Cusco vs Mindelo: cost of living for digital nomads
Cusco, Peru and Mindelo, Cape Verde, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Cusco is about 2% cheaper than Mindelo for a month of nomad living ($1,085 vs $1,105).
- Mindelo scores higher on safety (7/10 vs 6/10).
- Internet is faster in Cusco: 80 Mbps typical against 75 Mbps.
- Cusco is temperate; Mindelo is arid.
Cusco wins 4 of the measured lines; Mindelo wins 3.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Cusco or Mindelo?
Cusco is cheaper: about $1,085/month against $1,105/month in Mindelo, roughly 2% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Cusco or Mindelo?
Mindelo scores higher on safety: 7/10 against 6/10 for Cusco.
Which has faster internet, Cusco or Mindelo?
Cusco has faster typical internet: 80 Mbps against 75 Mbps in Mindelo.
| Line | Cusco | Mindelo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,085 | $1,105 |
| Rent | $420 | $420 |
| Food | $300 | $330 |
| Transport | $35 | $30 |
| Coworking | $85 | $75 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 80 | 75 |
| Climate | temperate | arid |
| City size | mid | small |
| Setting | mountain | island |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 6/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Cusco September 11, 2026, Mindelo September 11, 2026.