Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Spain

Peru
Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 5 out of 8 categories.Alicante wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Alicante and Arequipa, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Arequipa
$694/mo
Best Internet
Alicante
150 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Alicante
7.1/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Arequipa if budget is your top priority, or Alicante if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Alicante and Arequipa for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Arequipa is the more budget-friendly option at $694/month versus Alicante's $1,495/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Alicante leads with 150 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Arequipa offers 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6.3/10, Alicante provides a more secure environment than Arequipa (5.7/10).
Overall: Alicante earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7.1/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Arequipa is 54% cheaper than Alicante.
Alicante has a higher safety score (6.3/10) compared to Arequipa (5.7/10).
6.3/10
Alicante
5.7/10
Arequipa
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Alicante offers faster internet at 150 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
150 Mbps
Alicante
70 Mbps
Arequipa
Based on our analysis, Arequipa edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Alicante: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Arequipa: Best for budget-conscious expats
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