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Arequipa, Peru
Capital City

Follows Peru Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,000
Retiree Score
99.0
Safety Index
72.1
Healthcare
99 facilities

With a population of 844,000, Arequipa is Peru's second-largest city after Lima - but don't expect the bustling capital's conveniences. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the arid climate means daily life is a constant battle against dust and heat. Yet the city's colonial architecture and regional culinary pride make it a draw for tourists and cultured expats. Overall, Arequipa is best suited for those seeking an authentic Andean experience, even if it comes with some inconveniences.

Can I afford Arequipa?

$

Arequipa

You could save

2,000/mo

Savings Rate67%

Monthly Costs

Rent $450
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$550

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
67/100
Retiree Score
(i)
99/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
70/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Peru Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
72
Safety
99
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$4
Meal (Mid-range) $67
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $24
Mobile Plan (mo) $11
Gym (mo) *$25
Cinema Ticket $7

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $450
1BR Outside (mo) *$273
3BR Center (mo) $900
3BR Outside (mo) *$479

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Yanahuara, Cayma
Best For
retirees, cultural explorers

Expat Life Notes

The White City offers a high quality of life and stunning mountain views; the expat scene is small but high-quality.

Pros

  • ✓ Stunning volcanic scenery
  • ✓ Excellent food scene
  • ✓ Safe and walkable in elite zones

Cons

  • ✗ English is not widely used
  • ✗ High UV/altitude can be harsh
  • ✗ Slow administrative processes

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
7°C°C - 22°C°C
Annual Rainfall
383 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Also Consider

La Merced, PeruAyacucho, PeruAttractiveness Score: 85.2Ourinhos, BrazilLiving in Ourinhos, Brazil offers a slower pace with a focus on commerce and agriculture. Ideal for those seeking affordability and a tight-knit community.Ceará-Mirim, BrazilLiving in Ceará-Mirim, Brazil offers affordability and proximity to Natal. Ideal for retirees and nomads seeking a quiet base near a major city.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Arequipa

Click any question to expand the answer.

Arequipa has a population of approximately 844,000 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,125 per month in Arequipa, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $450/month.

The nearest airport to Arequipa is AQP, approximately 7km away.

Arequipa is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 72.1. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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