Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru
Turkey
Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 6 out of 8 categories.Istanbul wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and Istanbul, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Arequipa
$694/mo
Best Internet
Istanbul
120 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Istanbul
7.2/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Arequipa if budget is your top priority, or Istanbul if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Arequipa and Istanbul for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Arequipa offers a more affordable lifestyle at $694/month compared to Istanbul's $1,553/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Istanbul 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 Istanbul (5.2/10).
Overall: Istanbul's NomadIQ score of 7.2/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Arequipa is 55% cheaper than Istanbul.
Arequipa has a higher safety score (5.7/10) compared to Istanbul (5.2/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
5.2/10
Istanbul
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Istanbul offers faster internet at 120 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
120 Mbps
Istanbul
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
Istanbul: Best for those prioritizing amenities
We use cookies, analytics tools and advertising technologies, including Google Analytics, Meta Pixel and other advertising/analytics cookies, to improve our site, measure performance and personalise your experience. You can accept or decline at any time.