Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru

Saudi Arabia
Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 6 out of 8 categories.Jeddah wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and Jeddah, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Arequipa
$694/mo
Best Internet
Jeddah
100 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Jeddah
7.3/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Arequipa if budget is your top priority, or Jeddah if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Arequipa and Jeddah for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Arequipa offers a more affordable lifestyle at $694/month compared to Jeddah's $1,108/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Jeddah provides faster connectivity at 100 Mbps compared to Arequipa's 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.7/10, Arequipa provides a more secure environment than Jeddah (5/10).
Overall: Jeddah's NomadIQ score of 7.3/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Arequipa is 37% cheaper than Jeddah.
Arequipa has a higher safety score (5.7/10) compared to Jeddah (5/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
5/10
Jeddah
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Jeddah offers faster internet at 100 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
100 Mbps
Jeddah
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
Jeddah: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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