Cusco vs Quito: cost of living for digital nomads
Cusco, Peru and Quito, Ecuador, 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 1% cheaper than Quito for a month of nomad living ($1,085 vs $1,100).
- Both score 6/10 on safety.
- Internet is faster in Quito: 90 Mbps typical against 80 Mbps.
- Both have a temperate climate.
Cusco wins 2 of the measured lines; Quito wins 1.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Cusco or Quito?
Cusco is cheaper: about $1,085/month against $1,100/month in Quito, roughly 1% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Cusco or Quito?
Cusco and Quito score the same on safety, 6/10 each.
Which has faster internet, Cusco or Quito?
Quito has faster typical internet: 90 Mbps against 80 Mbps in Cusco.
| Line | Cusco | Quito |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,085 | $1,100 |
| Rent | $420 | $420 |
| Food | $300 | $310 |
| Transport | $35 | $35 |
| Coworking | $85 | $85 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 80 | 90 |
| Climate | temperate | temperate |
| City size | mid | metro |
| Setting | mountain | mountain |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
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, Quito September 11, 2026.