Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Montenegro

Peru
Based on our comparison, Cusco wins 5 out of 8 categories.Budva wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Budva and Cusco, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Cusco
$711/mo
Best Internet
Budva
90 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Cusco
7.4/10
Our Recommendation: Cusco is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Budva and Cusco for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Cusco is the more budget-friendly option at $711/month versus Budva's $1,303/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Budva leads with 90 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Cusco offers 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.4/10, Budva provides a more secure environment than Cusco (5.9/10).
Overall: Cusco's NomadIQ score of 7.4/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Cusco is 45% cheaper than Budva.
Budva has a higher safety score (7.4/10) compared to Cusco (5.9/10).
7.4/10
Budva
5.9/10
Cusco
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Budva offers faster internet at 90 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
90 Mbps
Budva
70 Mbps
Cusco
Based on our analysis, Cusco edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Budva: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Cusco: Best for budget-conscious expats
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