Back to Comparison Tool

Arequipa vs Istanbul

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Arequipa

Arequipa

Peru

$694/mo7/10
Istanbul

Istanbul

Turkey

$1,553/mo7.2/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor
Arequipa
Istanbul
Winner
Total Monthly Cost
$694
$1,553
Arequipa
Rent (1BR)
$352
$1,083
Arequipa
Groceries
$205
$300
Arequipa
Transport
$38
$45
Arequipa
Healthcare
$75
$110
Arequipa
Safety Score
5.7/10
5.2/10
Arequipa
Internet Speed
70 Mbps
120 Mbps
Istanbul
NomadIQ Score
7/10
7.2/10
Istanbul

Overall Winner: Arequipa

Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 6 out of 8 categories.Istanbul wins 2 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Arequipa vs Istanbul

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.

Cost of Living Comparison

Arequipa is 55% cheaper than Istanbul.

  • • Arequipa rent: $352/mo
  • • Istanbul rent: $1,083/mo
  • • Difference: $730/mo

Safety Comparison

Arequipa has a higher safety score (5.7/10) compared to Istanbul (5.2/10).

5.7/10

Arequipa

5.2/10

Istanbul

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Istanbul offers faster internet at 120 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.

70 Mbps

Arequipa

120 Mbps

Istanbul

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Arequipa vs Istanbul