Montanitais 5% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (33/10) vs Arequipa "Good Deal" (60/10). Dorms avg $9/night vs $10/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇪 Arequipa
🇪🇨 Montanita
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★19 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
★★★★★9 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $24/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $27/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $2.63, dorms avg $9
★★★★★Coffee $2.54, dorms avg $10
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $2.36, 19 hostels
★★★★★Beer $2.99, 9 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇪 Arequipa | 🇪🇨 Montanita | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $17 | $16 cheaper | $1/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $34 cheaper | $45 | $11/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $69 cheaper | $93 | $25/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇪 Arequipa | 🇪🇨 Montanita |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $3.98 | $3.51 12% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $14.50 42% less | $25.05 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.36 21% less | $2.99 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.63 | $2.54 3% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.29 17% less | $0.35 |
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
🇪🇨33
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $10/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelHostal Casa Del Sol (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$10/night
Total hostels9
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇪 Arequipa
🇪🇨 Montanita
City to City
Getting Between Arequipa & Montanita
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇪 Arequipa
🌧 Rainfall: 191mm/month
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul
🇪🇨 Montanita
🌧 Rainfall: 10mm/month
Best months: Nov, Dec
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
🇪🇨 Montanita
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Arequipa or Montanita cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Arequipa vs Montanita?+
Do I need a visa for Arequipa or Montanita?+
When is the best time to visit Arequipa or Montanita?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Arequipa and Montanita?+
Keep Exploring
People Also Compared
Ready to book?
Plan a trip to both cities
Full itinerary with real-time flights, hostels & transport — built on our 64k+ price index.
Build Your Itinerary →Free · No account required · Results in under 30 seconds