Are you considering a move to Cusco, Peru, and wondering about the cost of living? Cusco is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Cusco and help you understand whether $1231 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $533.4.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
2.67 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
26.67 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
5.33 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.13 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.81 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.19 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.8 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.2 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.72 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.07 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.53 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
4.6 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
6.53 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
7.27 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
1.8 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.24 $ |
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|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.53 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.26 $ |
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|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.33 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.4 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.75 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.91 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
8.53 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
2.58 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.71 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
5.0 $ |
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|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.27 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
16.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.33 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
8.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.61 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
18031.01 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
21186.44 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
67.12 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
21.34 $ |
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|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
33.34 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
6.67 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
5.33 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
240.03 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
12001.47 $ |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
34.67 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
21.34 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
80.01 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
72.01 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
355.6 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
313.37 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
657.86 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
453.39 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
5467.34 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
3128.8 $ |
|
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Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
533.4 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
11.0 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Cusco come to a total of approximately $1231. This includes an average monthly rent of around $355 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $77 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $415 per month.
Living in Cusco appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $533.4. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Cusco, you would likely need an income exceeding $533.4.
In Cusco, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $533.4, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Cusco is approximately $355. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $313.37 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Cusco can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $328 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Peru can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Peru.
As tourism is the main source of income for Cusco, the authorities are doing their best to protect travelers from any kind of crime that might happen there. However, petty crime in tourist areas exists and travelers need to protect their personal belongings at all times.
In many large cities which attract many tourists, taxis and public transportation are not reliable and people can become victims of robbers and thieves there. Most taxis in Cusco are safe, but there are some bogus taxis where travelers have been robbed. Always use one of the official companies. If you decide to drive in Cusco, bear in mind that driving standards in Peru are poor. Bus crashes are common, especially at night. If you are staying in Cuzco for a long time, the Combis are also a cheaper and reliable mean of transportation.
The risk of being pickpocketed is very high at locations frequented by tourists and street crime in Cusco is a big problem. Pay special attention when withdrawing cash from ATMs, since the aim of thieves is your money. There have been several recent thefts against foreign nationals. The victim should give them money and valuables, and avoid further more serious consequences.
Cusco is prone to various natural hazards, including flooding and landslides, as a consequence of heavy rains. Peru is in an active earthquake zone and if you are planning to visit this area, you should get familiar with volcanic activity and follow the advice of the authorities.
Mugging risk is not very common, but still, it happens in Cusco. Muggers usually attack solo travelers who show expensive jewelry, gadgets or wallets. Passport theft is also common and you should take particular care of valuables on a bus if you travel at night since several passengers were robbed.
The Shining Path terrorist group is active in Cusco, so internal terrorism is possible. When it comes to global terrorism risk, attacks in Peru cannot be predicted. Tourists are not direct targets but can find themselves in the wrong place. Watch out for any suspicious activity.
Taxi drivers are the most frequent scammers since they try to take advantage of travelers whenever they can. Pay attention to the meter and avoid being overcharged. Tourists have been targeted and robbed by bogus taxi drivers and robberies have been reported in taxis from the airport.
The risk that a solo female traveler will be attacked in Cusco is medium, and women should not feel unsafe. Even though many women travel without any trouble, it is advisable to avoid isolated locations and traveling alone after dark. Criminals have targeted female travelers in the San Blas neighborhood in Cusco.
Tourists do not need a visa to enter Peru and they get permission to stay for up to 183 days. If you overstay, you will need to pay a fine. www.doyouneedvisa.com is a website that has all the information about the entry requirements when coming to Peru.
ATMs are available in banks or supermarkets and they are better options than using an ATM on the street. Bear in mind that not all shops, restaurants, bars and hotels accept credit cards. Counterfeit US dollars or local currency are frequent and you need to check the change. The official currency in Peru is the Nuevo sol.
Cusco has very hot days and quite cold nights. The rainy season might lead to serious consequences like flooding and landslides. The winter in Peru lasts from June to September.
The busiest international airport in Peru is Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, while Cusco has its airport Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.
A travel insurance policy is a must no matter how healthy you are since medical issues and theft can happen to anyone and can never be predicted.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 62°F | 62°F | 63°F | 64°F | 65°F | 64°F | 64°F | 64°F | 65°F | 65°F | 65°F | 64°F |
| Temp | 52°F | 52°F | 52°F | 51°F | 50°F | 48°F | 47°F | 49°F | 51°F | 53°F | 54°F | 53°F |
| Low | 44°F | 44°F | 44°F | 41°F | 36°F | 33°F | 32°F | 35°F | 39°F | 42°F | 43°F | 44°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 16°C | 16°C | 17°C | 17°C | 18°C | 17°C | 17°C | 17°C | 18°C | 18°C | 18°C | 17°C |
| Temp | 11°C | 11°C | 11°C | 10°C | 10°C | 8°C | 8°C | 9°C | 10°C | 11°C | 12°C | 11°C |
| Low | 6°C | 6°C | 6°C | 5°C | 2°C | 0°C | 0°C | 1°C | 3°C | 5°C | 6°C | 6°C |