Cost Of Living in Cusco 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Cusco

Whether you're living in Cusco or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

10,000 PEN

per month
$2,700

800 PEN   $210
$27,000   100,000 PEN

Single

7,200 PEN

per month
$1,900

2,400 PEN   $630
$13,000   48,000 PEN

Couple

12,000 PEN

per month
$3,200

4,000 PEN   $1,100
$17,000   64,000 PEN

Family

16,000 PEN

per month
$4,200

5,600 PEN   $1,500
$23,000   88,000 PEN

Student

4,800 PEN

per month
$1,300

1,900 PEN   $510
$2,300   8,700 PEN
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Cusco is 7,200 PEN. Expenses can range from 2,400 PEN at the minimum level to 48,000 PEN at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Cusco is 12,000 PEN. Expenditure can range from 4,000 PEN to 64,000 PEN per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Cusco is 16,000 PEN per month. Families spend anywhere from 5,600 PEN to 88,000 PEN.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Cusco is 4,800 PEN. Students spend from 1,900 PEN to 8,700 PEN per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Cusco


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
1.3 PEN 1.5 PEN 1.7 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.35 $0.40 $0.46
Fast food combo meal
11 PEN 23 PEN 38 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3 $6 $10
Restaurant meal for one
37 PEN 55 PEN 110 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.7 $15 $29
Fine dining meal for one
74 PEN 110 PEN 440 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $29 $120
Soda or Soft Drink
1.6 PEN 1.9 PEN 2.3 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.43 $0.50 $0.60
Cappuccino or latte
9.4 PEN 15 PEN 23 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $4 $6

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
7.5 PEN 9 PEN 11 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.4 $3
Loaf of bread
1.4 PEN 1.5 PEN 1.8 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.36 $0.41 $0.48
12 eggs
5.7 PEN 7.5 PEN 11 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2 $3
Fresh whole chicken
13 PEN 17 PEN 24 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $4.4 $6.2
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
15 PEN 23 PEN 45 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $6 $12
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
6.1 PEN 8.3 PEN 12 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.2 $3.1
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
2.3 PEN 3 PEN 5.7 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.60 $0.80 $1.5
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
4 PEN 5.3 PEN 8.7 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.4 $2.3

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
9.2 PEN 11 PEN 22 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $2.9 $5.8
Average car full tank
57 PEN 75 PEN 150 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $20 $40
Average car 1-day rental
54 PEN 72 PEN 110 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $19 $28
Average car price
28,000 PEN 57,000 PEN 75,000 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7,500 $15,000 $20,000
Bus ticket one way
1.8 PEN 2.7 PEN 5.4 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.47 $0.71 $1.4
Car Service
72 PEN 110 PEN 210 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $28 $57

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
140 PEN 430 PEN 2,900 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38 $110 $760
Utility Bill - Couple
200 PEN 600 PEN 3,200 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$53 $160 $850
Utility Bill - Family
170 PEN 480 PEN 2,600 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$44 $130 $700
Internet and cable
57 PEN 110 PEN 150 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $30 $40
Mobile phone charges
45 PEN 75 PEN 230 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $20 $60

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
28 PEN 38 PEN 57 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.5 $10 $15
One month gym membership
86 PEN 110 PEN 210 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $28 $57

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
63 PEN 90 PEN 130 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $24 $36
Woman dress
60 PEN 83 PEN 270 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $22 $71
Woman shoes
57 PEN 77 PEN 180 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $20 $47
Men's shoes
49 PEN 60 PEN 120 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $16 $32
Men suit
54 PEN 67 PEN 360 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $18 $95
Regular t-shirt
27 PEN 36 PEN 110 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.1 $9.5 $28

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
900 PEN 1,300 PEN 3,600 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $360 $950
1-bedroom apartment
1,300 PEN 2,100 PEN 5,400 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $570 $1,400
2-bedroom apartment
1,800 PEN 2,700 PEN 7,200 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $710 $1,900

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
180,000 PEN 270,000 PEN 540,000 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$47,000 $71,000 $140,000
1-bedroom apartment
210,000 PEN 360,000 PEN 1.3M PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$57,000 $95,000 $360,000
2-bedroom apartment
360,000 PEN 1.1M PEN 2.1M PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95,000 $280,000 $570,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
1,100 PEN 1,400 PEN 1,900 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $370 $500
Double Bed
750 PEN 1,100 PEN 1,400 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $300 $370
Single Bed
670 PEN 870 PEN 1,100 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $230 $300
Living Room
1,300 PEN 1,600 PEN 5,700 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $430 $1,500
Dining Table
570 PEN 750 PEN 1,400 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $200 $370
Sofa or Couch
750 PEN 1,000 PEN 2,300 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $270 $600

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
750 PEN 1,100 PEN 2,300 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $300 $600
Fridge or Freezer
670 PEN 1,000 PEN 1,400 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $270 $370
Washing Machine
870 PEN 1,300 PEN 2,300 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $330 $600
Stove or Cooker
810 PEN 1,000 PEN 1,400 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $270 $370
Mobile Phone
940 PEN 1,100 PEN 1,600 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $300 $430
Laptop or Computer
1,000 PEN 1,300 PEN 2,300 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $330 $600

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Cusco

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

80%

72% to 89%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%10%
60% - 70%16%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%19%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Cusco is 80% This means that on average, people spend around 80% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 16% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
72%
Spending-Income-Ratio
65%
80%

Couple
76%
Spending-Income-Ratio
68%
84%

Family
84%
Spending-Income-Ratio
75%
93%

How do people spend their money in Cusco?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure24%

24% of total expenses on average (13% to 32%)

LOW$63   240 PEN
AVERAGE$820   3,100 PEN
HIGH$8,200   31,000 PEN
Per Month

People living in Cusco typically spend from 13% to 32% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 24% being the average. The average spend on housing is 3,100 PEN with expenditure ranging from 240 PEN to 31,000 PEN. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$11   40 PEN
AVERAGE$140   520 PEN
HIGH$1,400   5,200 PEN
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Cusco ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 520 PEN with 40 PEN and 5,200 PEN being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$21   80 PEN
AVERAGE$270   1,000 PEN
HIGH$2,700   10,000 PEN
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 80 PEN to 10,000 PEN on commuting with 1,000 PEN being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$53   200 PEN
AVERAGE$690   2,600 PEN
HIGH$6,900   26,000 PEN
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Cusco is 2,600 PEN. The cost of groceries can range between 200 PEN to 26,000 PEN. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$15   56 PEN
AVERAGE$190   730 PEN
HIGH$1,900   7,300 PEN
Per Month

People in Cusco allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 56 PEN to 7,300 PEN with 730 PEN being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)

LOW$8.5   32 PEN
AVERAGE$110   410 PEN
HIGH$1,100   4,100 PEN
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 32 PEN to 4,100 PEN with 410 PEN being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$13   48 PEN
AVERAGE$160   620 PEN
HIGH$1,600   6,200 PEN
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 620 PEN per month with 48 PEN being the minimum spent amount and 6,200 PEN being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$27   100 PEN
AVERAGE$360   1,300 PEN
HIGH$3,600   13,000 PEN
Per Month

How much money can you save in Cusco every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Cusco manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
61%
Not Saving
39%

Almost 61% of the surveyed people in Cusco said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 39% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Cusco

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles61%39%
Couples56%44%
Families52%48%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

12% 20% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

280 PEN
$73
3,600 PEN
$950
36,000 PEN
$9,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 12% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 20% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 3,600 PEN on average with savings ranging from 280 PEN to 36,000 PEN.

61% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 56% of couples said the same. 52% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Cusco?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 24% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

830 PEN
$220
2,500 PEN
$660
17,000 PEN
$4,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%11%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 24% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 2,500 PEN with 830 PEN and 17,000 PEN being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 22% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,400 PEN
$370
4,100 PEN
$1,100
22,000 PEN
$5,900
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%26%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%8%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 32% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 4,100 PEN with 1,400 PEN and 22,000 PEN being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 19% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,900 PEN
$510
5,500 PEN
$1,500
30,000 PEN
$8,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%29%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%5%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Cusco can save anywhere between 12% to 29% of their monthly income, with 19% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 5,500 PEN with 1,900 PEN and 30,000 PEN being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Cusco

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Cusco?


Yes
61%
No
39%

Around 61% of surveyed residents think that living in Cusco is affordable with proper budgeting while 39% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Cusco

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options57%

Few low-cost options43%


Based on the survey, 57% of the people living in Cusco have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Cusco whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes61%

No39%


Based on the survey, 39% of the people living in Cusco said that they don't have an emergency fund while 61% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Peru

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy59%


We asked residents of Peru whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 41% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 59% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Peru have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 31% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 69% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance31%

Easily manages finances69%

Financial goals of people in Cusco

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Cusco, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction40%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle8%
Healthcare Expenses12%
Financial Independence6%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 40% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 8% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 12% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Cusco

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Cusco. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans15%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later20%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 15% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 11% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 20% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 12% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Cusco

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings19%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks5%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Cusco

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Cusco and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Peru is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Cusco:
AgeAmount
2528,000 PEN
3056,000 PEN
3598,000 PEN
40140,000 PEN
45210,000 PEN
50290,000 PEN
55350,000 PEN
60430,000 PEN
65520,000 PEN

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Cusco about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job13%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Cusco

1,700 PEN
$460
5,200 PEN
$1,400
35,000 PEN
$9,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Cusco


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
23%
Debt Free
77%

According to the survey, 23% of the people in Cusco have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 77% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Cusco

Debt to income ratio

28%

19% to 36%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 28% of the people's monthly income in Cusco goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%16%
40% - 50%14%
30% - 40%16%
20% - 30%12%
10% - 20%14%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Cusco pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 16% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 12% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Cusco

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage10%
Auto Loan17%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card28%
Personal Loan41%

10% of debtors in Cusco confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 28% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 17% of people and personal loans rose at 41%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Cusco.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Cusco

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Cusco how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never52%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Cusco

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Cusco

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
900 PEN 1,300 PEN 3,600 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $360 $950
1-bedroom apartment
1,300 PEN 2,100 PEN 5,400 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $570 $1,400
2-bedroom apartment
1,800 PEN 2,700 PEN 7,200 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $710 $1,900
3-bedroom apartment
2,100 PEN 3,600 PEN 9,800 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$570 $950 $2,600
Furnished apartment
4,300 PEN 11,000 PEN 21,000 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $2,800 $5,700
Townhouse
3,600 PEN 5,400 PEN 15,000 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$950 $1,400 $4,100
House
4,300 PEN 11,000 PEN 21,000 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $2,800 $5,700
Villa
5,400 PEN 13,000 PEN 21,000 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $3,600 $5,700

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Cusco ranges between 900 PEN and 3,600 PEN, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,300 PEN to 5,400 PEN. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,800 PEN and 7,200 PEN per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 2,100 PEN to 9,800 PEN. The average rent of a townhouse in Cusco is around 5,400 PEN while house rental costs can be as high as 11,000 PEN per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 5,400 PEN to 21,000 PEN per month.



Apartment and house prices in Cusco

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
180,000 PEN 270,000 PEN 540,000 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$47,000 $71,000 $140,000
1-bedroom apartment
210,000 PEN 360,000 PEN 1.3M PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$57,000 $95,000 $360,000
2-bedroom apartment
360,000 PEN 1.1M PEN 2.1M PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95,000 $280,000 $570,000
3-bedroom apartment
1.2M PEN 1.8M PEN 5.4M PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320,000 $470,000 $1.4M
Townhouse
1.5M PEN 3.6M PEN 13M PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410,000 $950,000 $3.6M
House
1.8M PEN 11M PEN 15M PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470,000 $2.8M $4.1M
Villa
2.1M PEN 12M PEN 18M PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$570,000 $3.2M $4.7M

The average price of a studio apartment in Cusco can range from 180,000 PEN to 540,000 PEN depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 210,000 PEN to 1.3M PEN. A villa can cost you 12M PEN on average with prices ranging from 2.1M PEN to 18M PEN.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Cusco will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


38 x112 monthly income 201
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Cusco can be x112 to x201 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x112 multiples of the average monthly salary in Cusco.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


21% 31% of income 40%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Cusco is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 40% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
28%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.2%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


16 PEN 210 PEN 2,100 PEN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Cusco

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)

LOW$230   860 PEN
AVERAGE$680   2,600 PEN
HIGH$4,600   17,000 PEN
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$38   140 PEN
AVERAGE$110   430 PEN
HIGH$760   2,900 PEN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$51   190 PEN
AVERAGE$150   570 PEN
HIGH$1,000   3,800 PEN
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$100   380 PEN
AVERAGE$300   1,100 PEN
HIGH$2,000   7,700 PEN
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$57   220 PEN
AVERAGE$170   650 PEN
HIGH$1,100   4,300 PEN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$32   120 PEN
AVERAGE$95   360 PEN
HIGH$630   2,400 PEN
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$13   48 PEN
AVERAGE$38   140 PEN
HIGH$250   960 PEN
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$110   430 PEN
AVERAGE$340   1,300 PEN
HIGH$2,300   8,600 PEN
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Cusco

Housing27%

27% of total expenses on average (20% to 37%)

LOW$350   1,300 PEN
AVERAGE$1,000   4,000 PEN
HIGH$5,600   21,000 PEN
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$53   200 PEN
AVERAGE$160   600 PEN
HIGH$850   3,200 PEN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$130   480 PEN
AVERAGE$380   1,400 PEN
HIGH$2,000   7,700 PEN
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$150   560 PEN
AVERAGE$440   1,700 PEN
HIGH$2,400   8,900 PEN
Per Month

Healthcare14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$120   440 PEN
AVERAGE$350   1,300 PEN
HIGH$1,900   7,000 PEN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$63   240 PEN
AVERAGE$190   720 PEN
HIGH$1,000   3,800 PEN
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$21   80 PEN
AVERAGE$63   240 PEN
HIGH$340   1,300 PEN
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$180   680 PEN
AVERAGE$540   2,000 PEN
HIGH$2,900   11,000 PEN
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Cusco

Housing26%

26% of total expenses on average (21% to 36%)

LOW$470   1,800 PEN
AVERAGE$1,400   5,100 PEN
HIGH$7,400   28,000 PEN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$120   450 PEN
AVERAGE$340   1,300 PEN
HIGH$1,900   7,000 PEN
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$270   1,000 PEN
AVERAGE$760   2,900 PEN
HIGH$4,200   16,000 PEN
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$120   450 PEN
AVERAGE$340   1,300 PEN
HIGH$1,900   7,000 PEN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$74   280 PEN
AVERAGE$210   800 PEN
HIGH$1,200   4,400 PEN
Per Month

Education13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$210   780 PEN
AVERAGE$590   2,200 PEN
HIGH$3,300   12,000 PEN
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$180   670 PEN
AVERAGE$510   1,900 PEN
HIGH$2,800   11,000 PEN
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Cusco

Housing18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$120   460 PEN
AVERAGE$310   1,200 PEN
HIGH$550   2,100 PEN
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$20   77 PEN
AVERAGE$51   190 PEN
HIGH$92   350 PEN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$36   140 PEN
AVERAGE$90   340 PEN
HIGH$160   610 PEN
Per Month

Food and Groceries23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$100   390 PEN
AVERAGE$260   970 PEN
HIGH$460   1,700 PEN
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$31   120 PEN
AVERAGE$77   290 PEN
HIGH$140   520 PEN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$26   97 PEN
AVERAGE$64   240 PEN
HIGH$120   440 PEN
Per Month

Education18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$97   370 PEN
AVERAGE$240   920 PEN
HIGH$440   1,700 PEN
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$77   290 PEN
AVERAGE$190   730 PEN
HIGH$350   1,300 PEN
Per Month
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