La Serena, Chile

Capital City

Living in La Serena feels like a slow-paced beach town with just enough city amenities to keep things practical. The university brings a youthful energy, but this is primarily a Chilean vacation spot — expect packed beaches in summer and quieter streets the rest of the year. Rent is cheap, but the local economy leans heavily on tourism, so job opportunities outside that sector are limited.

Bureaucracy can be a headache, especially if you’re dealing with visa paperwork or setting up utilities. Spanish fluency is non-negotiable here — English isn’t widely spoken, even in tourist areas. La Serena works best for retirees or digital nomads who want a low-cost coastal lifestyle and don’t mind being off the beaten expat path.