000 |
| Per person, per day | CLP$60,000 | CLP$145,000 | CLP$340,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Chile day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Metro or bus ride on a bip! card, Santiago | about CLP$800–900 |
| Seafood stew at the Mercado Central | from about CLP$9,000 |
| Main with a glass of carmenère, Providencia | about CLP$15,000–25,000 |
| Bus Santiago–Valparaíso | about CLP$5,000–8,000 |
| Valle de la Luna park entry | about CLP$10,000–15,000 |
| Altiplanic lagoons day tour, Atacama | about CLP$45,000–70,000 |
| King crab (centolla) in Puerto Natales | about CLP$18,000–30,000 |
| Mid-range double in Providencia | about CLP$70,000–120,000 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Distances are huge, so domestic flights (Santiago to Calama or Punta Arenas) are often the biggest single cost, with low-cost carriers charging extra for checked bags. In San Pedro de Atacama and Torres del Paine, almost everything is done by tour or rental car (about CLP$40,000–80,000 a day), and lodges inside the park are very expensive. Santiago itself is moderate, with cheap metro rides and good-value lunch menus. Accommodation runs from about CLP$30,000–50,000 for hostel doubles to CLP$400,000 or more for all-inclusive Patagonia and Atacama lodges.
When it is cheaper
Outside the December–February peak, Patagonia lodges and Atacama tours are often cheaper by roughly 20–30%, though some Patagonian services close in winter. In Santiago, prices vary less by season.
How to spend less
- Pay hotels in US dollars with a foreign card and passport, which usually exempts foreign tourists from the 19% VAT.
- Book domestic flights early and compare fares including baggage on LATAM, Sky and JetSMART.
- Eat the set lunch (menú del día or colación) in Santiago, far cheaper than dinner.
- Buy Torres del Paine park entry online in advance and shop for supplies at Puerto Natales supermarkets.
- Book Atacama tours in person in San Pedro, comparing several agencies, rather than online in advance.
- Use long-distance buses for shorter hops such as Santiago–Valparaíso.
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Common questions
Is Chile expensive compared with the rest of South America?
Yes, it is one of the pricier countries, especially for flights, tours and Patagonia; Santiago food and transport are moderate.
Do tourists pay VAT on hotels in Chile?
Foreign tourists who pay in US dollars with a foreign card and show a passport and entry record are usually exempt from the 19% VAT; ask the hotel.
How much is a day in Chile?
About CLP$60,000 per person on a budget, CLP$145,000 mid-range and CLP$340,000 in comfort, not including domestic flights.