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Cusco, Peru
Capital City

Follows Peru Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,100
Retiree Score
95.0
Safety Index
58.2
Healthcare
41 facilities

Living in Cusco has its challenges - the city's population of 428,450 makes it the largest in the Peruvian Andes, but its high elevation of 3,400 meters means persistent bureaucracy and a climate prone to frost and hail. Despite being a top tourist draw with over 2 million visitors annually, the city's location amid the rugged Andes can feel remote and isolated from the rest of Peru. Those drawn to Cusco's rich Inca heritage and colonial architecture may find the tradeoffs worthwhile, but the city is not for the faint of heart.

Can I afford Cusco?

$

Cusco

You could save

1,900/mo

Savings Rate63%

Monthly Costs

Rent $500
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$600

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
63/100
Retiree Score
(i)
95/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
55/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Peru Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
58
Safety
41
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $4
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$3
Meal (Mid-range) $65
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $35
Mobile Plan (mo) $14
Gym (mo) *$32
Cinema Ticket $5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $400
1BR Outside (mo) *$219
3BR Center (mo) $840
3BR Outside (mo) *$383

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
San Blas, Lucrepata
Best For
digital nomads, historians

Expat Life Notes

Cusco is a major global tourist and spiritual hub with a vibrant expat population.

Pros

  • ✓ Unparalleled culture
  • ✓ Amazing history
  • ✓ Vibrant social scene

Cons

  • ✗ Mass tourism
  • ✗ Extreme altitude sickness risk
  • ✗ Poor infrastructure reliability

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1009 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Also Consider

La Merced, PeruAyacucho, PeruAttractiveness Score: 85.2Bocoio, AngolaLiving in Bocoio, Angola offers low costs but minimal infrastructure. Best for Portuguese-speaking expats on local contracts or development work.Macapá, BrazilLiving in Macapá, Brazil offers a remote Amazonian experience with equatorial heat and limited road access. Ideal for those seeking isolation, but not for conve

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Cusco

Click any question to expand the answer.

Cusco has a population of approximately 348,935 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,250 per month in Cusco, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $500/month.

The nearest airport to Cusco is CUZ, approximately 5km away.

Cusco is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 58.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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