Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru

Costa Rica
Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 6 out of 8 categories.Heredia wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and Heredia, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Arequipa
$694/mo
Best Internet
Heredia
120 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 Heredia for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Arequipa offers a more affordable lifestyle at $694/month compared to Heredia's $1,692/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Heredia provides faster connectivity at 120 Mbps compared to Arequipa's 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.7/10, Arequipa provides a more secure environment than Heredia (4.9/10).
Overall: Arequipa earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Arequipa is 59% cheaper than Heredia.
Arequipa has a higher safety score (5.7/10) compared to Heredia (4.9/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
4.9/10
Heredia
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Heredia offers faster internet at 120 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
120 Mbps
Heredia
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
Heredia: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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