Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru

El Salvador
Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 6 out of 8 categories.El Tunco wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and El Tunco, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Arequipa
$694/mo
Best Internet
Arequipa
70 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 El Tunco for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Arequipa offers a more affordable lifestyle at $694/month compared to El Tunco's $1,030/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Arequipa leads with 70 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. El Tunco offers 60 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7/10, El Tunco offers better security than Arequipa (5.7/10).
Overall: Arequipa earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Arequipa is 33% cheaper than El Tunco.
El Tunco has a higher safety score (7/10) compared to Arequipa (5.7/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
7/10
El Tunco
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Arequipa offers faster internet at 70 Mbps vs 60 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
60 Mbps
El Tunco
Based on our analysis, Arequipa edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Arequipa: Best for budget-conscious expats
El Tunco: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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