Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru

Uruguay
Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 5 out of 8 categories.Punta del Este wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and Punta del Este, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Arequipa
$694/mo
Best Internet
Punta del Este
150 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Punta del Este
7.2/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Arequipa if budget is your top priority, or Punta del Este if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Arequipa and Punta del Este for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Arequipa offers a more affordable lifestyle at $694/month compared to Punta del Este's $1,791/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Punta del Este provides faster connectivity at 150 Mbps compared to Arequipa's 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.5/10, Punta del Este offers better security than Arequipa (5.7/10).
Overall: Punta del Este's NomadIQ score of 7.2/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Arequipa is 61% cheaper than Punta del Este.
Punta del Este has a higher safety score (7.5/10) compared to Arequipa (5.7/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
7.5/10
Punta del Este
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Punta del Este offers faster internet at 150 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
150 Mbps
Punta del Este
Based on our analysis, Arequipa edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Arequipa: Best for budget-conscious expats
Punta del Este: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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