Best Places To Live in South America: Top 10
Almost everyone gets the urge to travel around South America at some point in their life. It may be a short-lived dream for many; some, on the other hand, just can’t shake it off, and they even aspire to settle in this beautiful continent due to the extraordinary peculiarities, in addition to the affordable cost of living in South American cities.
Read on if you’re persistent about living out this exciting dream because this post will tell you about 10 great places to live in South America.
Keep in mind that this is not a ranking but a compilation of 10 perfect South American cities very much favored by digital nomads. After all, the list needs to be narrowed down a little bit, or else it could take us years to decide upon a destination among such an abundance of intriguing choices and get on the road. So, let’s hit it then!
10 Great Places To Live in South America
10. Córdoba, Argentina
Córdoba is home to a large population of international and local students due to the presence of one of the most prestigious universities in the whole of South America: the National University of Córdoba.
Córdoba is the second largest city in the country and also the second most popular choice after Buenos Aires among those who want to relocate to an Argentinian city.
The city offers an incredibly vivid nightlife scene with its numerous bars, entertainment venues, and restaurants. The high population of students makes the city vibrant during both daytime and night.
There are also plenty of coworking spaces in Córdoba, which—combined with other factors—makes this beautiful and vivacious Argentinian city a perfect South American destination for digital nomads as well.
9. Bogotá, Colombia
Despite its reputation of being unsafe in the past, Colombia shook its infamousness off for the most part in recent years and became a much-favored destination for travelers, expats, and digital nomads.
The affordable cost of living, the abundance of cultural events, and the large expat network make Bogotá the second most popular Colombian city among remote workers, following Medellin.
Bogotá offers convenient weather throughout the year: the temperature is around 17°C during the day, and at night it falls down to around 8°C. The city gets a considerable amount of rainfall during April and October.
Although the city is much safer than it used to be in the past, it’s still in your best interest to be cautious regarding your valuables because pickpocketing is quite common in Bogotá.
8. Florianópolis, Brazil
If you’ve already done some research on South American countries, you probably know by now that Brazil is considered one of the continent’s least safe countries. However, Florianópolis has managed to wriggle itself out of such a bad reputation and is one of the safest cities to live in Brazil.
Being one of the wealthiest cities in Brazil, Florianópolis offers great healthcare facilities, as well as low levels of pollution. The great number of brilliant beaches and the subtropical climate of Florianópolis makes it a focus of interest for many foreigners, especially for the remote workers and digital nomads, though, because there aren’t many job opportunities in this coastal city.
7. Quito, Ecuador
If you’re looking for a place to live that has mild temperatures all year round, offers a modern lifestyle but is still affordable, and is home to a large community of expats, Quito might be just the right destination for you.
Quito has been constantly developing and modernizing for quite a while now. It inexpensively offers all that you expect from a modern city. The extensive and effective public transportation system allows you to get around the city quite effortlessly and affordably. Moreover, you can find conveniently priced housing. Accommodation prices are even lower in the currently modernizing suburbs of Quito such as Sangolqui or Tumbaco.
Quito doesn’t go through four seasons, instead, it has the dry season and the rainy season, and the temperature typically doesn’t go much below 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Quito swarms with a diversity of stunning landscapes such as the Andes mountains or Tena and Mind forests.
With all the perks it offers, Quito is a favorable destination for both retirees and digital nomads.
6. Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay is known to be the safest country in South America and hence, is an excellent destination for remote workers who want to live in South America. It has also ranked the highest among the Latin American countries in the Human Development Index, which evaluates per capita income, education levels, and the average life expectancy of the residents.
Montevideo is attracting countless foreigners with its vivid nightlife, relaxed atmosphere, and large community of expats. There’s no need to mention the delicious food and the abundance of entertainment events, for sure: life’s incredibly social in Montevideo.
One possible drawback of living in Montevideo might be the high cost of living. You need to be earning quite well to easily get by in Montevideo, for it’s one of the most expensive cities in South America.
5. Santiago, Chile
Since Chile is one of the countries with the most stable economy in South America, the cost of living in Santiago is naturally much higher compared to most cities in the continent. However, if you have adequate financial means, it’s a wonderful place to live.
Santiago is home to stunning landscapes, brilliant beaches, and majestic mountains, which provides its residents with numerous activity opportunities like swimming, skiing, and hiking. The city also bustles with job opportunities for bilingual speakers due to its dynamic economy and developing financial sector.
4. Lima, Peru
Lima is the expat hub of Peru, as well as attracting many retirees with its coastal lifestyle. In the past, the city used to have a bad reputation for being unsafe. However, the crime rates fell drastically in the city center over the years. The outskirts of the city, on the other hand, are still somewhat less safe compared to the center.
One of the biggest perks of living in Lima is the strong sense of community, which makes it easier to adapt to a brand new life away from your home country. The local people are friendly and welcoming. Moreover, Lima offers an abundance of art and cultural events where you can meet people and extend your network at all times.
There are numerous districts in Lima, each offering something different. You can enjoy the coastal life in Miraflores, whereas Barranco offers an inspiring shelter for creatives and artists with its slow pace of life, bohemian atmosphere, and colorful streets. Lima is also famous for its delicious food: if you’re a gourmet that always looks for excellent cuisine in the city you live in, it may be just the place for you.
3. Cuenca, Ecuador
Cuenca is a tranquil, beautiful city in southern Ecuador. With its picturesque landscapes and mesmerizing streets that are swarming with architectural wonders, Cuenca is appealing to both retirees and remote workers from all over the world. The city is also home to a high population of students due to the presence of the University of Cuenca. All these factors lead to the inhabitation of Cuenca by a vibrant population.
The reliable internet and the large network of expats in the city make Cuenca a very convenient place to live for digital nomads. Plus, the wide English-speaking community makes life in the city much easier.
The cobblestone streets of Cuenca are quite walkable as well as enjoyable, which enables you to get around the city effortlessly.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Before getting into the too many-to-count perks of Buenos Aires, it’s useful to address one unfortunate fact about Argentina: the unstable economy. While it’s not a great option to live in Buenos Aires if you’re earning in the Argentine peso, you can live very comfortably if you do in a stronger currency like the pound, euro, or dollar.
That being said, Buenos Aires is a modern and vivacious cosmopolitan city: whatever you may expect from urban life, it hands it over to you on a silver plate. It offers convenient public transportation, vivid nightlife, and an abundance of coworking spaces.
There are countless activities to do in Buenos Aires and each neighborhood offers its own specific style of living. You can tango in one, whereas you can have a crazy night out in another.
1. Medellin, Colombia
As one of the best cities in South America for digital nomads, Medellin has an excellent transportation network with the surrounding cities and towns, which makes it easy to travel around. Moreover, it’s close to the coffee zone, meaning you can always restock your work fuel quite effortlessly during a weekend getaway.
What’s even greater about Medellin is the low cost of living. In addition to the affordable general living expenses, Medellin also offers fair-priced cowering spaces, which make the city very appealing to remote workers. Don’t worry, though, it’s not all work and no play in Medellin: the city is also one of the thriving party hubs of Colombia.
Medellin is also known as the city of the eternal spring, and therefore, you can enjoy all-year-round spring-like weather if you live there. The only downside may be the immense traffic in the city, but you can surpass it by using the subway.
The Verdict
With the ever-exploding remote working trend ongoing and growing further each day, South America also has become a dreamland-like continent to live in for many nomads.
Throughout the continent, the costs of living are quite affordable. However, it may be hard to decide on the destination you’ll relocate to due to the number of options available.
We’ve provided you with a list of 10 ideal destinations to relocate to in South America and the main characteristics of these wonderful cities; we hope that this post will help you with your decision.
If you found this article interesting, you may want to check our article on the Safest Countries in South America. Best of luck to you in your new journey!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the safest cities in South America?
Mendoza, Florianópolis, Sucre, Cusco, Arequipa, Cuenca, Bucaramanga, Santiago, Montevideo, and Punta Arenas are ten of the safest cities in the South American countries.
What are the most expensive cities to live in in South America?
The most expensive city to live in in South America is the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo. It is followed by Brazil’s Sao Paolo in second place, while Santiago of Chile is the third priciest city in the continent.
What are the cheapest cities to live in South America for digital nomads?
Medellin (Colombia), Cuenca (Ecuador), Cordoba (Argentina), Lima (Peru), Bogotá (Colombia), Quito (Ecuador), and Curitiba (Brazil) are some of the cheapest cities to live in South America.
What are the most attractive cities in South America?
The cities of South America offer tourists a variety of attractions, from spectacular natural wonders to vibrant and unique cultures. There are many great cities that vie for the title of being the most attractive in South America. But if we were to narrow them down to just three, these would stand out as among the most stunning:
Santiago, Chile is one of the most attractive cities in South America. This vibrant city is surrounded by majestic Andean mountains, making it an ideal place to go hiking or explore nature. It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene – you can explore some amazing museums here such as La Santiago Museum of Contemporary Art, or the Palacio de la Moneda (the Presidential Palace). Furthermore, Santiago has some delicious food offerings and world-class shopping opportunities.
Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is another incredible city located on the Atlantic coast. It’s known as “Cidade Maravilhosa” (the marvelous city) for good reason – its beautiful beaches, city life, friendly people, eclectic music scene, and rich culture make it an iconic destination. Of course, you can’t miss out on exploring Rio’s Corcovado Mountain where the gigantic statue of Christ stands tall overlooking all below.
Buenos Aires in Argentina is a major city and must-see destination when traveling to South America – the city offers something for everyone. You can take tango classes in traditional milongas or visit one of its many historical monuments like Plaza de Mayo or Casa Rosada (the pink house). With dozens upon dozens of theatres offering top performances from plays to operas and so much more.
Each city in South America offers something unique and attractive to visitors; be it a picturesque location, delicious restaurants, or memorable cultural experiences. However, Santiago, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires truly stand out as some of the most amazing cities on the continent.
What is the most innovative city in South America?
The most innovative city in South America is undoubtedly Santiago, Chile. This vibrant metropolis is home to a thriving tech sector, with dozens of startups and established companies developing the latest technological advancements. In the last few years, Santiago has seen an influx of venture capital, leading to a surge of technological innovation that is transforming the city. From AI-powered drones monitoring traffic to mobile payment platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges, Santiago is quickly becoming one of the world's hotspots for tech development.
Home to over seven million people, Santiago is home to Latin America's largest start-up incubator as well as many prominent universities and research centers focused on technology. Additionally, the city has several accelerators dedicated to fostering innovative business and technology ventures. These initiatives have helped foster a culture of entrepreneurship and have attracted talented individuals from all over Latin America and beyond who are looking for opportunities to help bring their ideas to life.
In addition to its reputation as an epicenter for technology, Santiago also offers stunning views of the mountains that surround it due to its unique geographic location nestled between two mountain ranges. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking and other recreational activities like skiing in wintertime. Moreover, this beautiful landscape provides plenty of inspiration for those seeking a creative outlet or some much-needed relaxation from their daily grind.
The combination of these factors makes Santiago one of South America's best cities for innovation. From startups creating cutting-edge products that are changing the way we live our lives, to established businesses exploring new ways to use technology – there has never been a better time than now to tap into this incredible energy that is transforming Santiago into an international leader in technological advancement.
What city has the most vibrant nightlife in South America?
One of the most vibrant and exciting cities for nightlife in the South American continent is undoubtedly Buenos Aires, Argentina. Famed for its beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, and lively nightlife scene, Buenos Aires has something to offer everyone during the evenings. The city's wide array of trendy bars, urban environment, chic nightclubs, and cozy pubs provide an unrivaled range of entertainment options for visitors and locals alike. From classic tango clubs to alternative music venues and everything in between, Buenos Aires offers a vibrant atmosphere that can't be found anywhere else on the continent. Whether you prefer sipping drinks in a candlelit restaurant or dancing the night away in a crowded club, you're certain to find it all in this amazing city.
The streets of Buenos Aires, the capital city, come alive after dark as people flock to different parts of town. If you're looking to experience traditional Argentinean culture then head to San Telmo where tango dancers glide across cobblestone streets while musicians play accordions; or explore Palermo Soho which is known for its stylish bars and great restaurants. For those who prefer a more modern vibe, check out La Boca where colorful houses line the streets and nightclubs fill up with hip young locals. Whatever your preference may be, there is no doubt that Buenos Aires' nightlife scene has something for everyone.
What is the best country to live in South America?
The best country in South America to live is really dependent on your specific criteria. Although the answer to this question highly depends on what you are seeking, in our list of ten countries above, we have two cities from from Colombia and two cities from Argentina. So, it would be fair to say that some of the best countries in South America to live include Colombia and Argentina.
What to consider before moving to South America?
Before diving into the South American experience, thoroughly research the countries that resonate with your desires. While South America is a treasure trove of culture, you might also find appealing destinations in Panama, Belize, Costa Rica, and Mexico. After pinpointing the country, drill down to its cities. Evaluate the locales based on safety, cost of living, connectivity, local expat communities, climate, air quality, and ease of commute. These factors will greatly determine your living experience.
What is the cheapest place to live in South America?
Bolivia often emerges as a top choice for budget-friendly living in South America. However, remember that affordability is subjective and can be influenced by your lifestyle choices. Other nations like Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru are also noteworthy for their cost-effective living alternatives.
What is the best place for expats to live in South America?
The ideal haven for expats in South America is truly subjective and hinges on individual preferences. While expats are scattered across the continent, new hubs of attraction are continually emerging. Seek places that align with your values, work-life balance, and aspirations. Your perfect spot is out there, waiting to be discovered.