Cost of Living in Cusco - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $483 (excluding rent), and $751 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,207 (excluding rent), and $1,560 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.85 PEN 9.67

$1.99 PEN 6.75

$6.03 PEN 20.45

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$28.17 PEN 95.5

$19.49 PEN 66.1

$83.6 PEN 283

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.48 PEN 18.59

$5.08 PEN 17.22

$6.58 PEN 22.31

Cappuccino

$1.98 PEN 6.71

$1.35 PEN 4.57

$3.23 PEN 10.95

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

$1.24 PEN 4.20

$0.68 PEN 2.32

$2.75 PEN 9.33

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.74 PEN 2.51

$0.27 PEN 0.92

$1.89 PEN 6.41

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.16 PEN 7.31

$1.35 PEN 4.58

$3.24 PEN 10.97

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.07 PEN 13.81

$4.34 PEN 14.71

Milk (1 liter)

$1.43 PEN 4.84

$1.08 PEN 3.66

$1.62 PEN 5.50

White Bread (500g)

$3.03 PEN 10.28

$2.84 PEN 9.63

$3.24 PEN 10.98

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.27 PEN 4.29

$1.08 PEN 3.66

$1.35 PEN 4.59

Eggs

$3.88 PEN 13.15

$1.99 PEN 6.76

$4.99 PEN 16.90

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.75 PEN 16.10

$2.80 PEN 9.48

$6.43 PEN 21.80

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.86 PEN 16.47

$4.13 PEN 13.99

$6.32 PEN 21.44

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.97 PEN 23.62

$5.66 PEN 19.17

$8.47 PEN 28.73

Apples (1kg)

$2.36 PEN 7.98

$2.17 PEN 7.35

$2.72 PEN 9.21

Banana (1kg)

$0.72 PEN 2.44

$0.40 PEN 1.36

$1.06 PEN 3.60

Oranges (1kg)

$1.28 PEN 4.34

$0.82 PEN 2.77

$1.91 PEN 6.48

Tomato (1kg)

$0.89 PEN 3.02

$0.80 PEN 2.73

$1.05 PEN 3.55

Potato (1kg)

$1.05 PEN 3.56

$0.85 PEN 2.89

$1.14 PEN 3.87

Onion (1kg)

$0.95 PEN 3.21

$0.67 PEN 2.29

$1.36 PEN 4.61

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.66 PEN 2.22

$0.27 PEN 0.91

$1.02 PEN 3.46

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.74 PEN 2.52

$0.59 PEN 1.99

$0.87 PEN 2.94

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.92 PEN 16.68

Wine (Bottle)

$6.59 PEN 22.33

$4.40 PEN 14.90

$8.79 PEN 29.80

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.98 PEN 6.71

$1.42 PEN 4.81

$2.84 PEN 9.61

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.04 PEN 10.32

$1.26 PEN 4.27

$4.07 PEN 13.79

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.29 PEN 0.98

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.71 PEN 5.80

$1.42 PEN 4.83

$1.99 PEN 6.73

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.60 PEN 5.43

$0.66 PEN 2.25

$1.87 PEN 6.34

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.72 PEN 9.21

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.54 PEN 5.21

$1.13 PEN 3.84

$1.83 PEN 6.21

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

$18.4K PEN 62.4K

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

$22.3K PEN 75.6K

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

$33.15 PEN 112

$27.63 PEN 93.7

$38.68 PEN 131

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

$13.93 PEN 47.21

$8.35 PEN 28.32

$13.93 PEN 47.21

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$30.89 PEN 105

$19.65 PEN 66.6

$42.12 PEN 143

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$30.50 PEN 103

$27.73 PEN 94.0

$33.28 PEN 113

Cinema Ticket

$4.72 PEN 15.99

$4.05 PEN 13.72

$5.40 PEN 18.30

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$36.74 PEN 125

$19.78 PEN 67.1

$53.7 PEN 182

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$28.24 PEN 95.7

$13.67 PEN 46.34

$49.20 PEN 167

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$62.3 PEN 211

$33.45 PEN 113

$83.6 PEN 284

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$72.4 PEN 245

$56.4 PEN 191

$84.6 PEN 287

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$310 PEN 1,052

$141 PEN 478

$480 PEN 1,626

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$253 PEN 857

$56.2 PEN 191

$422 PEN 1,429

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$592 PEN 2,006

$338 PEN 1,146

$845 PEN 2,865

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$419 PEN 1,421

$252 PEN 853

$587 PEN 1,989

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,909 PEN 13.3K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,828 PEN 6,198

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$429 PEN 1,454

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update: March 2, 2026

Cusco Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

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

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

Cost of Living in Cusco - Frequently Asked Questions

People often find Cusco fairly affordable for travelers and digital nomads, especially if you blend local options with smart housing choices. In general, groceries and public transport are comfortable to manage without high costs, while tourist areas can push prices higher for short-term stays and services. The Cost of Living in Cusco is typically more accessible than many large cities in the region, particularly when you avoid peak tourist corridors and seasonal events. Choose a neighborhood a quick bus ride from the plaza, where cafés and markets offer good value, and look for longer rental terms to steady expenses. Seasonal fluctuations can shift lodging and tours, so plan ahead. Tip: map out a monthly baseline for groceries, transit, and coworking to stay on track.

Daily life centers on a mix of local and imported conveniences. For housing, look beyond the busiest plazas to quieter hillside areas where rents and utilities can be friendlier, with many furnished flats and simple studios available. Food options range from mercados and street stalls to mid-range restaurants; cooking at home with fresh produce keeps costs predictable. Transport is practical via collectivos, buses, or bikes; walking is pleasant in many neighborhoods. For work or study, several coworking spaces offer reliable internet and community. When you search, consider proximity to markets, safety, and WiFi. Cusco living cost varies by neighborhood and season, so plan ahead and compare options. Tip: Build a simple search routine that checks at least weekly for new listings and prices.

Quality of life in Cusco blends outdoor access, cultural richness, and pace of life. Build a simple budgeting framework: set categories (housing, food, transport, activities) and check in weekly. Save by choosing local markets, using public transport, and favoring free or low-cost attractions like museums on free days. Seasonality matters: low-season travel can ease prices, while high season brings crowds but more events and perhaps more coworking options. For neighborhood fit, try San Blas for charm and compact streets, or Wanchaq for a more residential feel with easier access to transit; spend a few evenings in each area to understand noise, safety, and distance to services. Tip: Map a weekly plan that aligns workdays with affordable local activities to keep both mood and budget steady.