Cost of Living Comparison Between Cusco and Huaraz Cost of Living Comparison Between Cusco and Huaraz

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.58 PEN 8.70

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$21.08 PEN 71.1

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.46 PEN 21.80

Cappuccino

$2.21 PEN 7.44

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

$0.75 PEN 2.52

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.33 PEN 1.13

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.13 PEN 7.20

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.49 PEN 15.13

Milk (1 liter)

$1.33 PEN 4.49

White Bread (500g)

$2.36 PEN 7.95

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.32 PEN 4.45

Eggs

$3.63 PEN 12.25

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.85 PEN 16.37

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.57 PEN 15.43

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$7.37 PEN 24.86

Apples (1kg)

$2.67 PEN 9.00

Banana (1kg)

$0.85 PEN 2.85

Oranges (1kg)

$1.53 PEN 5.15

Tomato (1kg)

$0.88 PEN 2.95

Potato (1kg)

$1.07 PEN 3.61

Onion (1kg)

$1.15 PEN 3.89

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.54 PEN 1.82

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.78 PEN 2.62

Wine (Bottle)

$5.90 PEN 19.92

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.96 PEN 6.62

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.35 PEN 14.69

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.31 PEN 1.05

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.81 PEN 6.09

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.89 PEN 6.37

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.93 PEN 9.88

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.54 PEN 5.21

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

$30.32 PEN 102

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

$14.64 PEN 49.41

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$43.76 PEN 148

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$35.37 PEN 119

Cinema Ticket

$4.35 PEN 14.68

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$38.77 PEN 131

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$33.83 PEN 114

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$55.7 PEN 188

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$73.7 PEN 249

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$146 PEN 493

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$176 PEN 592

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$361 PEN 1,218

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$267 PEN 900

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,914 PEN 13.2K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,841 PEN 6,211

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$442 PEN 1,490

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

Last update for Cusco: September 14, 2026

Last update for Huaraz: September 14, 2026

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

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

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cusco vs Huaraz: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

For families, Huaraz is more practical. Housing and childcare are both notably cheaper than in Cusco, and the savings on those two alone free up budget for education, activities, and family trips.

Safety-wise, Cusco and Huaraz are on par. Petty crime is typical for cities this size, and most residents feel comfortable going about their daily routines in either place.

It comes down to priorities – Huaraz wins on affordability, Cusco on earning potential. Factor in climate, language, visa rules, and proximity to places that matter to you before deciding.