⚖️ City comparison
Arequipa vs Cusco
Two cities in Peru, compared on what matters when you move from the US: cost, weather, safety, internet and how easy it is to stay.
The short version
- They cost about the same: $822 vs $832 a month all-in.
- Rent is lower in Cusco: $326 vs $361 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Both have 12 pleasant months a year.
- Arequipa is warmer: highs average 8°F more across the year (coldest-month high 68°F vs 62°F in Cusco; hottest 75°F vs 67°F).
- The air is cleaner in Cusco: PM2.5 of 10.2 vs 26.1 µg/m³ a year.
- Same country, same visa and tax rules: the Digital Nomad Visa (law passed, rollout 2024-25 → still maturing) covers both.
Side by side
| Measure | 🇵🇪 Arequipa | 🇵🇪 Cusco |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 85 | 85 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $822 | $832 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $361 | $326 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $462 | $506 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 12 | 12 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 68–75°F | 62–67°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 57/100 (residents) | 59/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 368 Mbps | 317 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 26.1 µg/m³ | 10.2 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Moderate (EF) | Moderate (EF) |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Moderate | Moderate |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | Moderate | Moderate |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | Moderate | Moderate |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~6.5h to Miami | ~6h to Miami |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 8 h | 8 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | 183 days | 183 days |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | Digital Nomad Visa (law passed, rollout 2024-25 → still maturing) | Digital Nomad Visa (law passed, rollout 2024-25 → still maturing) |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🟡 Moderate · Worldwide income, top 30% | 🟡 Moderate · Worldwide income, top 30% |
Best months to be there
🇵🇪 Arequipa
11 best months
🇵🇪 Cusco
4 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Arequipa climate · Cusco climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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