Side-by-side city decision # Kathmandu vs Arequipa. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link KathmanduNepal0 VS ArequipaPeru2 $730Kathmandu monthly budget $670Arequipa monthly budget 30 MbpsKathmandu internet 30 MbpsArequipa internet Decision summary Arequipa Arequipa leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Arequipa Speed Fastest internet Tie Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Tie Air Cleanest air Arequipa Walk Most walkable Tie Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Kathmandu](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/nepal/kathmandu.md) Nepal 0/6 Budget$730 Internet30 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Arequipa](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/peru/arequipa.md) Peru 2/6 Budget$670 Internet30 Mbps Vibe7/10 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 Total estimated budget $730 $670 1-bed center rent $350 $350 Coworking desk $120 $100 Local meal $4 $5 Cappuccino $2.5 $2.5 Gym membership $30 $30 Transport budget $30 $20 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 30 Mbps 30 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 7/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 60/100 60/100 Air quality 35/100 70/100 Walkability 6/10 6/10 Female safety 5/10 7/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 4/10 6/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Average Average English proficiency Average Basic Climate type Subtropical highland Subtropical highland Best time to visit Oct - Mar Apr - Oct 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. [Kathmandu](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/nepal/kathmandu.md) Nepal → ### Strengths * Extremely low cost of living * Rich cultural heritage and temples * Great trekking opportunities nearby * Friendly local community * Growing digital nomad scene * Delicious and affordable local food ### Trade-offs * Frequent power cuts and load shedding * Poor air quality, especially in winter * Traffic congestion in central areas * Tap water is not drinkable * Limited cashless payment options * Occasional political strikes (bandhs) ### Common visa routes * Tourist Visa (15/30/90 days) * Business Visa * Work Permit via employer [Arequipa](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/peru/arequipa.md) Peru → ### Strengths * Affordable cost of living * Pleasant year-round climate * Rich colonial architecture and culture * Delicious local cuisine (rocoto relleno, queso helado) * Close to Colca Canyon and other natural attractions * Friendly and welcoming locals ### Trade-offs * High altitude (2,335m) may cause altitude sickness * Internet can be inconsistent in some areas * Limited English spoken outside tourist zones * Petty crime like pickpocketing in crowded areas * Air conditioning scarce, homes can be cold at night * Bureaucratic processes can be slow ### Common visa routes * Tourist visa (90 days, extendable to 183 days) * No specific digital nomad visa * Visa-free entry for many nationalities 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.