Cost of Living in Lima

Summary of cost of living in Lima, Peru:

Restaurants
Edit Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 15.00 S/. 10.00-30.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 120.00 S/. 70.00-260.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 20.00 S/. 20.00-25.00
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) 8.00 S/. 5.00-15.00
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 14.00 S/. 10.00-20.00
Cappuccino (regular) 10.26 S/. 5.00-16.00
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) 3.11 S/. 2.50-6.00
Water (12 oz small bottle) 2.04 S/. 1.50-5.00
Markets
Edit
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) 18.64 S/. 14.76-34.07
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) 7.71 S/. 2.72-13.52
Rice (white), (1 lb) 2.04 S/. 1.36-3.63
Eggs (regular) (12) 9.21 S/. 5.29-14.00
Local Cheese (1 lb) 12.59 S/. 5.44-29.48
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) 8.96 S/. 3.86-15.88
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) 16.64 S/. 9.07-32.66
Apples (1 lb) 2.94 S/. 1.59-4.08
Banana (1 lb) 2.00 S/. 1.13-3.35
Oranges (1 lb) 1.71 S/. 0.68-3.63
Tomato (1 lb) 1.78 S/. 0.91-2.72
Potato (1 lb) 1.78 S/. 0.68-3.18
Onion (1 lb) 1.78 S/. 0.91-2.72
Lettuce (1 head) 2.80 S/. 1.00-4.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle) 2.89 S/. 2.00-5.00
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 35.50 S/. 25.00-70.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) 5.74 S/. 4.00-8.00
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 8.75 S/. 5.00-12.00
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) 20.00 S/. 17.50-25.00
Transportation
Edit
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 2.00 S/. 1.50-4.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 95.00 S/. 60.00-200.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) 12.00 S/. 8.00-15.00
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) 11.27 S/. 8.05-16.09
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) 30.00 S/. 18.00-50.00
Gasoline (1 gallon) 21.08 S/. 17.00-24.72
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) 80,000.00 S/. 60,000.00-88,000.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) 96,257.14 S/. 95,000.00-100,000.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Edit
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment 252.63 S/. 150.00-510.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data 41.21 S/. 30.00-70.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) 108.96 S/. 80.00-177.00
Sports And Leisure
Edit
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 114.83 S/. 70.00-200.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 62.14 S/. 40.00-80.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 28.00 S/. 18.00-35.00
Childcare
Edit
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child 822.59 S/. 450.00-1,500.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child 27,511.11 S/. 18,000.00-36,000.00
Clothing And Shoes
Edit
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) 160.41 S/. 75.00-250.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) 109.06 S/. 70.00-150.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) 301.86 S/. 200.00-400.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes 327.33 S/. 200.00-450.00
Rent Per Month
Edit
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 1,971.19 S/. 1,500.00-2,800.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre 1,312.00 S/. 800.00-2,000.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre 3,672.09 S/. 2,500.00-5,000.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre 2,565.47 S/. 1,600.00-3,688.77
Buy Apartment Price
Edit
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre 553.23 S/. 418.06-753.93
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 436.17 S/. 278.71-696.77
Salaries And Financing
Edit
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) 1,528.39 S/.
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate 9.08 7.00-15.00

Prices in Lima

This city had 797 entries in the past 12 months by 97 different contributors.
Last update: March 2024
Sources and References
Distribution of Expenses Using Our Statistical Model:
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13 Comments so far
LEMURIAN OUTSIDER on Sep 05, 2023:
Why English is useless in Peru

Here I present 10 reasons why English is useless in Peru and tourists should be required to learn Spanish:

1. Spanish is the official and majority language. Over 80% of Peruvians speak it as their native tongue.

2. Outside of Lima and tourist areas there are very few people who speak English. Even in those areas, knowledge tends to be limited.

3. Many services and public information only exist in Spanish: signs, announcements, customer service, etc.

4. Most Peruvians will feel more comfortable and willing to help if tourists make the effort to speak Spanish.

5. Learning Spanish will allow tourists to have a more authentic and immersive experience. English isolates them.

6. Spanish will allow them to better understand and enjoy Peru's rich culture: music, art, literature, etc.

7. They will be able to get around the country more easily, using public transportation, taxis, asking for directions, etc.

8. Prices won't inflate as much when vendors detect they are tourists who don't speak Spanish.

9. Speaking Spanish shows respect towards the locals. The effort will be appreciated.

10. Learning a new language broadens the mind and allows for better human connections.
Trotamundos on Jul 07, 2023:
Peruvian American, the biggest scourge of Peru is not socialism, it's corruption, a disease that has been around my beloved South America for too long to the point that it's even considered normal by many.
TARTARIAN CITIZEN on Apr 18, 2023:
Surviving in Peru

I do not want to encourage anyone to travel to or live in Peru. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to survive in Peru, here are 10 tips that might be helpful:

1. Keep a low profile: Try not to draw too much attention to yourself. Dress modestly and avoid carrying valuable items.

2. Learn Spanish: Try to learn Spanish to help you communicate with locals and avoid misunderstandings.

3. Stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest news and travel warnings. This will help you avoid dangerous areas and stay safe.

4. Stay in a safe area: Try to find a safe place to stay, such as a hotel or guesthouse in a relatively safe area. Avoid staying in remote areas or places with a high crime rate.

5. Keep your documents safe: Keep your passport, ID, and other important documents in a safe place, such as a hotel safe.

6. Avoid public transportation: If possible, avoid using public transportation, as it can be dangerous and unreliable. Consider hiring a private driver or using a taxi service that you trust.

7. Be aware of your surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone or at night. Stay in well-lit areas and avoid dark alleys or deserted streets.

8. Stay healthy: Stay healthy by drinking clean water, eating well-cooked food, and avoiding risky behaviors. Consider getting vaccinated for any potential diseases.

9. Build relationships with locals: Try to build positive relationships with locals. This can help you navigate the local culture and stay safe.

10. Know when to leave: If you feel unsafe or if the situation becomes too dangerous, be prepared to leave the country. Have a plan in place and know how to get to the nearest embassy or consulate.
Anonymous on Feb 20, 2023:
The hands of the clock are approaching midnight. The earthquake has only been a sign and the beginning of what is to come. The holograms in the sky will only fool those who are still asleep. You are one of the first of the millions who will flee to South America and other southern parts of the planet to save themselves from the destruction in North America and Europe. Peru and other southern countries will seem like paradise next to the hell that will be experienced in the northern hemisphere. The beginning of the end has begun. Another civilization has come to an end. The cycle repeats itself by order of the Archons to evolve according to their convenience. May the God of Gods protect us.
TREVOR HICKLING on Feb 07, 2023:
Hey iam Canadian and am married to a Peruvian thinking of moving to peru thinking of Barranco I have visited 7 times now longest was 3 weeks I have traveled around some pretty poor neighborhoods with her and yes not pretty been to some really busy markets so far no issues feeling unsafe...but reading your story got me thinking obviously you are talking worst case scenario...any thoughts for me I would retire from Canada and live on my pension only because it's all I have and it would go further in peru than here
True Peruvian on Feb 04, 2023:
Ladies and Gentlemen, Peru is currently a battleground where opposing world superpowers controlled by their respective Archons are facing each other, as is happening today in Ukraine and will happen in Taiwan in the coming months. The third world war has already begun, and it's crucial to pay close attention to the news as they are signs that a new world reset is underway. If you value your life and that of your family members, take steps to ensure your safety before it's too late at the start of Armageddon.
True Peruvian on Jan 10, 2023:
Peru is not for people who complain about everything. It is a cheap country, with low or almost non-existent taxes in some cases. Peru is a developing country and still has many difficulties. While in North America and Europe you have to pay high taxes for everything and everything is expensive so it is logical that people living in those places do not want to live like beggars their last days so they look for cheap countries to live. There are some Nordic countries where there is almost no difference between rich and poor, they usually have high taxes to maintain an acceptable lifestyle to those who for lack of work should be poor. That reality does not exist in Peru, if you are rich good for you, if you are poor, bad luck. Don't expect the government to take care of you if you lose your job. Everyone lives with what they can. In short, if you have money you will live well, if you don't have money you will go hungry every day.
Peruvian American on Jan 05, 2023:
Is this a competence to say more liars? Peru is a country to visit for a week once in life and after that forget it. No services and total insecurity cannot be attractive to anyone. Retirement there. Are you stupid? Very good doctors in a terrible healthcare infrastructure where Medicare does not cover anything, and the national service is extremely poor is only comparable to shot yourself because there is no way to survive anything without paying a fortune and not even... Talking is easy, surviving there is almost impossible for someone that has services here. Peruvians that can (up to 10% of the population) are leaving the country to other places where Socialism is not in consideration. There are many more better alternatives to retirement... even in Europe.
True Peruvian on Nov 05, 2022:
To Anonymous Oct 03,2022 and for everyone.

Dear foreigner, I have not copied anything from anyone and I am not a promoter of anything, I simply provide real information for those who need it. The pandemic was a situation in which we were all affected by restrictions and it happened all over the world. The problem is that we had the bad luck to have Martín Vizcarra as president at that time, a corrupt man of the first level who, thanks to his restrictions, destroyed the economy, but that is another story. Last week the UK waived the visa requirement for Peruvians to enter the country and a few days ago the US increased the number of appointments for interviews for tourist visas, so we are not on a blacklist as you say. The truth is that Peru is not a garden and you should only come if you have the courage and character to take certain risks. Peru is not for fearful or weak people. Here it is like a jungle where you have to be prepared for any kind of unexpected dangerous situation.
Here is some statistical information that may be useful for foreigners.

Peru: Main Indicators of Citizen Security. January - June 2022. (The whole country)

1. REPORTS OF CRIMES

1.1 Complaints for the commission of crimes:
298725 complaints.

1.2 Reports of stolen vehicles:
11467 complaints.

1.3 Reported road traffic accidents
41428 complaints.

1.4 Reports of human trafficking
237 complaints.

1.5 Persons in custody
100527 complaints.

2. REPORTS OF MISDEMEANOURS

Complaints for misdemeanours
27568 complaints.

3. DISMANTLED GANGS

Dismantled gangs
2600 complaints.

4. FAMILY AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

4.1 Reports of domestic violence
122463 complaints.

4.2 Reports of sexual violence
5093 complaints.

Peru: Reported crimes by department (states or provinces, not cities). January - May 2022.

8 departments with the most complaints.

Metropolitan Lima
57999 complaints.
Arequipa
20189 complaints.

Lambayeque
17437 complaints.

Piura
16748 complaints.

La Libertad
15939 complaints.

Junin
12550 complaints.

Callao
12143 complaints.

Cusco
11487 complaints.

8 departments with the fewest complaints.

Huancavelica
1574 complaints.

Pasco
1693 complaints.

Madre de Dios
2170 complaints.

Moquegua
2403 complaints.

Amazonas
3098 complaints.

Tumbes
3266 complaints.

Apurimac
3692 complaints.

Tacna
4131 complaints.

This information is from a Peruvian institution called INEI (Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática) https://m.inei.gob.pe/ where you can find all kinds of information about Peru. It is all in Spanish so it is important to learn it considering that almost nobody here speaks English, not because they can't learn it, but because they don't want to learn it, they hate it.
This information is based on this document where you will find more details.
https://m.inei.gob.pe/biblioteca-virtual/boletines/estadisticas-de-seguridad-ciudadana/1/#lista
PDF file dated 30/09/2022
Whoever comes to Peru already knows what they are facing, so don't say you weren't warned. It's not all bad, but I wonder what a European or an American is doing here. Of course, life is very cheap here.
Anonymous on Dec 03, 2021:
It's doubtful anyone is renting anything in San Isidro or Miraflores now. Only foreigners can afford it many thousands of foreigners have left Peru and won't return. So when foreigners left peru lost their cash cows. Undrinkable,water throughout peru scammers abound plus women that look like the missing link from a pigmee tribe nothing attractive about that.
Rusdiyana Hiraoka on Jul 17, 2021:
The rent price doesn't reflect the real condition in San Isidro and Miraflores district which is considered to be doubled than presented
Anonymous on Dec 13, 2020:
I believe after the Peru government pulled their gustapo style of control upon foreigners the majority of foreigners won't be returning to Peru now or in the foreseeable future.Nobody wants to be held against their will especially when other governments were more than willing to transport their citizens back to their respective countries at no cost to the Peru government plus the Peru government was and still is interfering with that. People aren't stupid and what the Peru government pulled on foreigners around the world visiting Peru won't be forgotten.
Anonymous on Jun 29, 2020:
If you are going as a tourist, Peru it's perfect. But if you are planning to stay there as an immigrant you won't be able to do anything as the average salary is around 350$ or less. Which is quite bad and they will make you work more than 12h without extra payment. (i lived there)