Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru

El Salvador
Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 6 out of 8 categories.Santa Ana wins 0 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and Santa Ana, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Arequipa
$694/mo
Best Internet
Santa Ana
70 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Santa Ana
7/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Arequipa if budget is your top priority, or Santa Ana if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Arequipa and Santa Ana for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Arequipa offers a more affordable lifestyle at $694/month compared to Santa Ana's $2,769/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Both cities offer comparable internet speeds around 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.7/10, Arequipa provides a more secure environment than Santa Ana (4.6/10).
Overall: Both cities score similarly on our NomadIQ scale at 7/10.
Arequipa is 75% cheaper than Santa Ana.
Arequipa has a higher safety score (5.7/10) compared to Santa Ana (4.6/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
4.6/10
Santa Ana
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Both cities offer similar internet speeds.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
70 Mbps
Santa Ana
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
Santa Ana: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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