Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru

Brazil
Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 6 out of 8 categories.São Paulo wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and São Paulo, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Arequipa
$694/mo
Best Internet
São Paulo
140 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
São Paulo
7.3/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Arequipa if budget is your top priority, or São Paulo if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Arequipa and São Paulo for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Arequipa offers a more affordable lifestyle at $694/month compared to São Paulo's $1,232/month.
Internet & Remote Work: São Paulo provides faster connectivity at 140 Mbps compared to Arequipa's 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.7/10, Arequipa provides a more secure environment than São Paulo (3/10).
Overall: São Paulo's NomadIQ score of 7.3/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Arequipa is 44% cheaper than São Paulo.
Arequipa has a higher safety score (5.7/10) compared to São Paulo (3/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
3/10
São Paulo
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. São Paulo offers faster internet at 140 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
140 Mbps
São Paulo
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
São Paulo: 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.