Arequipais 50% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (60/10) vs Mendoza "Fair" (47/10). Dorms avg $9/night vs $13/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇪 Arequipa
🇦🇷 Mendoza
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★19 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
★★★★★16 hostels, avg 8.8 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $24/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $35/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $2.63, dorms avg $9
★★★★★Coffee $5.13, dorms avg $13
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $2.36, 19 hostels
★★★★★Beer $1.98, 16 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇪 Arequipa | 🇦🇷 Mendoza | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $17 cheaper | $35 | $17/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $34 cheaper | $50 | $16/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $69 cheaper | $78 | $10/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇪 Arequipa | 🇦🇷 Mendoza |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $3.98 63% less | $10.90 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $14.50 31% less | $21.10 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.36 | $1.98 16% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.63 49% less | $5.13 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.29 64% less | $0.80 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇵🇪60
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $9/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelViajero Arequipa Hostel (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$9/night
Total hostels19
🇦🇷47
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $13/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelGorilla Hostel Mendoza (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$13/night
Total hostels16
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇪 Arequipa
🇦🇷 Mendoza
City to City
Getting Between Arequipa & Mendoza
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇪 Arequipa
🌧 Rainfall: 191mm/month
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul
🇦🇷 Mendoza
🌧 Rainfall: 56mm/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
🇦🇷 Mendoza
1. Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno de Mendoza…Free
2. Amistad Inmortal O'higgins San Martín Arge…Free
3. Caballitos de MarlyFree
4. Escudo Provincial en luminariaFree
5. Fuente de los ContinentesFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Arequipa or Mendoza cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Arequipa vs Mendoza?+
Do I need a visa for Arequipa or Mendoza?+
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