Cusco vs Kathmandu

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Cusco is roughly 0% more affordable than Kathmandu (index 18 vs 18, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Cusco
More affordable overall
0% cheaper than Kathmandu · Cost index: 18 vs 18

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 Index18
600✓Median Income /mo217
60Safety Index63✓
17Income Tax %5✓
50Internet (Mbps)71✓
150✓Coworking /mo175

Price Breakdown

CuscoCategoryKathmandu
$650/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
54% ← cheaper
$300/month
$1/liter
Meal for One
35% ← cheaper
$0.65/liter
$4/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
50% ← cheaper
$2/meal
$20/month
Monthly Transit Pass
$20/month
$85/month
Utilities (Monthly)
65% ← cheaper
$30/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
40% ← cheaper
$30/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Cusco

Internet50 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Kathmandu

Internet71 Mbps
Coworking$175/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability62/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cusco cheaper than Kathmandu?

Cusco is cheaper than Kathmandu. Cusco has a cost of living index of 18/100 compared to 18/100 for Kathmandu (New York = 100), making it roughly 0% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Cusco than Kathmandu?

Cusco is approximately 0% cheaper than Kathmandu based on cost index scores (18 vs 18, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Kathmandu could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $3,000/month in Cusco.

What is the rent comparison between Cusco and Kathmandu?

In Cusco, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $650/month. In Kathmandu, the equivalent is around $300/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Cusco or Kathmandu?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Cusco offers 50 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Kathmandu offers 71 Mbps and coworking at ~$175/month. Cusco has a cost advantage of 0%.

What is the average income in Cusco vs Kathmandu?

The median net monthly salary in Cusco is approximately $600 USD, compared to $217 USD in Kathmandu.

Compare Cusco with…

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