Cost of Living in Lima, Peru
Peru · South America
$950
Monthly Cost
avg/person
34
Cost Index
NYC=100
30
Rent Index
NYC=100
58
Quality of Life
Moderate
35
Safety Index
Below Average
10.9M
Population
PEN
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $4 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $18 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.8 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $6 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $22 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $65 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $22 |
| Fitness Club/month | $30 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $550/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $350/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,200/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $700/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,200/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,300/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $700 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 9.5% |
Cost of Living in Lima — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Lima, Peru is approximately $950 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Lima has a cost index of 34, making it around 66% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Lima costs around $350/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $550/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,200/month. The rent index is 30 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Lima scores 58/100 on the quality of life index and 35/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 60/100. The climate index is 65/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Lima is approximately $700/month. With a purchasing power index of 46/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is PEN, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Lima
The average monthly salary in Lima is approximately $700. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $950, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 46/100.
Healthcare Costs in Lima
Healthcare quality in Lima is rated 60/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Lima
Lima has a quality of life score of 58/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Lima
Students living in Lima should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Lima
Expats moving to Lima often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Lima, Peru is approximately $950 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 34 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Lima
Living in Lima offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 34 and a quality of life score of 58/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $700 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Lima provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Peru and around the world.
Key Facts About Lima
- Average Monthly Cost: $950
- Cost Index: 34
- Rent Index: 30
- Average Salary: $700
- Quality of Life: 58/100
- Safety Score: 35/100
- Country: Peru
- Currency: PEN
Is Lima Expensive?
Lima has a cost index of 34 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Lima compare to other cities?
Lima is located in South America with a population of approximately 10.9M. At a cost index of 34 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Lima stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lima?
The average cost of living in Lima, Peru is approximately $950 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 34 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Lima?
Rent in Lima varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 30 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Lima alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Lima expensive to live in?
Lima has a cost index of 34 compared to New York City (100). At 34, Lima is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $950.
What is the quality of life in Lima?
Lima has a quality of life index of 58/100 and a safety index of 35/100. The city is located in South America and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Lima compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Lima with any city worldwide. Lima's cost index is 34 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Lima?
Many residents live comfortably in Lima with a monthly budget of around $950 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Lima good for expats?
Lima is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Lima?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $950 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Lima.
Is Lima cheaper than New York?
Yes, Lima has a cost index of 34 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Lima?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Lima.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Lima
Cheapest Ways to Live in Lima
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Lima typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $350/month compared to $550/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Lima, Peru.
Is Lima Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 46/100 and a quality of life score of 58/100, Lima is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 34 relative to New York City, Lima remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Peru has to offer against other destinations in South America.
Lima Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Lima", "Lima monthly expenses 2026", and "is Lima affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $950, a safety score of 35/100, and healthcare rated 60/100, Lima offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Peru.
Popular City Cost Comparisons
Last reviewed: 7/15/2026