Cost of Living in Arequipa - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Arequipa
Address: Arequipa, PE

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $455 (excluding rent), and $640 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,044 (excluding rent), and $1,510 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.26 PEN 14.67

$2.84 PEN 9.78

$7.10 PEN 24.42

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$28.24 PEN 97.2

$15.81 PEN 54.4

$33.89 PEN 117

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.70 PEN 19.62

$8.27 PEN 28.44

Cappuccino

$2.49 PEN 8.57

$1.89 PEN 6.50

$3.51 PEN 12.09

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.81 PEN 2.79

$0.57 PEN 1.98

$1.00 PEN 3.43

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.37 PEN 1.27

$0.27 PEN 0.93

$1.35 PEN 4.64

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.21 PEN 7.60

$1.10 PEN 3.80

$4.97 PEN 17.11

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.94 PEN 20.43

$2.21 PEN 7.60

$6.90 PEN 23.75

Milk (1 liter)

$1.53 PEN 5.28

$0.67 PEN 2.32

$2.17 PEN 7.47

White Bread (500g)

$1.22 PEN 4.20

$0.55 PEN 1.88

$2.44 PEN 8.40

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.26 PEN 4.34

$0.98 PEN 3.37

$1.68 PEN 5.80

Eggs

$2.16 PEN 7.44

$1.48 PEN 5.08

$2.74 PEN 9.41

Local Cheese (1kg)

$5.58 PEN 19.19

$3.69 PEN 12.69

$6.24 PEN 21.48

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.29 PEN 18.18

$3.87 PEN 13.32

$7.74 PEN 26.64

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$7.57 PEN 26.04

$4.16 PEN 14.31

$9.69 PEN 33.35

Apples (1kg)

$1.45 PEN 4.99

$0.81 PEN 2.80

$2.18 PEN 7.49

Banana (1kg)

$1.17 PEN 4.03

$0.81 PEN 2.78

$1.63 PEN 5.60

Oranges (1kg)

$1.18 PEN 4.05

$1.09 PEN 3.74

$1.36 PEN 4.69

Tomato (1kg)

$0.75 PEN 2.59

$0.53 PEN 1.84

$1.06 PEN 3.65

Potato (1kg)

$0.59 PEN 2.02

$0.58 PEN 1.98

$0.63 PEN 2.16

Onion (1kg)

$0.54 PEN 1.86

$0.27 PEN 0.93

$0.80 PEN 2.75

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.44 PEN 1.51

$0.40 PEN 1.38

$0.53 PEN 1.84

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.73 PEN 2.51

$0.41 PEN 1.42

$0.82 PEN 2.81

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.94 PEN 17.00

$4.87 PEN 16.76

$5.01 PEN 17.24

Wine (Bottle)

$5.06 PEN 17.40

$4.33 PEN 14.91

$7.22 PEN 24.85

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.42 PEN 8.32

$1.10 PEN 3.80

$4.15 PEN 14.27

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.31 PEN 7.96

$1.56 PEN 5.37

$2.83 PEN 9.75

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.27 PEN 0.92

$0.66 PEN 2.26

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.12 PEN 7.30

$1.96 PEN 6.74

$2.24 PEN 7.71

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.12 PEN 7.30

$1.92 PEN 6.60

$2.48 PEN 8.52

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$12.88 PEN 44.31

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.55 PEN 5.32

$1.24 PEN 4.28

$1.77 PEN 6.10

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$18.9K PEN 65.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.1K PEN 86.3K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$40.21 PEN 138

$25.25 PEN 86.9

$56.1 PEN 193

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$10.71 PEN 36.85

$5.66 PEN 19.46

$11.30 PEN 38.88

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$30.34 PEN 104

$22.07 PEN 75.9

$41.38 PEN 142

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$21.65 PEN 74.5

$20.95 PEN 72.1

$22.35 PEN 76.9

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$8.56 PEN 29.45

Cinema Ticket

$4.52 PEN 15.56

$4.25 PEN 14.62

$8.49 PEN 29.20

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$60.6 PEN 208

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,415 PEN 22.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$36.93 PEN 127

$32.83 PEN 113

$41.03 PEN 141

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$22.20 PEN 76.4

$16.65 PEN 57.3

$27.75 PEN 95.5

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$63.7 PEN 219

$56.7 PEN 195

$70.8 PEN 244

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$54.7 PEN 188

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$237 PEN 815

$191 PEN 658

$328 PEN 1,128

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$156 PEN 537

$138 PEN 474

$165 PEN 569

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$542 PEN 1,864

$505 PEN 1,736

$561 PEN 1,929

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$391 PEN 1,346

$335 PEN 1,153

$419 PEN 1,442

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,004 PEN 6,894

$1,811 PEN 6,231

$2,960 PEN 10.2K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$997 PEN 3,430

$893 PEN 3,070

$1,075 PEN 3,700

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$649 PEN 2,232

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: April 12, 2026

Arequipa Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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Cost of Living in Arequipa - Frequently Asked Questions

Arequipa balances warmth of culture with a lower price tag than Peru's coastal hubs. For many travelers and remote workers, the city offers a comfortable pace, accessible cafes, and diverse housing options without the big-city premium. Cost of Living in Arequipa, Peru tends to feel friendlier for longer stays if you prioritize local eateries and off-peak transit routes over tourist hotspots. You’ll find cheaper apartments outside the historic center, while central areas are convenient for coworking and nightlife. Transportation is walkable or inexpensive by bus, with occasional rideshares. Tip: Start with a short stay in a couple of neighborhoods to test value and fit.

Daily life centers on a compact, walkable core with a strong cafe and market culture. For housing, look for furnished flats near main arteries or in older buildings with good light; flexible leases help you test neighborhoods. Food options range from simple picanterías to fusion spots, and markets provide fresh produce at reasonable prices. Local transport is affordable and reliable, with buses and taxis as practical choices for longer trips or errands. Arequipa, Peru living cost varies by district and season, so try a couple of areas before committing. Tip: Let a week of errands in each neighborhood guide your choice and budget.

Quality of life in Arequipa blends outdoor access with a livable city rhythm. To budget effectively, anchor costs around housing, food, and local transport, then layer in leisure by season. Seasonality influences crowds and pacing more than prices, so spring and sunnier months can feel busier in tourist areas, while quieter periods reward flexible plans. Neighborhood fit matters: Centro Histórico puts you within easy access to nightlife and cafes, Yanahuara offers scenic views and calmer mornings, and Cayma serves as a quieter residential hub. Practical savings come from cooking at home, shopping at mercados, and choosing longer-term leases for stability. Tip: Build a simple monthly framework – housing, utilities, groceries, transit – and adjust monthly as you explore.