Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru

Nicaragua
Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 7 out of 8 categories.San Juan del Sur wins 1 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and San Juan del Sur, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Arequipa
$694/mo
Best Internet
Arequipa
70 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Arequipa
7/10
Our Recommendation: Arequipa is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Arequipa and San Juan del Sur for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Arequipa offers a more affordable lifestyle at $694/month compared to San Juan del Sur's $915/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Arequipa leads with 70 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. San Juan del Sur offers 55 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7/10, San Juan del Sur 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.
Arequipa is 24% cheaper than San Juan del Sur.
San Juan del Sur has a higher safety score (7/10) compared to Arequipa (5.7/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
7/10
San Juan del Sur
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Arequipa offers faster internet at 70 Mbps vs 55 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
55 Mbps
San Juan del Sur
Based on our analysis, Arequipa edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.
Arequipa: Best for budget-conscious expats
San Juan del Sur: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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