⚖️ City comparison
Arequipa vs Cuenca
Arequipa (Peru) and Cuenca (Ecuador), compared on what matters when you move from the US: cost, weather, safety, internet, visas and tax.
The short version
- Arequipa is 14% cheaper: $822 vs $952 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Arequipa: $361 vs $454 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Both have 12 pleasant months a year.
- Arequipa is warmer: highs average 5°F more across the year (coldest-month high 68°F vs 65°F in Cuenca; hottest 75°F vs 71°F).
- Internet is faster in Arequipa: 368 vs 283 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in Cuenca: PM2.5 of 8.5 vs 26.1 µg/m³ a year.
- Peru has a nomad visa ($2,500/mo); Ecuador has a nomad visa ($1,350/mo).
Side by side
| Measure | 🇵🇪 Arequipa | 🇪🇨 Cuenca |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 85 | 80 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $822 | $952 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $361 | $454 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $462 | $498 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 12 | 12 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 68–75°F | 65–71°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 57/100 (residents) | 54/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 368 Mbps | 283 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 26.1 µg/m³ | 8.5 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Moderate (EF) | Low (EF) |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Moderate | High |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | Moderate | Low |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | Moderate | High |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~6.5h to Miami | ~4.5h to Miami |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 8 h | 8 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | 183 days | 90 days |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | Digital Nomad Visa (law passed, rollout 2024-25 → still maturing) | Rentista Remote Work (Nomad) Visa |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🟡 Moderate · Worldwide income, top 30% | 🟡 Moderate · Worldwide income, top 37% |
Best months to be there
🇵🇪 Arequipa
11 best months
🇪🇨 Cuenca
8 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Arequipa climate · Cuenca climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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