Chile vs South Africa
South Africa costs roughly 17% less than Chile, though Chile scores higher on safety. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
South Africa is approximately 17% less expensive than Chile based on cost of living including rent. This makes South Africa a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
South Africa has a FIRE Score of 92/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 25.3, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: South Africa is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Chile
Safety is a real concern here, with a 39.5 safety index. Retirees on fixed incomes should look past that given the low bar for entry: just $1,000/mo qualifies for the Rentista visa, and a 1BR outside the center runs $370.82/mo. A digital nomad visa exists, so remote workers face more friction than retirees.
$1,856/mo
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About South Africa
Safety is the dealbreaker: a 25.3 safety index puts South Africa firmly in caution territory, with the advisory level of 2 underscoring that. Retirees on fixed budgets should look past this for the math: $2,050/mo qualifies for the retirement visa, while rent runs under $500/mo in city centers. Low cost, low safety, weigh accordingly.
$1,873/mo
Not sure which South Africa visa you qualify for?
Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
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Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Chile | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 107.3 | 152.4 +45.1 |
| Healthcare Index | 63.5 | 63.8 +0.3 |
| Safety Index | 39.5 +14.2 | 25.3 |
| Cost of Living Index | 35.1 | 30 +5.1 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $670.1 | $645 +25.1 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $2,426.1 | $2,299.6 +126.5 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $474.28 +7.38 | $481.66 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $370.82 +18.65 | $389.47 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $838.73 +135.42 | $974.15 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $652.55 +104.85 | $757.4 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 469.69 Mbps +421.4 | 48.31 Mbps |
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Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths for Chile and South Africa, side by side.
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