If you dine out, you’re a king. If you have a maid, you’re a queen.
Fundamentals of living large.
But don’t be fooled, it’s not always as simple as that. With the world economy being so unpredictable, it’s not easy to live a luxurious lifestyle on a middle-class salary.
Unless you’re in the right place.
And I’ve found 8 such places in Latin America. Living in these cities, you’d be surprised at how far your dollar can stretch.
Stay with me as I take you on this exciting discovery.
1) Buenos Aires, Argentina
Living in Buenos Aires is like being in a tango dance.
You have the vibrancy, the passion, the energy of a city that never sleeps. And yet, you can enjoy all of this without breaking the bank.
You see, Buenos Aires has a cost of living that’s astonishingly low compared to its quality of life. With a middle-class salary, you can afford to dine out regularly at great restaurants, enjoy the city’s rich cultural life, and even hire help for your home.
But it’s not just about the money. The people are warm and welcoming, making it easy for you to fit right in.
So if you’re looking for a city where your dollar stretches further, Buenos Aires should be at the top of your list. It’s not just about living large; it’s about living with passion and vibrancy.
Isn’t that what royalty is all about?
2) Medellin, Colombia
Medellin, oh Medellin. How you stole my heart!
I moved to Medellin about three years ago, with some savings but mostly just a middle-class salary to my name. I didn’t know what to expect, but let me tell you, it was an experience that surpassed all my expectations.
In this city, nestled amidst the Andes mountains, I found a place where I could afford a spacious apartment in a safe neighborhood, eat out at fantastic restaurants every week and even afford a housekeeper.
But the real charm? The people and the culture. Warm, friendly faces everywhere you turn and a city that’s alive with music and festivities.
What’s more, the perfect spring-like weather all year round is something that money can’t buy.
3) Cuenca, Ecuador
Cuenca, the hidden gem of Ecuador. It’s a city where history and modern life merge seamlessly, offering a lifestyle that’s truly fit for royalty.
Here’s the thing, Cuenca is home to one of the largest expatriate communities in South America. And there’s a good reason for that. With its low cost of living, you can afford a comfortable lifestyle on a middle-class salary.
Imagine living in a city where you can enjoy a gourmet meal for under $10, rent a spacious colonial home in the historic district for less than $500, and have access to quality healthcare at affordable prices.
But the icing on the cake? It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. So while you live your daily life, you’re surrounded by stunning 16th-century architecture and rich cultural history.
It’s like living in a museum, only better because it’s your home.
4) San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Let’s take a detour to Mexico, to the charming city of San Miguel de Allende. This place is the epitome of idyllic living for anyone with a middle-class salary.
San Miguel de Allende is a city where you can live in a beautiful hacienda-style home, surrounded by vibrant colors and cobblestone streets that tell tales of its rich history. All this, plus the local delicacies and the thriving arts scene, make it a haven for those seeking a richer experience.
The best part? It won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Eating out at local eateries is an affordable delight, while local markets offer fresh produce at a fraction of what you’d pay back home.
Simply put, San Miguel de Allende offers a lifestyle that’s not just about affordability but also about richness and depth. It’s here that you truly get to live like royalty without having to spend like one.
5) Lima, Peru
I have to admit, Lima caught me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with this Peruvian city, but I did.
You see, Lima offers a high standard of living at a very affordable cost. With a middle-class salary, I found myself able to rent a beautiful apartment in one of the city’s best neighborhoods. I could dine at world-class restaurants and still have enough to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
But it wasn’t just the affordability that struck me. It was the rich history, the stunning coastline, and the warm locals that made me feel at home. I found myself immersed in a culture that was both intriguing and welcoming.
So if you’re like me, seeking a place where you can live comfortably without breaking the bank, Lima should be on your radar. It’s a city where you can truly experience the royal treatment on a middle-class budget.
6) La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz, Bolivia, may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think about living like royalty. But hear me out.
This city, perched high in the Andes, is one of the least expensive places to live in Latin America. It’s a place where your middle-class salary can afford you a comfortable home with a breathtaking mountain view.
Dining out at good restaurants won’t break the bank, and the local markets are teeming with fresh produce at surprisingly low prices.
And while La Paz might not have the glitz and glamour of some other cities, it makes up for it with its vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty. You’ll find yourself living at a slower pace, surrounded by spectacular landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.
So yes, living like royalty might look a little different in La Paz.
7) Santiago, Chile
Next on our list is Santiago, the capital of Chile. It’s a bustling metropolis where modern skyscrapers meet historical landmarks, providing a unique blend of old and new.
In Santiago, your middle-class salary goes a long way. You can rent a nice apartment in a fashionable district, enjoy the city’s thriving food scene, and immerse yourself in its rich cultural offerings without stretching your budget too thin.
There’s a certain charm to Santiago that sets it apart. It’s a city that’s surrounded by the magnificent Andes mountains, offers excellent public transportation and has an active lifestyle with its numerous parks and bike paths.
Living in Santiago means having the best of both worlds – experiencing the excitement of city life while enjoying the affordability of a middle-class income. Now that’s living like royalty.
8) Montevideo, Uruguay
Finally, we land in Montevideo, Uruguay. This coastal city is often overlooked, but it’s a place where a middle-class salary can provide you with a lifestyle that’s nothing short of royal.
In Montevideo, you can rent a spacious apartment near the beach, enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife, and dine at excellent restaurants without worrying about the bill. The city is safe, clean, and offers a high standard of living.
But there’s something even more important. Montevideo is a city with a laid-back vibe and friendly locals. It’s a place where you can truly relax and enjoy life.
After all, isn’t living like royalty about more than just money? It’s about enjoying every moment, and in Montevideo, that’s exactly what you can do.
Reflections on the royal lifestyle
As we journey through these Latin American cities, it becomes evident that living like royalty isn’t about extravagant spending. Rather, it’s about the quality of life that comes from a comfortable home, good food, rich culture, and pleasant social interactions.
Living like royalty is not about the size of your castle, but about the richness of your experience. It’s not about the weight of your crown, but the warmth of your community.
These cities remind us that a middle-class salary can afford us more than just survival. It can offer us a vibrant, fulfilling life full of experiences that money can’t buy.
So, as you reflect on these cities and their unique offerings, consider what living like royalty truly means to you. Because in the end, the most royal lifestyle is one that brings you joy, satisfaction and a sense of belonging.
No matter where you are or how much you earn, you have the power to live your own version of a royal life.
