Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru
New Zealand
Based on our comparison, Arequipa wins 6 out of 8 categories.Wellington wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Arequipa and Wellington, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Arequipa
$694/mo
Best Internet
Wellington
105 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 Wellington for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Arequipa offers a more affordable lifestyle at $694/month compared to Wellington's $1,965/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Wellington provides faster connectivity at 105 Mbps compared to Arequipa's 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6.7/10, Wellington 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 65% cheaper than Wellington.
Wellington has a higher safety score (6.7/10) compared to Arequipa (5.7/10).
5.7/10
Arequipa
6.7/10
Wellington
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Wellington offers faster internet at 105 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Arequipa
105 Mbps
Wellington
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
Wellington: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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