Chile vs New Zealand
Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo
Chile is approximately 56% less expensive than New Zealand based on cost of living including rent. This makes Chile a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Chile has a FIRE Score of 91/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 39.4, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Chile is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
Side by side
Best in rowSantiago
Chile
Wellington
New Zealand
Country-level averages. N/A or Not enough data means no figure is published for that country. * Women's inclusion scores are unverified.
About these countries
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.
Chile costs roughly 56% less than New Zealand, though New Zealand scores higher on safety, making it one of the more financially compelling destinations for New Zealand expats. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Chile is approximately 56% less expensive than New Zealand based on cost of living including rent. This makes Chile a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Chile has a FIRE Score of 91/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 39.4, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Chile 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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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
About New Zealand
Skip this one if you need a retirement or digital nomad visa to make the move: neither exists here. With no dedicated income requirement pathway and only a 5/10 ease of access score, entry is bureaucratic. It works for high-earners chasing safety (Travel Advisory Level 1) and clean healthcare who can qualify through skilled work or investment routes.
$911/mo
Not sure which New Zealand visa you qualify for?
Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Chile | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 1: Normal Precautions |
| Quality of Life Index | 108.6 | 186.2 +77.6 |
| Healthcare Index | 63.7 | 68.1 +4.4 |
| Safety Index | 39.4 | 51.2 +11.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 38.5 +21.6 | 60.1 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $670.1 +304.4 | $974.5 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $2,426.1 +1,128.2 | $3,554.3 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $474.28 +640.19 | $1,114.47 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $370.82 +580.59 | $951.41 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $838.73 +911.35 | $1,750.08 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $652.55 +858.92 | $1,511.47 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 359.4 Mbps +144.3 | 215.1 Mbps |
Rights & Inclusion
Published indices. Legal protection and public attitudes are kept separate, and neither is folded into a single score.
Same-sex relations
Not criminalized
Chile
Same-sex relations
Not criminalized
New Zealand
LGBTQ+ legal protection score
Attitudes
Scores run from 0 to 100. Women's inclusion scores come from the Georgetown WPS Index and are currently unverified. Sources: Equaldex, ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map, Spartacus Gay Travel Index and Georgetown's Women, Peace and Security Index. See the full inclusion ranking.
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Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths for Chile and New Zealand, side by side.
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