List of Cities in South America: Area, Population and Cost of Living
Home to 12 countries, two overseas departments of the United Kingdom, and 1 of France, South America is a cultural melting pot. From gleaming beaches to luscious rainforests, this continent has been a top-ranking destination for avid adventurers.
Apart from its natural splendours, this continent is also recognized for its bustling cities. The largest cities in South America are spread across the continent, creating a strong and far-reaching network.
Willing to know more? Let's dive in!
List of Cities in South America
Here is a complete rundown of the major cities in South America along with relevant details for a clear understanding:
| Name of the City | Area | Population (Subject to Change) | Cost of Living (Without Rent) |
| Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil | 1,521 km² | 12,141,890 | R$3,235.3 (one person) / R$11,676.8 (family of four) |
| Lima, Lima, Peru | 2,672 km² | 9,674,755 | S/.1,999.7 (one person) / S/.7,012.6 (family of four) |
| Bogota, Bogota, Colombia | 1,636 km² | 8,064,000 | Col$1,968,996.9 (one person) / Col$6,814,132.3 (family of four) |
| Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 1,200 km² | 6,718,900 | R$3,217.7 (one person) / R$11,425.8 (family of four) |
| Santiago, Santiago, Chile | 641 km² | 6,160,040 | CL$659,502.1 (one person) / CL$2,311,867.4 (family of four) |
| Caracas, Capital District, Venezuela | 433 km² | 2,089,012 | Bs20,437.09 (one person) / Bs75,836.51 (family of four) |
| Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 203 km² | 3,072,029 | $1,31,897.15 (one person) / $4,69,263.70 (family of four) |
| Salvador, Bahia, Brazil | 693.8 km² | 2,871,560 | R$2,817.9 (one person) / R$10,021.4 (family of four) |
| Brasilia, Goias, Brazil | 5,802 km² | 2,912,090 | R$2,955.9 (one person) / R$10,526.4 (family of four) |
| Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil | 313.8 km² | 2,669,340 | R$2,653.7 (one person) / R$9,303.6 (family of four) |
| Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador | 344.5 km² | 2,278,691 | $589.3 (one person) / $2,058.6 (family of four) |
| Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador | 372.4 km² | 1,607,734 | $517.3 (one person) / $1,856.2 (family of four) |
| Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil | 331.4 km² | 2,512,070 | R$2,709.9 (one person) / R$9,579.1 (family of four) |
| Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia | 382 km² | 2,480,000 | Col$2,042,810.1 (one person) / Col$7,166,200.6 (family of four) |
| Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia | 619 km² | 2,383,500 | Col$1,941,196.4 (one person) / Col$6,768,013.5 (family of four) |
| Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil | 11,401 km² | 2,171,700 | R$2,809.9 (one person) / R$9,805.0 (family of four) |
| Curitiba, Parana, Brazil | 432 km² | 1,933,110 | R$2,766.0 (one person) / R$9,825.9 (family of four) |
| Maracaibo, Zulia, Venezuela | 1,393 km² | 1,752,602 | Bs18,833.06 (one person) / Bs55,824.26 (family of four) |
| Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil | 218 km² | 1,645,730 | R$2,694.9 (one person) / R$9,517.3 (family of four) |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Andres Ibanez, Bolivia | 325.6 km² | 1,442,396 | Bs.3,444.6 (one person) / Bs.12,255.5 (family of four) |
Currency: There is no standard currency in South America. Each country has its unique official currency. The details are given below (as on 03rd September 2023):
| Country | Currency | Exchange Rate |
| Argentina | Argentine Peso (ARS) | 1 ARS = 0.23 INR |
| Bolivia | Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) | 1 BOB = 12.11 INR |
| Brazil | Brazilian Real (BRL) | 1 BRL = 16.72 INR |
| Chile | Chilean Peso (CLP) | 1 CLP = 0.097 INR |
| Colombia | Colombian Peso (COP) | 1 COP = 0.020 INR |
| Ecuador | United States Dollar (USD) | 1 USD = 82.69 INR |
| Falkland Islands (UK) | Falkland Islands Pound (FKP) | 1 FKP = 104.94 INR |
| French Guiana (France) | European Euro (EUR) | 1 EUR = 89.13 INR |
| Guyana | Guyanese Dollar (GYD) | 1 GYD = 0.40 INR |
| Paraguay | Paraguayan Guarani (PYG) | 1 PYG = 0.011 INR |
| Peru | Peruvian Sol (PEN) | 1 PEN = 22.72 INR |
| South Georgia Island (UK) | Pound Sterling (GBP) | 1 GBP = 104.79 INR |
| Suriname | Surinamese Dollar (SRD) | 1 SRD = 2.15 INR |
| Uruguay | Uruguayan Peso (UYU) | 1 UYU = 2.18 INR |
| Venezuela | Venezuelan Bolivar (VES) | 1 VES = 2.55 INR |
Interesting Facts About the Cities in South America
Following are some interesting facts about South America's largest cities. Have a look:
- Known for its vibrancy and diversity, Sao Paulo hosts the world’s largest pride parade. This event captivates a crowd of attendees every year. Moreover, the city owns Latin America’s largest aquarium, the Sao Paulo Aquarium.
- Brasilia, one of South America’s biggest cities, has the most iconic and innovative urban layout in the world. It is designed in the shape of an aeroplane. This architectural brilliance has made the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Lima, Peru’s capital, is the second largest desert city. Furthermore, it houses one of the smallest chapels in the world, The Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary.
- Apart from originating the famous dance form ‘Tango’, Buenos Aires is home to millions of bibliophiles. It owns the highest number of bookshops per capita in the world.
- Medellin, a notable one among the top cities in South America, is the first global city to utilise cable conveyance for mass transportation.
- Recife is known as the ‘Venice of Brazil’ for its waterways and canals. Pina Beach Mangrove, the largest mangrove forest in Brazil, is also situated here.
- Residing at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Santiago has the Parque Metropolitano, which is one of the largest metropolitan parks in the world.
FAQs About List of Cities in South America
Which South American city has a European resemblance?
Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, has a unique blend of European and Latin American culture. During the golden years, it was also referred to as the “Paris of Americas”.
Which is the most expensive city in South America?
Among the biggest cities in South America, Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay is counted as the most expensive city to live in.
Which is the safest city in South America?
Santiago is crowned as the safest city in South America.