Iquitos, Peru
The world's largest city unreachable by road, a gateway to the Amazon rainforest with a unique riverfront charm.
Overview
Iquitos is a city in LO with a population of 450,000. The world’s largest city unreachable by road, a gateway to the Amazon rainforest with a unique riverfront charm. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. The population skews young, with a median age of 30.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Peru Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Iquitos vs Peru Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 30.0%
- Sales Tax: 18.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: S/36,000
- Unemployment: 8.0%
- Population: 450,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 180/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 70°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: S/250,000
- 1BR Rent: S/1200/mo
Cost of Living
Iquitos's cost of living index is 95 (Peru average = 100).
| Category | Iquitos | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
| Housing | 110 | 100 | +10.0% |
Data source: INEI / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | S/250,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | S/1200/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | S/1,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | S/166 |
Data source: Adondevivir / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Iquitos:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | S/80 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | S/74 | 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/219 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: OSINERGMIN, Sedapal, Telefónica 2025
Remote Work Score
Iquitos scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Iquitos has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 90°F | 70°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 85°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 88°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Iquitos 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 8.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Iquitos 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 Iquitos 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 Iquitos, Peru?
The cost of living index in Iquitos is 95, which is Lower the Peru national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Iquitos?
The median home price in Iquitos is S/250,000. The housing index is 110.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Iquitos is approximately S/1200/mo.
Does Iquitos, LO have income tax?
Iquitos is in LO, which has an income tax rate of 30%.
What is the climate like in Iquitos?
Iquitos enjoys approximately 180 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 70°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.