Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru

Sri Lanka
Based on our comparison, Kandy wins 6 out of 8 categories.Cusco wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Cusco and Kandy, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Kandy
$408/mo
Best Internet
Cusco
70 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Kandy
7.5/10
Our Recommendation: Kandy is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Cusco and Kandy for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Kandy is the more budget-friendly option at $408/month versus Cusco's $711/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Cusco leads with 70 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Kandy offers 65 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.9/10, Cusco provides a more secure environment than Kandy (5.8/10).
Overall: Kandy's NomadIQ score of 7.5/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Kandy is 43% cheaper than Cusco.
Cusco has a higher safety score (5.9/10) compared to Kandy (5.8/10).
5.9/10
Cusco
5.8/10
Kandy
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Cusco offers faster internet at 70 Mbps vs 65 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Cusco
65 Mbps
Kandy
Based on our analysis, Kandy edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Cusco: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Kandy: Best for budget-conscious expats
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