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- Accommodation in Chile
- Share a flat, find flatmates
Last updated on 19/03/2026
Shared accommodation is the most common starting point for students, interns, and young professionals arriving in Chile. It's cheaper, it gives you built-in social contacts, and landlords are more flexible about documentation when renting a single room versus an entire apartment.
That said, the process has its quirks. Here's what you need to know.
Where to look
CompartoDepto.cl
CompartoDepto.cl is the main Chilean platform for shared accommodation. It works like a classified site — landlords and tenants post listings, and you browse by area, price, and room type.
The catch: you need to pay for a monthly subscription (around CLP 7,000-10,000) to contact people through the platform. It's worth it if you're actively searching. Create a profile with a photo and a short description of yourself — in Spanish if possible. Listings without replies often mean the poster didn't pay for premium access either.
Facebook groups
Facebook is the free alternative, and it works well. The most active groups for housing in Santiago include:
- Room Mate and Flat Finder
- Room Mate and Flat Finder Chile
- Arriendo de piezas - Comparto depto. Todo Chile
For general expat groups where rooms are occasionally posted:
A tip: instead of posting "Looking for a room!" like everyone else, search the group for posts from 3-4 months ago. Contact people who were looking at that time — they likely found a place and may know someone who's moving out.
University housing boards
If you're a student, contact the international office of your university. They usually have a housing board or a list of vetted landlords who regularly rent to foreign students. Some universities also organize WhatsApp groups for incoming international students.
Word of mouth
Hostels in Santiago are full of backpackers who ended up staying longer than planned. If you're in a hostel during your first days, ask around — people transitioning to longer-term stays often know of rooms opening up. Language exchange events (intercambios) are also a good way to meet people who can point you to available rooms.
What to expect
The typical setup
Most shared accommodation in Santiago is a private bedroom in a shared apartment. You get a furnished room (bed, desk, wardrobe), access to a shared kitchen and living room, and usually internet and utilities included in the rent. The quality varies a lot — some places are well maintained, others less so. Visit before committing.
Shared bedrooms exist (mainly for students on tight budgets), but they're uncommon. If you can afford a private room, you'll have a much better experience.
Pricing
Prices vary significantly by neighborhood. As a rough guide for Santiago:
- Santiago Centro: CLP 150,000-250,000 per month. The cheapest option, close to universities, but the area can feel rough at night.
- Providencia / Barrio Italia: CLP 250,000-350,000. The sweet spot for young professionals. Good restaurants, metro access, local vibe.
- Ñuñoa (north): CLP 200,000-300,000. Similar to Providencia but a bit cheaper and more residential.
- Las Condes: CLP 300,000-500,000. Modern buildings, safe, close to the business district. Less cultural immersion.
These prices usually include utilities. If they don't, budget an extra CLP 30,000-50,000 per month for your share.
Avoiding problems
Scams
The same scams that target apartment renters also target room seekers. The red flags are the same: prices well below market, landlords only reachable by email, requests for deposits via Western Union or MoneyGram, listings that seem too good to be true.
Never pay anything before visiting the property in person. If you're not yet in Chile, have someone you trust visit on your behalf — or wait until you arrive.
Flatmate compatibility
Living with strangers requires a minimum of compatibility. When you visit a potential room, pay attention to the common areas. Are they clean? Do your future flatmates seem respectful of shared space? Ask about house rules: noise, guests, cleaning schedule, smoking. It's better to have an awkward conversation before moving in than to discover problems after.
Contract matters
Shared housing contracts are often informal. This can work fine, but it can also leave you unprotected. Three common setups:
- Individual contract with the landlord: the safest option. You sign directly with the owner and have the same rights as any tenant.
- Subletting from the main tenant: you depend on the main tenant's contract. If they leave or get evicted, you may have to leave too.
- No written agreement: common but risky. Without a contract, you have limited legal recourse if things go wrong.
If possible, push for a written agreement that specifies the rent, deposit amount, notice period, and what's included. Even a simple document signed by both parties is better than nothing.
Frequently asked questions about shared housing and flatmates in Chile
Getting Started
It depends on the neighborhood. In Santiago Centro, expect CLP 150,000-250,000 per month for a room. In Providencia, CLP 250,000-350,000. In Las Condes or Vitacura, CLP 300,000-500,000. Utilities are usually included or split.
Typically your passport or Chilean ID and a deposit of one to two months. Landlords renting rooms are usually more flexible on documentation than those renting full apartments. Students can provide a university enrollment letter or parental support letter.
In expat-friendly neighborhoods like Providencia, Las Condes, and the north of Ñuñoa, yes. Always visit the property and meet your flatmates in person before committing — never pay a deposit without seeing the place.
A furnished bedroom, shared kitchen and living room, utilities, and internet. Some listings include cleaning service. Always confirm what is and isn't included before signing.
Finding Flatmates
CompartoDepto.cl is the main Chilean platform for room listings. Facebook groups are a good free alternative — there are several active groups for foreigners in Santiago. University housing boards are useful for students.
Never pay a deposit before visiting the property. Be suspicious of prices well below market rate. If the landlord can only communicate by email and claims to be abroad, it is almost certainly a scam. Meet your future flatmates in person.
Chilean flatmates are better for language practice and cultural immersion. International flatmates may be more flexible with contracts and understand the challenges of being foreign. It depends on what you value most.
Start 3-4 weeks before your arrival. March and August are peak demand months due to university semesters. December and June are quieter, with more availability.
Practical Considerations
Santiago Centro for budget. Providencia and Barrio Italia (border of Ñuñoa/Providencia) for young professionals who want a local vibe. Las Condes for those who work in the business district. Avoid Bellavista for living — it is a nightlife area.
Three options: individual contract with the landlord (safest), subletting from the main tenant (you depend on them), or joint contract (everyone is equally liable). Make sure you know which one you are signing.
Almost always included in the rent for shared accommodation. Confirm the internet speed — remote workers need a reliable connection. Ask if there are any limits on heating or hot water usage.
Do you want to go more in detail?
I wrote the Chile Handbook for Foreigners for anyone and everyone looking to move permanently and enjoy life in Chile. It's a 265-page book that goes over all aspects of relocating to Chile. Here is what you get:
✅ Practical tips based on 7-year relocation experience
✅ To-do lists to help you start
✅ Last updated in 2025
