Cost of Living in South America (2025):
A Country-by-Country Breakdown for Long-Term Travelers & Digital Nomads
Is South America still affordable in 2025? For long-term travelers, digital nomads, and budget-minded families, the answer is yes. But where you go makes all the difference.
Why We Built This Guide
Whether you’re planning a year abroad, chasing remote work freedom, or plotting a family gap year, understanding the real cost of living is what helps you actually do the thing, not just dream about it.
We built this guide using current 2025 data from Numbeo, one of the world’s largest user-powered cost-of-living databases and layered in a family travel lens based on our own prep for South America.
This isn’t fluff. These are the real numbers behind rent, food, transport, and daily life across twelve South American countries.
Table of Contents
How This Data Was Collected
All figures in this post are pulled from Numbeo’s latest data (as of May 2025) and reflect reported averages across major cities in each country. We’ve used cost benchmarks for:
Monthly rent (1–3 bedroom apartments, city center vs suburbs)
Groceries and everyday food costs
Transportation (public transit passes, fuel)
Restaurants (budget vs mid-range)
Utilities and Wi-Fi
All prices are converted to USD for comparison, and we’ve included two snapshots per country:
Solo traveller estimate
Family of four estimate
You’ll also find callouts where costs differ drastically by city (e.g. Quito vs Cuenca, or Buenos Aires vs Mendoza), and notes where we’ve layered in family-relevant insight, like where you’ll find parks, fast Wi-Fi, or cheap playground-side empanadas.
This blog is fuelled by caffeine and chaos, if it helps, support our journey.
Cost of living by country South America Comparison (2025)
Here’s a quick, bullet-style comparison across the twelve countries we analysed. This is a starting point, deeper breakdowns follow in the next sections.
🇧🇴 Bolivia
One of the most affordable countries in South America
1-bed rent in La Paz: ~$250/month
Local lunch: $2–3
Monthly budget (solo): ~$700 / (family of 4): ~$1,300
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Solid balance of low cost and infrastructure
2-bed apartment outside Quito: ~$450/month
Groceries: ~$250/month (solo)
Monthly budget (solo): ~$1,000 / (family): ~$1,800
🇨🇴 Colombia
Fast-growing nomad hotspot (especially Medellín)
Rent (city center): ~$500–600/month
Menu del día: ~$3
Monthly budget (solo): ~$1,000 / (family): ~$1,700
🇵🇪 Peru
Affordable, especially outside Lima
Groceries for 1: ~$220/month
Inexpensive restaurants: $3–5
Monthly budget (solo): ~$950 / (family): ~$1,700
🇦🇷 Argentina
Wild inflation = variable cost
Rent is still low: ~$300–500/month
Local meal: $4–6
Monthly budget (solo): ~$1,100 / (family): ~$1,900
🇨🇱 Chile
Most expensive of the bunch
Rent (Santiago): $600–800/month
Grocery prices closer to Europe
Monthly budget (solo): ~$1,400 / (family): ~$2,400
🇺🇾 Uruguay
Quiet, stable, but pricey
Rent in Montevideo: ~$700+
Great digital infrastructure
Monthly budget (solo): ~$1,500 / (family): ~$2,500
🇵🇾 Paraguay
Low cost, often overlooked
2-bed rent: ~$350
Public transport: ~$0.40
Monthly budget (solo): ~$800 / (family): ~$1,400
🇧🇷 Brazil
Big price range depending on region
1-bed rent in São Paulo: ~$420/month
Local meal: ~$6
Monthly budget (solo): ~$1,200 / (family of 4): ~$2,100
🇻🇪 Venezuela
Extremely low cost, but safety risks remain
1-bed rent in Caracas: ~$200/month
Local meal: ~$2.50
Monthly budget (solo): ~$700 / (family): ~$1,200
🇬🇾 Guyana
Caribbean-South America hybrid — rugged and affordable
1-bed in Georgetown: ~$350/month
Cheap restaurant meal: ~$4
Monthly budget (solo): ~$950 / (family): ~$1,600
🇸🇷 Suriname
Dutch-Caribbean charm with low costs
1-bed in Paramaribo: ~$340/month
Local meal: ~$4.50
Monthly budget (solo): ~$900 / (family): ~$1,600
How much does it cost to live in South America 2025?
Now let’s zoom in. We’ll unpack each country with real price samples, notes on family-friendliness, and where you’ll get the most value for your budget.
🇦🇷 Argentina: Budget-Friendly Adventure With a Side of Instability
If you’re looking for great value and big personality, Argentina delivers as long as you’re prepared for financial curveballs. With a long history of economic volatility and inflation, the country’s cost of living can fluctuate from month to month. But for budget-conscious travellers (and families), this can work in your favour… Argentina offers high quality of life at a low cost, particularly if you’re bringing in foreign currency.
Estimated Monthly Cost (2025)
Solo traveler: ~$1,100 USD
Family of four: ~$1,900 USD
Housing
1-bed city centre (Buenos Aires): ~$330
3-bed outside city centre: ~$535
Outside major cities, rent drops further. Places like Mendoza or Salta offer relaxed lifestyles, walkable centres, and scenic backdrops for far less than Europe or North America.
Food & Groceries
Groceries (family): ~$350
Local meal (inexpensive restaurant): $5
Argentina is meat-heavy (empanadas, choripán, and of course, steak), but local markets are budget-friendly even for vegetarians. Cook at home to keep costs down, or eat where locals eat, menu del día-style cafes are everywhere.
Transport
- Monthly public transport pass (Buenos Aires): ~$11
Subway and bus systems in cities are cheap and extensive. Intercity buses are affordable, comfortable, and family-friendly a big plus for long-term travel without renting a car.
Family Travel Insight
Argentina loves kids. Expect free entry for children at many parks and attractions, and you’ll rarely get side-eyes bringing toddlers to a restaurant. Buenos Aires is a vibrant, stroller-friendly city (with surprisingly good playgrounds), and smaller towns like Bariloche or El Calafate offer a taste of Patagonian adventure with less chaos.
Final Thought
Argentina’s economic unpredictability might make budget planning tricky, but if you’re willing to be flexible, it’s one of the best value-for-money destinations on the continent and a deeply cultural, scenic one at that.
🇧🇴 Bolivia: Raw, Rugged, and Incredibly Affordable
Bolivia is South America’s true budget stronghold. It’s also one of its most rugged, less infrastructure, fewer creature comforts, but enormous cultural and natural payoff. This is a destination where the adventurous can live well for under $40 a day and where a family can travel for less than the cost of rent back home.
Estimated Monthly Cost (2025)
Solo traveler: ~$700 USD
Family of four: ~$1,300 USD
Housing
1-bed in La Paz: ~$260
3-bed outside city centre: ~$370
Even in the capital, rent is incredibly low. Many digital nomads and travelers base themselves in Sucre, a calmer, cheaper colonial city with decent Wi-Fi and short walking distances.
Food & Groceries
Groceries (family): ~$280
Local meal: $2.50
Markets are king here. Fresh produce is cheap and abundant. Eating out can be cheaper than cooking, think rice, lentils, grilled meat, and heaps of potatoes for under $3 per plate.
Transport
- Monthly public transport pass: ~$8
Microbuses, taxis, and colectivos dominate the urban transport scene. Long-distance travel is cheap but often slow, a tradeoff for the low cost.
Family Travel Insight
Bolivia isn’t the most kid-friendly in terms of infrastructure (think: uneven streets, minimal changing tables), but it offers incredible cultural experiences for older kids, salt flats, llamas, and mountains that make the iPad feel irrelevant. Sucre and Cochabamba are better picks for slower, family-oriented travel than bustling La Paz.
Final Thought
If you want true off-the-beaten-path travel on a tight budget, Bolivia is unmatched. It’s not always smooth, but the experience is unforgettable and for families on a long-term journey, that’s part of the point.
🇧🇷 Brazil: Big Cities, Bigger Costs But Incredible Diversity
Brazil offers a vibrant blend of beach life, jungle exploration, and city energy, but it’s not the cheapest stop on the map. While places like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro carry a high cost of living by South American standards, Brazil rewards slow travellers who head inland or explore lesser-known regions.
Estimated Monthly Cost (2025)
Solo traveler: ~$1,200 USD
Family of four: ~$2,100 USD
Housing
1-bed in São Paulo (city centre): ~$420
3-bed outside centre: ~$700
Rio is typically more expensive than São Paulo, especially closer to the beach. However, if you base yourself in places like Florianópolis, Salvador, or even Minas Gerais, rent drops significantly often by 30–40%.
Food & Groceries
Groceries (family): ~$420
Local meal: $6
Food in Brazil is rich and varied. You can find cheap eats like pão de queijo, street feijoada, or pastel for under $3. Cooking at home can be economical, but beware supermarkets can get pricey if you’re not sourcing locally or seasonally.
Transport
- Monthly public transport pass (São Paulo): ~$50
Buses and metro systems are efficient in major cities, but rideshare apps are often more reliable in smaller towns. Brazil’s intercity buses are modern but not cheap, slow travel helps you save.
Family Travel Insight
Brazil is child-friendly, families are treated with warmth in most public places, and it’s common to see kids out late in restaurants. That said, safety is region-dependent. Avoid favelas, stay in well-rated areas, and prioritise daytime exploration. Wi-Fi is solid in cities but patchy in remote areas.
Final Thought
Brazil offers a ton of value but it requires smart planning and regional savvy. For families, it’s not the cheapest destination, but it’s rich in culture, nature, and rhythm. Think of it as a high-reward middle-tier cost country on the South America map.
🇨🇱 Chile: The Price of Comfort
Chile consistently ranks as one of the most expensive countries in South America, but that comes with perks: stable infrastructure, excellent safety, and a modern feel that’s more Western Europe than backpacker frontier. If you’re seeking reliability over rustic charm, Chile might be your pick.
Estimated Monthly Cost (2025)
Solo traveler: ~$1,400 USD
Family of four: ~$2,400 USD
Housing
1-bed in Santiago (city centre): ~$590
3-bed outside city centre: ~$800
Smaller cities like Valparaíso or La Serena offer more budget-friendly living with a similar quality of life, great options for digital nomads or families who want a slower pace.
Food & Groceries
Groceries (family): ~$500
Inexpensive restaurant meal: ~$9
Dining out adds up fast in Chile. While the food is good, cooking at home can save you hundreds monthly. Supermarkets feel more European in price, you won’t find $2 lunches here.
Transport
- Public transport pass: ~$45/month
Efficient metros in Santiago, plus modern intercity buses and widely available rideshare apps make getting around safe and easy, even with kids in tow.
Family Travel Insight
Chile is one of the safest and most well-organised countries on the continent. Public spaces are clean, streets are walkable, and healthcare is among the best in South America. This makes it especially appealing to families looking for stability, albeit at a cost.
Final Thought
If budget is your primary concern, Chile might not make the shortlist. But if you value ease, comfort, and a strong infrastructure for both work and parenting, it’s a worthy contender especially for longer stays in smaller cities.
🇨🇴 Colombia: Affordable, Connected, and Full of Surprises
Colombia has exploded in popularity with digital nomads and budget travellers over the past five years and for good reason. It offers a winning combo of low cost of living, strong infrastructure in major cities, and a surprisingly family-friendly culture. While its past reputation still lingers, modern Colombia is open, energetic, and affordable.
Estimated Monthly Cost (2025)
Solo traveler: ~$1,000 USD
Family of four: ~$1,700 USD
Housing
1-bed apartment in Medellín (city centre): ~$410
3-bed outside city centre: ~$600
Medellín is the nomad hotspot, but Cali, Bucaramanga, and Santa Marta offer lower rents with growing remote work infrastructure. Even Cartagena, though touristy it has affordable options just outside the city core.
Food & Groceries
Groceries (family): ~$310
Local meal: ~$3.50
Colombian markets are unbeatable for fresh produce and local staples. Lunch deals (“menu del día”) typically include soup, a main, drink, and sometimes dessert all for under $4. Western-style supermarkets are more expensive, but still affordable.
Transport
- Monthly public transport pass (Medellín): ~$25
Medellín’s metro system is safe, efficient, and clean a rarity in Latin America. Buses are widespread but slower. Intercity travel is affordable but long (due to terrain), so internal flights are common and relatively cheap.
Family Travel Insight
Colombia is surprisingly accommodating for families. People are warm toward kids, and it’s common to find family-oriented activities in public parks, plazas, and museums. Medellín’s cable cars offer both a transportation perk and an exciting outing for little ones.
Final Thought
Colombia balances adventure and practicality. For digital nomads, it checks all the boxes: low rent, good Wi-Fi, vibrant coworking. For families, it offers value and culture, just stay up to date on local safety advice and neighborhood recommendations.
🇪🇨 Ecuador: Quiet Confidence and Dollar-Based Simplicity
Ecuador often flies under the radar, but for families or nomads looking for balance, it’s a fantastic choice. It’s safe, slow-paced, and uses the US dollar, which means no wild currency swings and a bit more financial predictability. While not the cheapest country on the continent, its value is high, especially outside the capital and cost of living in Ecuador is still very cheap.
Estimated Monthly Cost (2025)
Solo traveler: ~$1,000 USD
Family of four: ~$1,800 USD
Housing
1-bed in Quito (city centre): ~$330
3-bed outside city centre: ~$510
Cities like Cuenca or Loja are even cheaper and are growing in popularity with expats. For long-term travel, these smaller hubs offer a great cost-of-living-to-comfort ratio.
Food & Groceries
Groceries (family): ~$320
Local restaurant meal: ~$3.50
Local almuerzos (set lunches) are widespread and often include soup, rice, meat or eggs, and juice. Eating out a few times a week doesn’t wreck the budget, especially in smaller cities.
Transport
- Public transport pass: ~$16/month
Buses are dirt cheap ($0.25–0.50 per ride), and taxis or rideshare apps are widely used. Internal flights are available but not always budget-friendly, plan land travel with extra time in mind.
Family Travel Insight
Ecuador is calm. Families will appreciate the slower pace, less traffic stress, and friendly public vibe. Cuenca is especially appealing for worldschoolers, walkable, safe, and culturally rich with lots of green space.
Final Thought
Ecuador won’t wow you with buzz or glitz but that’s kind of the point. It’s a stable, wallet-friendly, and comfortable place to base yourself for a month or six. For families, that consistency is a hidden gem.
🇵🇾 Paraguay: The Hidden Gem for Long-Term Budget Travelers
Paraguay is rarely at the top of a South America itinerary and that’s exactly what makes it appealing. It’s one of the cheapest countries on the continent, and while it lacks major tourist infrastructure, it offers a peaceful, authentic lifestyle that can be ideal for budget-conscious travelers or slow-traveling families who want a break from the typical “gringo trail.”
Estimated Monthly Cost (2025)
Solo traveler: ~$800 USD
Family of four: ~$1,400 USD
Housing
1-bed in Asunción (city centre): ~$320
3-bed outside city centre: ~$480
Rent is low across the country, and even in the capital, long-term rentals are surprisingly affordable. For those staying longer than a few months, it’s possible to find unfurnished homes in quiet suburbs at even lower rates.
Food & Groceries
Groceries (family): ~$300
Local restaurant meal: ~$3.50
Food is hearty and heavily meat-based, but local produce is cheap and widely available. While restaurant variety is limited outside Asunción, the cost of both eating out and cooking is very low compared to neighbouring countries.
Transport
- Public transport pass: ~$20/month
Buses are the main form of local transport and cost as little as $0.40 per ride. The intercity system isn’t as developed as elsewhere in South America, but traffic is light and rides are manageable.
Family Travel Insight
Paraguay offers a calm environment with minimal tourist traffic, making it a good pick for families wanting to lay low and stretch their budget. That said, it’s better suited for older kids or teens there’s less to “do” for toddlers, and infrastructure like playgrounds, changing stations, or modern medical care can be limited in smaller towns.
Final Thought
If you’re looking for low-cost living, fewer crowds, and a break from the backpacker buzz, Paraguay delivers. It’s not flashy, but for families or nomads wanting an affordable, off-grid chapter, it’s a strong contender.
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🇵🇪 Peru: Big Destinations, Small Budget
Peru is one of the most popular countries in South America, and for good reason. It’s home to world-famous sights like Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, but it’s also incredibly affordable for long-term travellers. The mix of culture, cuisine, and cost-efficiency makes it a smart base for solo nomads and adventurous families alike.
Estimated Monthly Cost (2025)
Solo traveler: ~$950 USD
Family of four: ~$1,700 USD
Housing
1-bed in Lima (city centre): ~$350
3-bed outside city centre: ~$520
Cusco, Arequipa, and Trujillo offer lower prices and a more laid-back pace. Many nomads prefer Cusco for its walkability and strong expat network, but the high altitude takes some adjusting to, especially for young kids.
Food & Groceries
Groceries (family): ~$320
Local meal: ~$3.50–5
Peru has one of the most vibrant culinary scenes on the continent. Even modest restaurants serve incredible local dishes like lomo saltado, ceviche, or ají de gallina, often at backpacker-friendly prices.
Transport
- Public transport pass (Lima): ~$18/month
Local transport is basic but affordable. Buses and minibuses (“combis”) are common, and taxis are cheap in smaller cities. Peru’s long-distance buses are comfortable and often include meals and Wi-Fi great for families avoiding flights.
Family Travel Insight
Peru is a great entry-level adventure country for families. It’s rich in cultural experiences (markets, ruins, nature), but the infrastructure is still decent in major cities. Healthcare access is solid, and costs are reasonable if you’re uninsured. Just plan slowly at high elevations and have a flexible plan in smaller towns.
Final Thought
Peru is a travel sweet spot: low costs, high reward. It’s perfect for families seeking a mix of education, culture, and adventure, with a reasonable price tag.
🇺🇾 Uruguay: Quiet, Stable — But Not Cheap
Uruguay is one of the most peaceful, developed, and progressive countries in South America, and it shows in the price tag. With a strong middle class and high quality of life, costs here can rival Southern Europe. For families or digital nomads looking for a relaxed pace with modern infrastructure, it’s a solid (if pricey) choice.
Estimated Monthly Cost (2025)
Solo traveler: ~$1,500 USD
Family of four: ~$2,500 USD
Housing
1-bed in Montevideo (city centre): ~$610
3-bed outside city centre: ~$880
Montevideo and coastal towns like Punta del Este offer modern amenities, but rent is high across the board. For long-term stays, look for suburban or off-season rentals.
Food & Groceries
Groceries (family): ~$500
Inexpensive meal out: ~$10
Uruguay’s dining scene is meat-forward and relatively expensive. Cooking at home helps, but groceries (especially imported goods) can be costly.
Transport
- Public transport pass: ~$45/month
Montevideo has a clean and reliable bus network, and local travel is safe and simple. Intercity buses are modern, but not cheap, slow travel wins here.
Family Travel Insight
Uruguay ranks high on safety, cleanliness, and healthcare. It’s one of the most LGBTQ+ and family-inclusive countries in South America. Montevideo has playgrounds, long beach promenades, and peaceful neighbourhoods, great for kids.
Final Thought
If you have the budget and crave stability, Uruguay is a fantastic base. It’s not the cheapest, but it may offer the most relaxed, Western-feeling lifestyle on the continent.
🇻🇪 Venezuela: Caution Required, But Costs Are Low
Once a top South American destination, Venezuela’s ongoing political and economic crisis has drastically reduced its tourism infrastructure. That said, it’s still home to stunning landscapes and one of the lowest costs of living anywhere, but travellers must proceed with extreme care and do current research.
Estimated Monthly Cost (2025)
Solo traveler: ~$700 USD
Family of four: ~$1,200 USD
Housing
1-bed in Caracas: ~$200
3-bed outside city centre: ~$300
Housing is extremely affordable, but options are often limited in quality or availability due to inflation and supply issues.
Food & Groceries
Groceries (family): ~$250
Meal out: ~$2.50
Food is cheap, but availability can vary. Stick to local produce and market staples to stretch your budget.
Transport
- Public transport: ~$4/month (subsidized)
Gas is virtually free, but the transport system is unreliable and often unsafe. Private drivers or internal flights may be safer for families, though pricier.
Family Travel Insight
Venezuela is not ideal for families right now. Safety concerns, limited medical infrastructure, and unpredictable conditions mean you’ll need trusted local support and up-to-date advice if traveling with kids.
Final Thought
Venezuela offers incredibly low costs and unmatched natural beauty, but unless you have deep ties or extensive experience in Latin America, it’s better approached with caution or avoided for now.
🇬🇾 Guyana: Jungle Vibes on a Shoestring
Guyana is a different flavour of South America English-speaking, Caribbean-influenced, and largely underdeveloped. It’s rugged, remote, and great for eco-tourists or families craving off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Estimated Monthly Cost (2025)
Solo traveler: ~$950 USD
Family of four: ~$1,600 USD
Housing
1-bed in Georgetown: ~$350
3-bed outside city centre: ~$550
Outside of Georgetown, housing is sparse but cheap. Most rentals are basic, and infrastructure may be lacking, so come prepared.
Food & Groceries
- Groceries (family): ~$300
Cheap restaurant meal: ~$4
Markets are affordable and full of Caribbean flavors. Fresh fish, rice, root veg, and tropical fruit dominate. Imported goods, however, can be pricey.
Transport
- Public transport: ~$20/month
Buses and minibuses are cheap but informal. Roads are rough outside cities. Domestic flights and river transport are often necessary.
Family Travel Insight
This is a destination for outdoorsy, flexible families. Jungle treks, waterfalls, and wildlife are everywhere, but modern comforts are few. It’s not stroller-friendly, but older kids will thrive on the adventure.
Final Thought
Guyana is one of South America’s best-kept secrets and still wildly affordable. It’s not polished, but that’s part of the draw.
🇸🇷 Suriname: Small Country, Big Contrast
Suriname blends Dutch colonial history, Afro-Caribbean culture, and Amazonian jungle all on a small budget. It’s often overlooked, but it can offer a unique, peaceful base for travelers seeking cultural depth and low costs.
Estimated Monthly Cost (2025)
Solo traveler: ~$900 USD
Family of four: ~$1,600 USD
Housing
1-bed in Paramaribo: ~$340
3-bed outside centre: ~$520
Housing is inexpensive, especially outside the capital. Options range from colonial-era flats to simple jungle bungalows.
Food & Groceries
Groceries (family): ~$320
Local restaurant meal: ~$4.50
Food is diverse, think Indian, Indonesian, Dutch and relatively affordable. Local ingredients are cheap, while imported ones inflate the bill.
Transport
- Public transport pass: ~$20/month
Mini-buses and taxis are standard, but infrastructure is basic. Roads outside Paramaribo can be inconsistent, and self-driving is tricky.
Family Travel Insight
Suriname’s pace is slow, people are friendly, and the capital is walkable. While modern services are limited, the cultural and nature-based experiences can be memorable for older kids, especially those worldschooling.
Final Thought
Suriname won’t be for everyone, but if you’re looking for something different and deeply rooted in culture, this small country delivers more than you’d expect for the cost.
Where’s the Best Value in South America?
After reviewing cost-of-living stats across 12 countries, here’s what stands out not just in numbers, but in value-for-money for real travellers and families like yours.
Cheapest South American countries for Budget Travellers
Low cost, decent Wi-Fi, walkability, and affordable meals
Bolivia — Cheapest overall, especially for solo travellers. Great for slow travel.
Colombia — Balanced affordability, good infrastructure, and nomad-friendly hubs.
Ecuador — Dollar-based economy, walkable cities, and calm pace.
Cheapest South American country for families
Safety, ease, low costs, family-friendly culture
Peru — Educational, scenic, safe, and affordable.
Colombia — Surprisingly kid-friendly cities, low food + transport costs.
Paraguay — Minimal crowds, very low rent, and super slow pace.
Best “Mid-Tier” for Comfort + Value
Strong Wi-Fi, better healthcare, stable pricing
Argentina (despite inflation, it’s still affordable)
Uruguay (expensive, but safe and stable)
Chile (higher cost, but solid infrastructure and predictability)
Our Take: What We’re Actually Planning
As a family of four preparing for long-term travel in South America, we’re balancing cost, kid-friendliness, internet reliability, and opportunities for slow, meaningful connection. Based on this deep dive and our prep so far:
First Stops Likely: Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador
Budget goal: Around $1,700–$2,000/month (flexible depending on region)
What matters most: Clean rentals, safe neighbourhoods, walkable cities, and enough bandwidth to work and worldschool.
We’re not chasing the cheapest, we’re chasing what feels sustainable.
Get our free travel budget worksheet and see how we actually mapped out costs by country, category, and contingency.
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It includes:
A Notion-based travel planner
Editable cost of living and packing checklists
Bonus: our real prep budget (mistakes and all)
For journalists or bloggers looking to cite 2025 data, feel free to link to this guide. All cost estimates are pulled from Numbeo’s latest public database.
Final Thought
South America in 2025 is still one of the best places in the world for long-term, meaningful travel especially if you’re building a lifestyle around freedom, flexibility, and family time.
Prices are changing. Some countries are rising. Others are still shockingly affordable. But if you plan well, use real data (like this), and stay flexible, it’s all doable.
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