Coquimbo, Chile

Coquimbo sits on Chile's arid northern coast, a port city of 204 thousand people at just 12 m above sea level, where the climate stays dry and the Pacific keeps temperatures mild. The timezone is America/Santiago, and the nearest airport is La Florida Airport (LSC), only 14 km away. Expats tend to settle in Peñuelas and El Milagro, two neighborhoods that offer a quieter base while keeping you close to the city's daily rhythms.

Living costs here are modest by global standards, with a cost of living index of 49/100 against New York City as 100. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre rents for $450/mo, while outside the centre it drops to $320/mo. Three-bedroom units run $900/mo in the centre and $650/mo outside. For a single adult, monthly costs excluding rent average $680/mo, and a family of four spends about $2,200/mo excluding rent. Utilities come to $102/mo, a mobile phone plan is $12/mo, and a gym membership costs $26/mo. Eating out is affordable: an inexpensive restaurant meal is $7 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $46, and a cappuccino is $4. Budget, mid-range, and comfortable tiers for a single adult, rent included, are $1,130/mo, $1,550/mo, and $2,100/mo respectively. Local wages tell a different story, with an average monthly net salary of $614/mo, so many expats rely on remote income or savings.

Safety is a relative strength, with a safety index of 65/100 and a crime index of 35/100, where lower is safer. Air quality is moderate at 45 on the index, where lower is better. Healthcare quality is rated as fair, and English proficiency is limited, so a little Spanish goes a long way. The expat community is small, which means connections form slowly but tend to be genuine.

For stays, Chile offers the Residencia Temporal - Jubilados y Rentistas for retirees and the Chile Digital Nomad Visa, both requiring a minimum monthly income of $1,000/mo. With an overall expat score of 71/100, a FIRE score of 73/100, a retiree score of 53/100, and a digital nomad score of 63/100, Coquimbo suits budget-conscious remote workers and early retirees who want low rents, dry weather, and a low-key coastal life rather than a large expat scene. Internet averages 80 Mbps, enough for most remote work. If you value affordability and a slower pace over big-city convenience, this port city makes a practical base.