Chile Cost of Living
A cook prepares "completos", traditional Chilean hot dogs topped with mashed avocado, diced tomatoes and mayonnaise, at a restaurant in Santiago, Chile, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026.
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Chileans are feeling the pinch as the cost of living rises, impacting even affordable foods like the completo, the country's version of the hot dog. Official data show Chile is nearing a recession, with unemployment at 9.5% and inflation over 4%. The Central Bank has cut growth forecasts, warning of persistent economic weakness. Many Chileans are cutting back on dining out, with basic food costs rising. President José Antonio Kast has launched an economic reactivation agenda to boost investment and employment. However, social frustration is growing as wages lag behind inflation, creating a challenging scenario for the government.
