Tarapoto, Peru
The City of Palms, a gateway to the Peruvian Amazon with waterfalls, wildlife, and tropical fruit.
Overview
Tarapoto is a city in SM with a population of 180,000. The City of Palms, a gateway to the Peruvian Amazon with waterfalls, wildlife, and tropical fruit. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below 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)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Tarapoto vs Peru Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 30.0%
- Sales Tax: 18.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: S/28,000
- Unemployment: 9.0%
- Population: 180,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 180/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 66°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: S/180,000
- 1BR Rent: S/800/mo
Cost of Living
Tarapoto's cost of living index is 88 (Peru average = 100).
| Category | Tarapoto | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
| Housing | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
Data source: INEI / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | S/180,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | S/800/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | S/1,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | S/120 |
Data source: Adondevivir / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Tarapoto:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | S/80 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | S/37 | 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/182 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: OSINERGMIN, Sedapal, Telefónica 2025
Remote Work Score
Tarapoto scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Tarapoto has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 86°F | 66°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 81°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 84°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Tarapoto 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 9.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Tarapoto 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 Tarapoto 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 Tarapoto, Peru?
The cost of living index in Tarapoto is 88, which is Lower the Peru national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Tarapoto?
The median home price in Tarapoto is S/180,000. The housing index is 95.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Tarapoto is approximately S/800/mo.
Does Tarapoto, SM have income tax?
Tarapoto is in SM, which has an income tax rate of 30%.
What is the climate like in Tarapoto?
Tarapoto enjoys approximately 180 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 66°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.