Townleap

Best Places to Live in South America

Affordability, safety, internet, democracy, and climate. The continent where your money goes further — if you pick right.

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1.
🇦🇷

Buenos Aires

Argentina

$767/mo rent, relatively safe. The spreadsheet approves.

$767/mo rent$2388/mo total27°C summers55 Mbps
61score
2.
🇧🇷

Rio de Janeiro

Brazil

$661/mo rent, 143 Mbps, warm. The spreadsheet approves.

$661/mo rent$1816/mo total31°C summers143 MbpsCoastal
56score
3.
🇧🇷

Florianopolis

Brazil

$627/mo rent, warm. Honest numbers, honest trade-offs.

$627/mo rent$1675/mo total29°C summersCoastal
53score
4.
🇨🇴

Medellin

Colombia

$703/mo rent. Honest numbers, honest trade-offs.

$703/mo rent$1884/mo total26°C summers79 MbpsMountains
50score
Cheapest Places to Live in EuropeBest Places to Live in EuropeSafest Places to Live in EuropeBest European Cities for ExpatsCost of Living Index by CityQuality of Life Index by CitySafest Countries in the WorldCheapest Countries to Live InBest Countries for English SpeakersBest Cities for FamiliesSafest Countries for FamiliesCheapest Places to Live in AsiaSafest Places to Live in AsiaCheapest Places to Live in South AmericaCheapest Places to Live in North AmericaSafest Places to Live in South AmericaSafest Places to Live in North AmericaBest Places to Live in AsiaBest Places to Live in North AmericaBest Cities for Families in EuropeBest Cities for Families in AsiaBest Asian Cities for ExpatsCheapest Cities With Fast InternetBest Cities to Retire InBest Countries to Live In 2026Best Countries to Move to From the USEasiest Countries to Immigrate to in 2026Full City Rankings

Data: Numbeo · UNODC · EIU · World Bank · EF EPI · Ookla Speedtest

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Buenos Aires (Argentina) leads our Livability Rankings for South America with a score of 61/100. That's based on affordability, safety, internet, democracy, English ease, and climate.

Which top-ranked city is also affordable?▾

Florianopolis (Brazil) — rent starts at $627/mo with a livability score of 53/100. Good things can be cheap.

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