Side-by-side city decision # Izmir vs Arequipa. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link IzmirTurkey1/6 VS ArequipaPeru3/6 $1,005Izmir monthly budget $825Arequipa monthly budget 56 MbpsIzmir internet 95 MbpsArequipa internet Decision summary Arequipa Arequipa leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Arequipa Speed Fastest internet Arequipa Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Izmir Air Cleanest air Arequipa Walk Most walkable Tie Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Izmir](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/turkey/izmir.md) Turkey 1/6 Budget$1,005 Internet56 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Arequipa](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/peru/arequipa.md) Peru 3/6 Budget$825 Internet95 Mbps Vibe8/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals MetricIzmirArequipa Total estimated budget $1,005 $825 1-bed center rent $550 $410 Coworking desk $150 $130 Local meal $7.5 $3.8 Cappuccino $2.6 $2.4 Gym membership $35 $32 Transport budget $35 $35 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricIzmirArequipa Internet speed 56 Mbps 95 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricIzmirArequipa Safety index 68/100 54/100 Air quality 65/100 68/100 Walkability 8/10 8/10 Female safety 7/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 6/10 5/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricIzmirArequipa Healthcare quality Good Good English proficiency Average Basic Climate type Mediterranean High-altitude semi-arid Best time to visit Apr - Jun Apr - Nov Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Izmir](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/turkey/izmir.md) Turkey → ### Strengths * Mediterranean waterfront lifestyle with long promenades * Lower day-to-day costs than Istanbul * Excellent local food and fresh produce * Strong metro, tram, ferry, and bus network * Mild winters and very sunny summers * Relaxed, youthful, and relatively liberal atmosphere ### Trade-offs * High inflation and exchange-rate volatility complicate budgeting * English is limited outside tourist-facing businesses * Summer heat can be intense * Apartment quality and insulation vary widely * Coworking choices are fewer than in Istanbul * Tap water is not generally preferred for drinking ### Common visa routes * Visa-free or e-Visa tourist stay, depending on nationality * Turkish short-term residence permit where eligibility requirements are met * Turkish Digital Nomad Visa for eligible remote workers meeting current criteria [Arequipa](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/peru/arequipa.md) Peru → ### Strengths * Very affordable rents and everyday dining * Sunny, dry climate for much of the year * Beautiful colonial architecture and volcano views * Walkable historic center with strong local character * Good value private healthcare and services * Excellent access to hiking and Colca Canyon trips ### Trade-offs * Cold nights due to the high elevation * Tap water is not safe to drink * English is limited outside tourism businesses * Traffic and driving standards can feel chaotic * Air quality can worsen with dust and vehicle emissions * Smaller remote-work community than Lima or Cusco ### Common visa routes * Tourist entry, typically up to 90 days at immigration discretion * Business visa for qualifying work-related travel * Resident visas through employment, family, study, or investment routes Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.