Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru

Spain
Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 5 out of 8 categories.Bilbao wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and Bilbao, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Arequipa
$694/mo
Best Internet
Bilbao
170 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Arequipa
7/10
Our Recommendation: Arequipa is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Arequipa and Bilbao for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Arequipa offers a more affordable lifestyle at $694/month compared to Bilbao's $1,664/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Bilbao provides faster connectivity at 170 Mbps compared to Arequipa's 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.7/10, Arequipa provides a more secure environment than Bilbao (5.1/10).
Overall: Arequipa earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Arequipa is 58% cheaper than Bilbao.
Arequipa has a higher safety score (5.7/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
5.1/10
Bilbao
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
170 Mbps
Bilbao
Based on our analysis, Arequipa edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Arequipa: Best for budget-conscious expats
Bilbao: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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