Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru

Montenegro
Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 5 out of 8 categories.Budva wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and Budva, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Arequipa
$694/mo
Best Internet
Budva
90 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Budva
7.3/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Arequipa if budget is your top priority, or Budva if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Arequipa and Budva for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Arequipa offers a more affordable lifestyle at $694/month compared to Budva's $1,303/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Budva provides faster connectivity at 90 Mbps compared to Arequipa's 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.4/10, Budva offers better security than Arequipa (5.7/10).
Overall: Budva's NomadIQ score of 7.3/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Arequipa is 47% cheaper than Budva.
Budva has a higher safety score (7.4/10) compared to Arequipa (5.7/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
7.4/10
Budva
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Budva offers faster internet at 90 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
90 Mbps
Budva
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
Budva: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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