Cost of Living in Cusco

The most popular neighborhoods for digital nomads in Cusco are San Blas, the Plaza de Armas area, and the modern district of Wanchaq. San Blas is the bohemian heart of the city, with cobblestone streets lined by art galleries and cafés—a furnished one-bedroom apartment here runs S/ 1,200–1,800 (USD 330–490) per month on a long-term lease, while short-term Airbnb rentals for the same type of unit typically cost S/ 2,200–3,000 (USD 600–820) monthly. The Plaza de Armas vicinity commands a premium due to proximity to restaurants and nightlife, with furnished studios starting around S/ 1,500 (USD 410) and one-bedrooms reaching S/ 2,000–2,500 (USD 540–680). Wanchaq, a quieter residential area about 15 minutes south by taxi, offers the best value: unfurnished one-bedroom apartments from S/ 700–1,100 (USD 190–300) and furnished options from S/ 1,000–1,500 (USD 270–410).

Cusco is a dream destination for food-loving digital nomads, offering everything from S/.8-10 menú del día lunches to world-class Peruvian cuisine at a fraction of Western prices. The menú del día — a set meal of soup, a main course, a drink, and often dessert — is the backbone of affordable eating. In local neighborhoods away from the center, these run S/.8-12 (~$2-3 USD), while spots closer to Plaza de Armas charge S/.15-25 (~$4-7). For the best value, head to San Pedro Market where you can grab a full meal for S/.6-10 (~$1.50-2.50), fresh fruit juices for S/.3-5 (~$0.80-1.30), and hearty soups for around S/.4 (~$1). Street food is equally cheap: empanadas go for S/.2-5, choripán sandwiches for S/.6, and anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers) for S/.8-10.

Cusco offers two main grocery shopping strategies: traditional markets for fresh produce and supermarkets for packaged goods and proteins. Mercado San Pedro, the city's oldest and most famous market, sits a ten-minute walk southeast of Plaza de Armas and is ideal for fruits, vegetables, cheeses, breads, and prepared foods. While convenient and atmospheric, San Pedro does carry a slight tourist markup. For better prices, locals head to Mercado de Wanchaq, about twenty minutes on foot from the plaza, where you will find the same fresh produce — seasonal fruits like chirimoyas, lucumas, and aguaymanto, along with fresh meats and regional vegetables — at noticeably lower prices without the tourist hustle. At either market, haggling is expected and welcomed. Expect to pay around S/.3-4/kg (~$0.80-1.10) for potatoes, S/.3-4/kg (~$0.80-1.10) for tomatoes and onions, S/.2.50-3/kg (~$0.65-0.80) for bananas, and S/.5-8/kg (~$1.30-2.10) for apples.

Cusco's compact historic center is one of the most walkable in South America, and most digital nomads find they can reach cafes, restaurants, and coworking spaces on foot within 15 to 20 minutes from Plaza de Armas. The cobblestone streets climb steeply toward neighborhoods like San Blas and San Cristobal, so take it easy during your first days at 3,400 meters altitude. For longer distances, combis and micros are the go-to local buses, charging a flat fare of S/0.80 to S/1.00 (around $0.25 USD) per ride. Routes are painted on the windshield and called out by a cobrador, making them cheap but occasionally confusing for newcomers. Ride-hailing apps like Uber, InDriver, and DiDi all operate in Cusco, offering a convenient alternative to street taxis where you must negotiate fares in advance since there are no meters.

Internet infrastructure in Cusco has improved significantly in recent years, though it still lags behind Lima. Fixed-line broadband in the historic center typically delivers 20 to 50 Mbps download speeds over fiber connections, which is sufficient for video calls, file uploads, and streaming. Accommodation WiFi varies widely: modern apartments and colivings in San Blas or the center often provide 30 to 60 Mbps, while older guesthouses may top out at 5 to 15 Mbps. Cafe WiFi is a mixed bag—popular nomad-friendly spots like Laggart Cafe, The Meeting Place, and Cappuccino Cafe generally offer 15 to 50 Mbps, but some cafes discourage laptop use or limit charging outlets. For reliable, fast connectivity during work hours, a dedicated coworking space is the safest bet.

Cusco's healthcare infrastructure is well-suited for routine medical needs, though the city's 3,400-meter altitude adds a unique health dimension. The most reputable private facility is Clínica Pardo on Av. de La Cultura 710, offering modern diagnostics, lab work, and specialist consultations for around S/60–80 (US$16–22) per visit, which typically includes a follow-up appointment. Hospital Regional del Cusco provides public emergency care, but wait times are long and facilities are dated — most foreigners opt for private clinics like Mac Salud or SOS Medical Group, which operate 24-hour emergency rooms. For serious conditions such as cardiac events or major trauma, medical evacuation to Lima is standard practice, so carrying travel insurance with medevac coverage (SafetyWing at ~US$45/month or World Nomads) is strongly recommended.

The single most important thing to know about Cusco is its altitude: at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), the thin air hits almost everyone during the first 24–48 hours with headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Plan at least two full rest days upon arrival before attempting any strenuous activity, drink three to four liters of water daily, avoid alcohol for the first couple of nights, and keep coca tea or soroche pills on hand. Some nomads acclimatize gradually by spending a night or two in Ollantaytambo (2,792 m) or the Sacred Valley before heading up to Cusco. If symptoms worsen — persistent vomiting, confusion, or chest tightness — seek medical attention immediately, as severe altitude sickness can be life-threatening.