Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru

Italy
Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 6 out of 8 categories.Palermo wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and Palermo, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Arequipa
$694/mo
Best Internet
Palermo
120 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Palermo
7.1/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Arequipa if budget is your top priority, or Palermo if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Arequipa and Palermo for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Arequipa offers a more affordable lifestyle at $694/month compared to Palermo's $1,260/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Palermo 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 Palermo (5.4/10).
Overall: Palermo's NomadIQ score of 7.1/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Arequipa is 45% cheaper than Palermo.
Arequipa has a higher safety score (5.7/10) compared to Palermo (5.4/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
5.4/10
Palermo
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Palermo offers faster internet at 120 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
120 Mbps
Palermo
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
Palermo: 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.