Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru

Ecuador
Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 6 out of 8 categories.Guayaquil wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and Guayaquil, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Arequipa
$694/mo
Best Internet
Guayaquil
80 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 Guayaquil for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Arequipa offers a more affordable lifestyle at $694/month compared to Guayaquil's $836/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Guayaquil provides faster connectivity at 80 Mbps compared to Arequipa's 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.7/10, Arequipa provides a more secure environment than Guayaquil (2.6/10).
Overall: Arequipa earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Arequipa is 17% cheaper than Guayaquil.
Arequipa has a higher safety score (5.7/10) compared to Guayaquil (2.6/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
2.6/10
Guayaquil
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Guayaquil offers faster internet at 80 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
80 Mbps
Guayaquil
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
Guayaquil: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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