Where to live in Santiago: Ñuñoa, a more affordable area

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Where is Ñuñoa in Santiago?

Located on the south of Providencia and the east of Santiago Centro, Ñuñoa is a pleasant city to live in, very safe. As it is a little bit far from metro, it still contains a lot of nice areas with only houses. Some areas are classified by the city due to their historical interest, which avoided the invasion of 20-floor buildings like in Santiago Centro.

Below a small map so that you get an idea:

Two neighborhoods tend to attract mostly foreigners:

1. The Barrio Italia (also called Santa Isabel), on the north-west of the city, close from metro Santa Isabel. You can find a lot of restaurants, bars, cafes, as well as small art galleries, organic shops (very expensive, let's be honest, that's not where I would do my weekly shopping). The neighborhood is very lively during the weekend between 10am and 8pm. This is a place Santiaguinos like to have a walk or have a new brunch on Saturday or Sunday. You can find a few nice bars. However, you will not find so many people partying late during the night although, it is not really the spirit of the area.

2. The surroundings of plaza Ñuñoa (where is the city hall). Most bars and restaurants are installed near this place. Therefore, living nearby is an interesting idea if you want a quiet area with a few restaurants. A bus can bring you directly on metro line 1 in around 15-20 minutes.

This city allows benefiting from a house with a small garden, at a more affordable price than in one of the upper-class cities of the north-east of Santiago. However, there are no international schools nearby.

What type of accommodation can you find in Ñuñoa

Houses and apartments, it depends on where you look. The closer you are from a future metro station, the more likely you are to find buildings (and constructions in progress too, be aware). On average, it is cheaper than Providencia. Most apartments will be unfurnished. The Barrio Italia area is protected and therefore contains very few buildings. Near plaza Ñuñoa, you can find a lot more buildings and therefore flats.

Average cost of accommodation Ñuñoa

• 1-bedroom apartment: $250,000 to $350,000
• 2-bedroom apartment: $320,000 to $560,000
• 3-bedroom apartment: $370,000 to $650,000
• House: $650,000 to $1,700,000

In the barrio Italia, you will find houses from $800,000 to $2,500,000. There are also many overpriced houses, because their owners try to transform them into restaurants/shops or bars.

We recommend Ñuñoa for

Couples or families on a budget or looking for a little more space than Providencia. Especially good for those who work outside of Santiago and want a parking for their car.

Ñuñoa Neighborhoods: Where to Live

Ñuñoa offers diverse residential areas, from trendy bohemian districts to traditional family neighborhoods. Understanding each area's character will help you choose the best location for your lifestyle and budget.

Barrio Italia / Santa Isabel

The most internationally recognized area of Ñuñoa, attracting young professionals and foreigners with its vibrant cultural scene.

Property Types:

• Historic houses converted to apartments or lofts
• Boutique residential buildings
• Traditional houses with character features
• Rental range: $800,000 - $2,500,000 CLP monthly for houses
• Apartments: $400,000 - $800,000 CLP monthly

Key Features:

• Protected historic neighborhood status limits high-rise development
• Tree-lined streets with preserved architecture
• Concentration of restaurants, cafes, and bars
• Art galleries and cultural spaces
• Organic markets and specialty food shops

Lifestyle:

• Weekend brunch culture and afternoon coffee scene
• Evening dining and casual nightlife
• Walking distance to metro Santa Isabel (Line 2)
• International community presence
• Higher cost of living than other Ñuñoa areas

Best For: Young professionals, couples, and cultural enthusiasts seeking vibrant neighborhood life with easy metro access.

Plaza Ñuñoa Area

The traditional center of Ñuñoa surrounding the historic main square and municipal buildings.

Property Types:

• Mix of apartments and houses
• Traditional Chilean residential architecture
• Some newer apartment buildings
• Houses: $650,000 - $1,700,000 CLP monthly
• Apartments: $350,000 - $650,000 CLP monthly

Key Features:

• Historic plaza with municipal building and church
• Local restaurants and traditional Chilean atmosphere
• Direct bus connections to metro Line 1 (15-20 minutes)
• Less touristy than Barrio Italia
• More affordable dining and services

Shopping and Services:

• Local markets and grocery stores
• Traditional Chilean businesses
• Banking services and municipal offices
• Health centers and pharmacies
• Public transportation hub

Best For: Families and individuals seeking authentic Chilean neighborhood life with good connectivity and reasonable prices.

Irarrázaval Corridor

The main commercial spine of Ñuñoa, offering convenient apartment living with metro access.

Property Types:

• Modern apartment buildings along main avenue
• Mixed-use buildings with retail on ground floor
• Older apartment complexes from 1980s-1990s
• Apartments: $350,000 - $700,000 CLP monthly
• Some small houses in side streets

Key Features:

• Direct metro access at Irarrázaval station (Line 3)
• Commercial corridor with shops, supermarkets, and services
• Higher density than other Ñuñoa areas
• Good public transportation connections
• Urban atmosphere with city conveniences

Transportation:

• Metro Irarrázaval station (Line 3)
• Multiple bus lines along the avenue
• Bike lanes and cycling infrastructure
• Taxi and ride-sharing availability

Best For: Commuters needing direct metro access and those preferring urban apartment living with commercial conveniences.

Residential Ñuñoa (Interior Streets)

Quiet residential areas away from main avenues, offering family-oriented living at affordable prices.

Property Types:

• Traditional Chilean houses with small gardens
• Family-sized properties (120-200 sqm)
• Some newer housing developments
• Houses: $600,000 - $1,200,000 CLP monthly
• Lower-density apartment buildings

Key Features:

• Quiet residential streets with neighborhood character
• Family-friendly environment with parks and playgrounds
• More affordable than central Santiago areas
• Parking availability for residents with cars
• Traditional community atmosphere

Advantages:

• Lower cost of living than other Santiago areas
• Access to house with garden at reasonable price
• Safe neighborhood environment
• Good for families with children
• Easy parking and car ownership

Considerations:

• Limited public transportation in some areas
• Fewer restaurants and entertainment options
• May require car for convenience
• Less international community presence

Best For: Families seeking affordable houses with gardens, couples on a budget, and those working outside central Santiago.

Transportation and Connectivity

Metro Access:

• Line 2: Santa Isabel station (Barrio Italia area)
• Line 3: Irarrázaval station (main commercial corridor)
• Planned expansions: Future metro lines may improve connectivity

Bus Services:

• Multiple bus lines connect to Metro Line 1 stations
• Direct routes to Santiago center and other areas
• Travel time: 15-20 minutes to major metro stations during peak hours

Cycling:

• Growing bike lane network throughout Ñuñoa
• Flat terrain ideal for cycling
• Bike parking at metro stations
• Relatively bike-friendly drivers

Driving:

• Street parking available in most residential areas
• Lower traffic congestion than central Santiago
• Good access to major highways and Santiago ring road
• Car ownership more practical than in central areas

Shopping and Services

Supermarkets:

• Major chains: Líder, Jumbo, Santa Isabel
• Local markets and neighborhood stores
• Organic and specialty food shops in Barrio Italia
• Traditional ferias (street markets) on weekends

Healthcare:

• Hospital del Salvador (public hospital)
• Multiple private clinics and medical centers
• Dental and specialty medical practices
• Pharmacies throughout the area

Banking:

• All major Chilean banks represented
• ATMs widely available
• Some branches offer English language services

Education:

• Limited international school options
• Good Chilean private and public schools
• University campuses nearby
• Language schools and cultural institutes

Lifestyle and Recreation

Parks and Green Spaces:

• Plaza Ñuñoa: Historic central square
• Various neighborhood parks and playgrounds
• Tree-lined streets throughout the area
• Easy access to larger Santiago parks

Dining and Entertainment:

• Barrio Italia: International cuisine, trendy cafes, craft beer
• Plaza Ñuñoa: Traditional Chilean restaurants and bars
• Irarrázaval: Fast food, casual dining, chain restaurants
• Weekend markets with local food vendors

Cultural Activities:

• Art galleries concentrated in Barrio Italia
• Cultural centers and exhibition spaces
• Local festivals and community events
• Movie theaters and entertainment venues

Recreation:

• Gyms and fitness centers throughout the area
• Sports clubs and recreational facilities
• Easy access to cycling and walking paths
• Community sports leagues and activities

Safety and Security

General Safety:

• Safer than Santiago Centro with lower crime rates
• Petty theft possible in busy commercial areas
• Well-lit streets and regular police presence
• Strong community watch in residential areas

Safety Tips:

• Standard urban precautions recommended
• Avoid displaying valuables in crowded areas
• Most areas safe for walking during day and evening
• Some caution needed late at night in less populated areas

Cost of Living in Ñuñoa (2025 Update)

Housing Costs:

• 1-bedroom apartment: $280,000 - $400,000 CLP monthly
• 2-bedroom apartment: $350,000 - $620,000 CLP monthly
• 3-bedroom apartment: $400,000 - $720,000 CLP monthly
• Houses: $650,000 - $1,900,000 CLP monthly
• Barrio Italia premium: Add 20-40% to base prices

Utilities and Services:

• Electricity, water, gas: $50,000 - $100,000 CLP monthly
• Internet: $25,000 - $40,000 CLP monthly
• Building maintenance (apartments): $30,000 - $80,000 CLP monthly

Living Expenses:

• Groceries: 20-30% lower than Las Condes/Providencia
• Dining out: More affordable options than upscale Santiago areas
• Transportation: Excellent value with metro access
• Entertainment: Lower costs than central Santiago venues

Ñuñoa offers excellent value for expats seeking authentic Santiago living with good connectivity, cultural attractions, and reasonable prices. The area successfully combines urban convenience with neighborhood character, making it particularly attractive for those prioritizing budget-conscious living without sacrificing quality of life.

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