Cost of living in Arequipa
Arequipa, known as the 'White City' due to its stunning colonial architecture, is a vibrant city in southern Peru. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Arequipa, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.97 on average, with a range between $2.64 and $5.29.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $17.19, with prices ranging from $13.22 to $31.73.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.29, with a range between $5.29 and $7.67.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.32 to $4.76, imported beer $2.12 to $6.08, cappuccino $1.59 to $3.44, and Coke/Pepsi $0.53 to $0.79.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $2.12 per liter, averaging $1.3.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.53 and $2.38, with an average price of $1.52.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.29 to $2.12, averaging $1.69.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.79 to $1.59 per kg, while oranges range from $0.53 to $1.85 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.4 and $1.06 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.26 to $1.32 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.26 and $0.66, with a monthly pass priced at $13.8.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.39 and $1.73 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.71, with a cost of $1.32 to $2.38 per km and $5.29 to $13 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $158.67 to $343.79, averaging $255.64.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $119 to $290.9, averaging $189.53.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $396.68 to $793.36, averaging $572.98.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $317.34 to $370.24, averaging $343.79.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1454.5.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1057.82.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $26.45 and $52.89, averaging $38.79.
- Internet - Internet services range from $21.16 to $52.89, with an average cost of $37.91.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Peru are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Peru, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Arequipa offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an attractive option for expatriates and locals alike.
Dining out is affordable, with inexpensive meals available for under $4, and even mid-range dining options are reasonably priced.
Housing is particularly affordable, with rental prices significantly lower than in many Western cities.
Transportation costs are minimal, with cheap public transport and affordable taxi services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Arequipa presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
This makes it an appealing destination for those looking to experience life in Peru without the high costs associated with larger cities.
Whether you're planning a short visit or a long-term stay, understanding these costs will help you manage your budget effectively.
Nearby Cities
All cities in Peru