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Safest Places to Live in South America

Cities where you're statistically unlikely to get stabbed. The bar is low. Some clear it.

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1.
🇦🇷

Buenos Aires

Argentina

Safety score 64/100. Above average for the continent. Your parents will only call once a day.

$767/mo rent$2388/mo total4.3 homicides/100k27°C summers55 Mbps
64score
2.
🇨🇴

Medellin

Colombia

Safety score 29/100. Eyes open, phone pocketed. Standard urban protocol.

$703/mo rent$1884/mo total25.3 homicides/100k26°C summers79 MbpsMountains
29score
3.
🇧🇷

Florianopolis

Brazil

Safety score 26/100. Eyes open, phone pocketed. Standard urban protocol.

$627/mo rent$1675/mo total20.6 homicides/100k29°C summersCoastal
26score
4.
🇧🇷

Rio de Janeiro

Brazil

Safety score 26/100. Eyes open, phone pocketed. Standard urban protocol.

$661/mo rent$1816/mo total20.6 homicides/100k31°C summers143 MbpsCoastal
26score
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Data: Numbeo · UNODC · EIU · World Bank · EF EPI · Ookla Speedtest

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest city to live in South America in 2026?▾

Buenos Aires (Argentina) tops our Settler Safety Rankings with a score of 64/100. That factors in homicide rates, democracy, peace index, and perceived safety — not just vibes.

Which safe city is also affordable?▾

Florianopolis (Brazil) — rent around $627/mo with a safety score of 26/100. Safe doesn't have to mean expensive.

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