Chile

Cost of living

What a month costs

Cheaper than the US or Europe, but pricier than most of the region.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Santiago

1. Cerro San CristóbalFunicular ride to a hilltop Virgin statue with sweeping city and Andes views.
2. Plaza de ArmasThe colonial heart, framed by the cathedral and the main post office.
3. Cerro Santa LucíaA leafy, terraced garden hill in the middle of downtown.
4. Barrio BellavistaBohemian streets, murals and nightlife at the foot of San Cristóbal.
5. La ChasconaPablo Neruda's quirky Santiago house, now a museum.
6. Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos HumanosPowerful museum on the dictatorship years.
7. Gran Torre SantiagoSouth America's tallest tower with the Sky Costanera lookout.
8. Mercado CentralCast-iron market hall famous for fresh seafood lunches.
9. Barrio LastarriaHandsome, walkable quarter of cafes, museums and bookshops.
10. Palacio de La MonedaThe presidential palace with an underground cultural center below.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Valparaíso and Viña del MarHillside street art and a beach town, both about 90 minutes west.
2. Cajón del MaipoAndean canyon of hot springs, hikes and the Embalse el Yeso reservoir.
3. Casablanca ValleyCool-climate wineries and long lunches an hour toward the coast.
4. Valle NevadoBig-mountain ski resort barely an hour up the switchbacks.
5. Santa Cruz and Colchagua ValleyChile's red-wine heartland, ideal for a slow weekend of tastings.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Café ColmadoLastarria favorite for proper espresso and pastries.
2. Wonderful CaféReliable specialty roaster with several city outposts.
3. ColmenaBright specialty spot popular with the laptop crowd.
4. Café TricicloCozy Providencia cafe known for cakes and slow mornings.
5. Café ForasteroThird-wave beans and calm interiors in Ñuñoa.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. BoragóAndrés Rozas Arizton's tasting-menu temple to native Chilean ingredients.
2. Ambrosía BistróRefined, seasonal cooking that regularly makes regional best lists.
3. LiguriaBeloved old-school bistro-bar, the classic Santiago institution.
4. La MarGastón Acurio's polished Peruvian ceviche house.
5. Peumayen Ancestral FoodMenu built around indigenous Mapuche and Rapa Nui traditions.
6. Fuente AlemanaLegendary counter piling meat and avocado into giant sandwiches.
7. OsakaSleek Nikkei dining blending Japanese and Peruvian flavors.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Café ColmadoEggs, good coffee and fresh bread to start the day in Lastarria.
2. ColmenaBrunch plates and specialty coffee in a bright room.
3. Café TricicloSweet morning bakes and unhurried table service.
4. Wonderful CaféSolid breakfast pairings with carefully pulled shots.
5. El Café de la NonaHomey Providencia spot for hearty morning plates.
6. Ninamu CaféCasual neighborhood cafe good for toast and eggs.
7. CastañoNationwide bakery chain for empanadas, pastries and coffee.
8. Emporio La RosaCafe and gelato favorite that also does a fine breakfast.
9. Café ForasteroÑuñoa mornings over specialty coffee and simple plates.