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Cajamarca, Peru
Capital City

Follows Peru Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$850
Retiree Score
96.0
Safety Index
60.5
Healthcare
22 facilities

With a population of just 161,215, Cajamarca is no bustling metropolis. The city's colonial architecture and dairy farms belie the daily grind of bureaucratic headaches and a high-altitude climate that can be downright chilly. Cajamarca's remote location in the Andes makes it a haven for those seeking a slower pace, but the tradeoff is a persistent struggle to navigate the city's complex institutions. For those who can endure the challenges, Cajamarca offers a taste of traditional Peruvian culture far from the tourist crowds.

Can I afford Cajamarca?

$

Cajamarca

You could save

2,150/mo

Savings Rate72%

Monthly Costs

Rent $350
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$500

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
72/100
Retiree Score
(i)
96/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
70/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Peru Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
61
Safety
22
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

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

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$3
Meal (Mid-range) $80
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $48
Mobile Plan (mo) $9
Gym (mo) *$30
Cinema Ticket $5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $280
1BR Outside (mo) *$219
3BR Center (mo) $560
3BR Outside (mo) *$383

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Cajamarca Centro, Baños del Inca, Llacanora
Best For
mining industry workers, Inca heritage researchers, adventure expats

Expat Life Notes

Cajamarca is a highland Peruvian city famous as the site of Atahualpa's capture by Pizarro and for major gold and copper mining operations (Yanacocha mine). Mining industry workers and some adventure-travel expats reside here.

Pros

  • ✓ Mining industry employment
  • ✓ Inca heritage tourism
  • ✓ Pleasant Andean climate

Cons

  • ✗ Mining-related social tensions
  • ✗ Limited English
  • ✗ Basic expat infrastructure

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1240 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Cajamarca

Click any question to expand the answer.

Cajamarca has a population of approximately 161,215 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $875 per month in Cajamarca, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $350/month.

The nearest airport to Cajamarca is TRU, approximately 122km away.

Cajamarca is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 60.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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