Arequipa, AR, Peru
The White City of Peru, a stunning colonial city built from volcanic sillar stone beneath three majestic volcanoes.
Above Average vs Peru Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Arequipa vs Peru Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 30.0%
- VAT: 18.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: S/50,000
- Unemployment: 7.0%
- Population: 1,000,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 72°F
- Winter Low: 48°F
Housing
- Median Home: S/350,000
- 1BR Rent: S/1500/mo
Cost of Living
Arequipa's cost of living index is 105 (Peru average = 100).
| Category | Arequipa | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
| Housing | 125 | 100 | +25.0% |
Data source: INEI / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | S/350,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | S/1500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | S/1,875/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | S/233 |
Data source: Adondevivir / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Arequipa:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | S/80 | Based on ~200 kWh/month typical Peruvian household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | S/9 | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | S/30 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | S/60 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | S/20 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | S/199 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: OSINERGMIN, Sedapal, Telefónica 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Arequipa
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: S/1,800/mo.
Arequipa Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: S/1,650/mo.
East Arequipa
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: S/1,350/mo.
West Arequipa
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: S/1,425/mo.
Remote Work Score
Arequipa scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Arequipa has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68°F | 48°F | 2.5" |
| April | 57°F | 63°F | 2.8" |
| July | 72°F | 47°F | 1.5" |
| October | 52°F | 66°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 30%
- VAT: 18%
- Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 7.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Arequipa per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Arequipa, AR, Peru?
The cost of living index in Arequipa is 105, which is Higher the Peru national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Arequipa?
The median home price in Arequipa is S/350,000. The housing index is 125.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Arequipa is approximately S/1500/mo.
Does Arequipa, AR have income tax?
Arequipa is in AR, which has an income tax rate of 30%.
What is the climate like in Arequipa?
Arequipa enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 72°F, while winter lows can drop to around 48°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: INEI / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Adondevivir / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: INEI Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities OSINERGMIN, Sedapal, Telefónica 2025
Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.