vs
Arequipais 11% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (60/10) vs Lima "Good Deal" (61/10). Dorms avg $9/night vs $10/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇪 Arequipa
🇵🇪 Lima
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
19 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
★★★★★
19 hostels, avg 9.2 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $24/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $33/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.63, dorms avg $9
★★★★★
Coffee $2.99, dorms avg $10
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.36, 19 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $2.38, 19 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
25 attractions
★★★★★
30 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇪 Arequipa | 🇵🇪 Lima | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $17 cheaper | $19 | $2/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $34 cheaper | $37 | $3/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $69 cheaper | $70 | $1/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇪 Arequipa | 🇵🇪 Lima |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $3.98 11% less | $4.46 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $14.50 3% less | $14.88 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.36 1% less | $2.38 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.63 12% less | $2.99 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.29 59% less | $0.71 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇵🇪▼
Arequipa
Peru
60
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $9/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelViajero Arequipa Hostel (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$9/night
Total hostels19
🇵🇪▼
Lima
Peru
61
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $10/night). Plenty to see (30 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelBeraja Family Hostel (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$10/night
Total hostels19
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇪 Arequipa
🇵🇪 Lima
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (183d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (183d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (183d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (183d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (183d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Arequipa & Lima
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇪 Arequipa
20°C
High
/
13°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 191mm/month
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul
🇵🇪 Lima
26°C
High
/
21°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 29mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇵🇪 Arequipa
1. Claustro MayorFree
2. Claustro de los NaranjosFree
3. Convento Museo RecoletaFree
4. España PalaceFree
5. Mirador de YanahuaraFree
🇵🇪 Lima
1. Fortaleza de CampoyFree
2. Arco de SalamancaFree
3. Circuito Mágico del AguaFree
4. El DinosaurioFree
5. Huaca La PalmaFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Arequipa or Lima cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Arequipa vs Lima?+
Do I need a visa for Arequipa or Lima?+
When is the best time to visit Arequipa or Lima?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Arequipa and Lima?+
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