City in Coquimbo, Chile
Cost of living in La Serena
How much a month costs in La Serena
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $1,120–1,730 ($1.1M–1.7M).
Prices in La Serena
Typical 2026 ranges in CLP, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | CLP | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | $350,000–550,000 | $356–560 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | $280,000–420,000 | $285–428 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | $12,000–20,000 | $12–20 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | $45,000–95,000 | $46–97 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | $6,000–9,500 | $6.1–9.7 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | $14,000–26,000 | $14–26 |
| Cappuccino | $2,500–4,000 | $2.5–4.1 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | $3,000–5,500 | $3.1–5.6 |
| Getting around | ||
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | $4,000–7,000 | $4.1–7.1 |
| Work and life | ||
| Gym membership (month) | $25,000–40,000 | $25–41 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | $8,000–15,000 | $8.1–15.3 |
Value for money: 80/100
A value score of 80/100 means La Serena gives more quality of life per dollar than 79% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 77/100. It's the 4th most affordable of 11 places we cover in Chile.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across Chile
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
| Place | Comfortable month | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Valparaíso | $967–1,430 | 78/100 |
| Chiloé | $967–1,530 | 78/100 |
| Viña del Mar | $1,020–1,630 | 85/100 |
| Pucón | $1,120–1,730 | 75/100 |
| Puerto Varas | $1,120–1,730 | 71/100 |
| La Serena | $1,120–1,730 | 80/100 |
| Santiago | $1,220–1,830 | 65/100 |
| Punta Arenas | $1,220–1,830 | 70/100 |
| Puerto Natales | $1,320–2,040 | 59/100 |
| San Pedro de Atacama | $1,430–2,240 | 62/100 |
| Easter Island | $2,040–3,050 | 42/100 |
Cheaper alternatives to La Serena
Similar safety, lower cost, in South America.
| Place | Country | Comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| Sucre | Bolivia | $457–706 |
| Uyuni | Bolivia | $499–831 |
| Huaraz | Peru | $697–1,100 |
| Huacachina | Peru | $726–1,160 |
| Salta | Argentina | $788–1,310 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in La Serena?
About $662–916 on a lean budget, $1,120–1,730 for a comfortable month and $2,340–3,870 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in La Serena?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs $350,000–550,000 ($356–560) a month in the center and $280,000–420,000 ($285–428) outside it.
How much does food cost in La Serena?
A local meal is $6,000–9,500 ($6.1–9.7); a mid-range restaurant is $14,000–26,000 ($14–26) per person.
Is Chile expensive?
Prices in Chile are about 48% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about La Serena
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- La Florida Airport (DGAC Chile)
- Sernatur Chile
- Municipalidad de La Serena
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.