Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Peru

Dominican Republic
For digital nomads choosing between Cusco and Puerto Plata, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Cusco
$711/mo
Best Internet
Puerto Plata
95 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Puerto Plata
7.6/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Cusco if budget is your top priority, or Puerto Plata if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Cusco and Puerto Plata for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Cusco offers a more affordable lifestyle at $711/month compared to Puerto Plata's $891/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Puerto Plata provides faster connectivity at 95 Mbps compared to Cusco's 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6.1/10, Puerto Plata offers better security than Cusco (5.9/10).
Overall: Puerto Plata's NomadIQ score of 7.6/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Cusco is 20% cheaper than Puerto Plata.
Puerto Plata has a higher safety score (6.1/10) compared to Cusco (5.9/10).
5.9/10
Cusco
6.1/10
Puerto Plata
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Puerto Plata offers faster internet at 95 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Cusco
95 Mbps
Puerto Plata
Both cities are excellent choices for expats, with each having unique strengths.
Cusco: Best for budget-conscious expats
Puerto Plata: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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