Cusco, CU, Peru
The historic capital of the Inca Empire, a UNESCO World Heritage city and gateway to Machu Picchu.
Above Average vs Peru Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Cusco vs Peru Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 30.0%
- VAT: 18.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: S/48,000
- Unemployment: 6.5%
- Population: 500,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 200/year
- Summer High: 68°F
- Winter Low: 38°F
Housing
- Median Home: S/380,000
- 1BR Rent: S/1600/mo
Cost of Living
Cusco's cost of living index is 108 (Peru average = 100).
| Category | Cusco | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 108 | 100 | +8.0% |
| Housing | 130 | 100 | +30.0% |
Data source: INEI / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | S/380,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | S/1600/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | S/2,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | S/253 |
Data source: Adondevivir / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cusco:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | S/80 | Based on ~200 kWh/month typical Peruvian household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | S/22 | 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/212 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: OSINERGMIN, Sedapal, Telefónica 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Cusco
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: S/1,920/mo.
Cusco Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: S/1,760/mo.
East Cusco
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: S/1,440/mo.
West Cusco
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: S/1,520/mo.
Remote Work Score
Cusco scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Cusco has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F | 38°F | 2.5" |
| April | 53°F | 53°F | 2.8" |
| July | 68°F | 43°F | 1.5" |
| October | 48°F | 56°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 6.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Cusco 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 Cusco, CU, Peru?
The cost of living index in Cusco is 108, which is Higher the Peru national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Cusco?
The median home price in Cusco is S/380,000. The housing index is 130.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cusco is approximately S/1600/mo.
Does Cusco, CU have income tax?
Cusco is in CU, which has an income tax rate of 30%.
What is the climate like in Cusco?
Cusco enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 68°F, while winter lows can drop to around 38°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.