Best Countries in South America to Live

As you’ll probably know by now, South America has some beautiful, culturally diverse, intriguing, as well as affordable places to live.

On my travels, I’ve seen how when you finally get off the gringo trail, you can really find places within popular cities that are perfect for living.

Best Countries in South America to Live

I’ve looked at each country’s cost of living, weather, health care, and safety to find the best countries in South America to live, work, play, and retire.

Here are some of the most favorable that I came up with:

1. Chile

Chile has a lot to offer, from snow-covered mountains peaks to sandy beaches. A growing international community, expanding job opportunities, and lack of political corruption.

Chile has the highest standard of living in South America with a modernized infrastructure, highways, internet, and drinkable water.

The weather in Santiago de Chile is fine, typically ranging between 15 and 30C depending on the time of year and 3 to 10C as overnight lows.

The Chilean healthcare system is among the best in Latin America, placing 33d out of 190 countries. An easily convertible currency and International airport, Chile has become an ideal place to live.

2. Uruguay

Unlike its South American neighbors, Uruguay’s landscape consists of gently rolling hills, river basins, and lakes.

Uruguay is one of the smallest countries in South America, encompassing roughly 68,000 square miles.

What’s unique about Uruguay is that there are no earthquakes or volcanoes. Due to the country’s geography, the weather conditions are pretty uniform with regular seasonal changes.

It’s known that Uruguay is safe and has a much slower pace of life along with friendly people and a stable government.

Its higher living costs and quality of life make it an attractive place for many seniors and European immigrants to live. In fact, most of Uruguay’s population is of European descent.

3. Argentina

Argentina is home to a landscape as diverse as its population. Nearly 60,000 plus ex-pats from the United States call this country home.

Argentina’s population is mainly of European descent and the second-highest immigration acceptance rate in the world.

Argentina’s diverse landscape allows ample opportunity to live within whatever weather conditions you find suitable.

It’s no secret that Argentina has some of the best wine in the world, along with excellent tasting cuisine and the nationwide Mate culture.

Wines, such as Malbec and Torrontes, can easily be found in every supermarket at affordable prices. The Argentines have a lot of freedom, as many of the laws are loosely enforced.

4. Peru

With the low cost of living in Peru along with pleasant climate, archeological sites such as Machu Picchu, and La Huaca del Sol.

The laid-back lifestyle makes Peru one of the best countries in South America to live in. Starting at just $150, Peru’s healthcare system consists of a network of private clinics and hospitals dotted throughout the country.

An additional benefit to this is the numerous national insurance companies that offer comprehensive coverage.

Peruvians have a rich cultural heritage dating back centuries, and monthly festivals celebrating these traditions are commonplace.

Major cities, such as Lima, Trujillo, and Cusco, are all very pedestrian-friendly and have many amenities for expats.

Many apartments, restaurants, shops, and other amenities are within walking distance and near most residential areas.

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