Cost of living in Cusco
Cusco, a city rich in history and culture, is a popular destination for both tourists and expatriates. Understanding the cost of living in Cusco is crucial for anyone planning to move or travel there.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, dining, and more, to help you budget effectively for life in Cusco.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.64 on average, with a range between $1.85 and $5.73.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $26.45, with prices ranging from $18.51 to $79.34.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.29, with a range between $5.01 and $6.35.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.59 to $3.17, imported beer $2.64 to $4.23, cappuccino $1.32 to $3.17, and Coke/Pepsi $0.61 to $2.64.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.06 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.31.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.64 and $3.01, with an average price of $2.83.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.17 to $4.76, averaging $3.7.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.12 to $2.64 per kg, while oranges range from $0.79 to $1.85 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.79 and $1.06 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.26 to $1 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.26.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.2 and $1.73 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.59, with a cost of $0.66 to $1.85 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $132.23 to $449.57, averaging $299.71.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $211.56 to $396.68, averaging $290.9.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $317.34 to $793.36, averaging $546.54.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $238.01 to $555.35, averaging $396.68.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $3517.24.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1607.88.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $26.45 and $37.02, averaging $31.73.
- Internet - Internet services range from $18.51 to $39.67, with an average cost of $29.09.
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
"Key Takeaways"
Cusco offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western cities, making it an attractive option for expatriates and long-term travelers.
Dining out is affordable, with inexpensive meals available for as low as $1.85.
Housing is reasonably priced, especially outside the city centre, where rent for a 1-bedroom apartment averages $290.9.
Public transportation is very affordable, with one-way tickets costing only $0.26.
Conclusion
Cusco provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, housing, and transportation options.
While some imported goods and utilities may be slightly higher, the overall cost of living remains low, making Cusco an appealing destination for those seeking a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Nearby Cities
All cities in Peru