Why Digital Nomads Choose Arequipa
Arequipa ranks #238 out of 366 cities in our global digital nomad index, scoring 58/100 overall. While not in the top tier, Arequipa appeals to nomads looking for extremely low costs who can work around certain limitations.
Cost of Living in Arequipa
Arequipa is a budget-friendly destination for digital nomads. A comfortable monthly budget including city centre rent, mid-range dining, and public transport comes to approximately $883 — that's 25% below the global average of $1,180.
Rent is the biggest expense: a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $535/month, while moving outside the centre drops that to $425. Eating out is reasonably priced — a cheap meal costs $7 and a cappuccino runs $2. Budget-conscious nomads who cook at home and live outside the centre can manage on as little as $854/month.
See the full cost breakdown for Arequipa →
Internet and Connectivity
Average internet speed in Arequipa is 36 Mbps download and 13 Mbps upload, which is adequate for most remote work. Reliability scores 5.6/10. This handles most remote work tasks including video calls, though simultaneous large uploads may cause slowdowns.
The city has 22 coworking spaces with average speeds of 31 Mbps — roughly matching residential connections. Day passes start at $9 and monthly memberships average $101.
Full internet and WiFi guide for Arequipa →
Safety and Healthcare
Arequipa scores 49/100 for safety (Fair), which is below the global average. Exercise standard precautions: avoid poorly-lit areas at night, keep valuables secure, and research neighbourhoods before booking long-term accommodation.
Healthcare quality scores 61/100. Adequate healthcare for routine needs. Consider comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation for peace of mind. Air quality scores 46/100 and walkability 56/100.
Full safety and health guide for Arequipa →
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Arequipa has a subtropical, with warm winters and hot summers. Temperatures range from 15-35°C depending on season. Winters are mild and comfortable for working, while summers can be hot. Spring and autumn offer the best balance of pleasant weather and reasonable prices.
Visa Information for Peru
Peru offers the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. It allows stays of 1 year, costs $50 application fee, and requires a minimum income of $2,500/month. Tax note: No Peruvian tax on foreign income for non-residents
Full Peru digital nomad visa guide →
How Arequipa Compares
Compared to the global average, Arequipa is 25% cheaper, has slower internet (36 vs 67 Mbps average), and is less safe (49 vs 67 average).
Looking for something cheaper? Consider <a href="/cities/dhaka/">Dhaka</a> ($415/mo), <a href="/cities/port-vila/">Port Vila</a> ($421/mo), <a href="/cities/hanoi/">Hanoi</a> ($442/mo).
Need faster internet? Check out <a href="/cities/rotterdam/">Rotterdam</a> (249 Mbps), <a href="/cities/sapporo/">Sapporo</a> (248 Mbps), <a href="/cities/busan/">Busan</a> (240 Mbps).