Cusco vs Cape Town

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Cusco is roughly 9% more affordable than Cape Town (index 18 vs 20, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Cusco
More affordable overall
9% cheaper than Cape Town · Cost index: 18 vs 20

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

18Cost Index20
623Median Income /mo1,620
65Safety Index50
27Income Tax %16
60Internet (Mbps)75
150Coworking /mo110

Price Breakdown

CuscoCategoryCape Town
$450/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
59% cheaper →
$1,100/month
$0.85/liter
Meal for One
15% cheaper →
$1/liter
$5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
55% cheaper →
$11/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
55% cheaper →
$55/month
$85/month
Utilities (Monthly)
6% ← cheaper
$80/month
$40/visit
Doctor Visit
33% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Cusco

Internet60 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishlow
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Cape Town

Internet75 Mbps
Coworking$110/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability70/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cusco cheaper than Cape Town?

Cusco is cheaper than Cape Town. Cusco has a cost of living index of 18/100 compared to 20/100 for Cape Town (New York = 100), making it roughly 9% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Cusco than Cape Town?

Cusco is approximately 9% cheaper than Cape Town based on cost index scores (18 vs 20, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Cape Town could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,717/month in Cusco.

What is the rent comparison between Cusco and Cape Town?

In Cusco, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $450/month. In Cape Town, the equivalent is around $1,100/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Cusco or Cape Town?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Cusco offers 60 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Cape Town offers 75 Mbps and coworking at ~$110/month. Cusco has a cost advantage of 9%.

What is the average income in Cusco vs Cape Town?

The median net monthly salary in Cusco is approximately $623 USD, compared to $1,620 USD in Cape Town.

Compare Cusco with…

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