Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru
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Laos
Based on our comparison, Pakse wins 5 out of 8 categories.Arequipa wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and Pakse, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Pakse
$615/mo
Best Internet
Arequipa
70 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Arequipa
7/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Pakse if budget is your top priority, or Arequipa if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Arequipa and Pakse for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Pakse is the more budget-friendly option at $615/month versus Arequipa's $694/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Arequipa leads with 70 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Pakse offers 40 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 8/10, Pakse offers better security than Arequipa (5.7/10).
Overall: Arequipa earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Pakse is 11% cheaper than Arequipa.
Pakse has a higher safety score (8/10) compared to Arequipa (5.7/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
8/10
Pakse
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Arequipa offers faster internet at 70 Mbps vs 40 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
40 Mbps
Pakse
Based on our analysis, Pakse edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Arequipa: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Pakse: Best for budget-conscious expats
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