Cost of Living in Iquitos - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $341 (excluding rent), and $633 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $911 (excluding rent), and $1,645 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.12 PEN 14.89

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$36.49 PEN 132

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.01 PEN 25.34

Cappuccino

$3.38 PEN 12.22

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

$0.81 PEN 2.94

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1 PEN 3.61

$0.58 PEN 2.08

$1.43 PEN 5.17

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.84 PEN 10.25

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.81 PEN 24.61

Milk (1 liter)

$1.63 PEN 5.89

White Bread (500g)

$2.16 PEN 7.82

Eggs

$2.51 PEN 9.07

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.1 PEN 11.19

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.8 PEN 2.9

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

$33.45 PEN 121

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

$10.78 PEN 38.93

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$8.19 PEN 29.58

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$27.66 PEN 99.9

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$8.44 PEN 30.47

Cinema Ticket

$5.59 PEN 20.21

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,681 PEN 9,686

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$84.6 PEN 306

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$33.78 PEN 122

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$49.55 PEN 179

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$25.4 PEN 91.8

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$328 PEN 1,185

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$249 PEN 898

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$827 PEN 2,988

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$693 PEN 2,504

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$552 PEN 1,993

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

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Cost of Living in Iquitos - Frequently Asked Questions

In general, Cost of Living in Iquitos offers solid value for those who shop local and choose simple, well-located housing. You can balance comfort with budget by staying away from the most touristy riverfront zones, buying produce at mercados, and using public transport or river taxis for errands. Housing is often cheaper than in larger Peruvian cities, with options from modest apartments to small homes in quieter districts. Imported goods and niche services can raise costs, but practical, everyday needs stay accessible. Tip: identify 2–3 neighborhoods with walkable markets and test a week’s routines before signing a lease.

Daily life centers on markets, casual eateries, and flexible transport along both streets and the river. For housing, start with listings near the city center or Belén; factor boat or walk times when choosing location. Food options range from inexpensive street snacks to hearty local dishes; mercados offer fresh produce that helps keep meals affordable. Transport includes taxis, local buses, and river taxis for river trips. Errands are practical in most neighborhoods, with a few longer trips to the airport or ports. The Iquitos living cost remains modest when you lean on local goods and public transport. Tip: schedule errands after daylight and stay flexible with routes.

Quality of life in Iquitos comes from balancing outdoor days with indoor comfort, mindful spending, and choosing a neighborhood that fits your pace. A simple budgeting frame centers on housing quality, groceries from mercados, and discretionary use of services; adjust as you settle into a routine. Seasons influence heat, humidity, and travel – heavy rains can slow movement, sunny days invite river trips, and tourism ebbs and flows with the year. For neighborhood fit, consider Belén for river access and lively markets, San Juan for a more central vibe, and quieter residential lanes inland. Tip: build a rotating plan to test work hours, errands, and social spots.