Arequipa, Peru
The White City of Peru, a stunning colonial city built from volcanic sillar stone beneath three majestic volcanoes.
Overview
Arequipa is a city in AR with a population of 1,000,000. The White City of Peru, a stunning colonial city built from volcanic sillar stone beneath three majestic volcanoes. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 260 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 30.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Above Average vs Peru Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Arequipa vs Peru Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 30.0%
- Sales Tax: 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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
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 | |
| Heating & Cooling | S/9 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | S/30 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | S/35 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | S/154 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: OSINERGMIN, Sedapal, Telefónica 2025
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" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Arequipa faces the following natural hazards:
Located in a highly active seismic zone with frequent major earthquakes.
Pacific coast vulnerable to tsunamis.
Andean region with frequent landslides.
Extreme summer heat in coastal and Amazon regions.
Volcanic activity in the southern Andes region.
Flash floods and river flooding.
Amazon and Andean wildfires.
Andean region with avalanches.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 30%
- Sales Tax: 18%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% 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
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Long summer break during the hottest months.
Demographics
The population of Arequipa is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: INEI Census (2017)
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, 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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.