Cusco, Peru
The historic capital of the Inca Empire, a UNESCO World Heritage city and gateway to Machu Picchu.
Overview
Cusco is a city in CU with a population of 500,000. The historic capital of the Inca Empire, a UNESCO World Heritage city and gateway to Machu Picchu. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. 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
Cusco vs Peru Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 30.0%
- Sales Tax: 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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
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 | |
| Heating & Cooling | S/22 | 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/167 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: OSINERGMIN, Sedapal, Telefónica 2025
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" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Cusco 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 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
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Long summer break during the hottest months.
Demographics
The population of Cusco 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 Cusco, 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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.