Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru

Nepal
Based on our comparison, Pokhara wins 6 out of 8 categories.Arequipa wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and Pokhara, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Pokhara
$324/mo
Best Internet
Arequipa
70 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Arequipa
7/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Pokhara if budget is your top priority, or Arequipa if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Arequipa and Pokhara for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Pokhara is the more budget-friendly option at $324/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. Pokhara offers 40 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7/10, Pokhara 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.
Pokhara is 53% cheaper than Arequipa.
Pokhara has a higher safety score (7/10) compared to Arequipa (5.7/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
7/10
Pokhara
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Arequipa offers faster internet at 70 Mbps vs 40 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
40 Mbps
Pokhara
Based on our analysis, Pokhara edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Arequipa: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Pokhara: Best for budget-conscious expats
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