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Cost of Living in Lima

Lima, Lima, Peru · Population 10,320,000 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Peru average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)S/1,990 ($531)
Couple, monthlyS/3,556 ($948)
Family of four, monthlyS/4,623 ($1,233)

Estimated Prices in Lima

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantS/20.48 ($5.46)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeS/81.90 ($21.84)per meal
CappuccinoS/6.14 ($1.64)each
Monthly groceries (single person)S/464 ($124)per month
Monthly public transport passS/75.08 ($20.02)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentS/198 ($52.78)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)S/57.33 ($15.29)per month
Fitness club membershipS/57.33 ($15.29)per month
Cinema ticketS/15.02 ($4.00)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreS/898 ($239)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreS/625 ($167)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreS/1,874 ($500)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Lima is S/2,438 ($650) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of S/1,990 ($531) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly S/2,587 ($690) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (S/625 ($167)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Lima

Lima vs TrujilloLima vs ArequipaLima vs CallaoLima vs ChiclayoLima vs PiuraLima vs Cusco

Nearby Cities

Callao

11 km away · Callao

Huaycan

24 km away · Lima

Chosica

39 km away · Lima

Pucusana

54 km away · Lima

Chilca

60 km away · Lima

Chancay

61 km away · Lima

Huaral

65 km away · Lima

Quilmaná

122 km away · Lima

Other Major Cities in Peru

Trujillo

La Libertad · pop. 1,067,700

S/1,727 ($461) / mo

Arequipa

Arequipa · pop. 1,008,290

S/1,727 ($461) / mo

Callao

Callao · pop. 567,702

S/1,597 ($426) / mo

Chiclayo

Lambayeque · pop. 552,508

S/1,597 ($426) / mo

Piura

Piura · pop. 473,025

S/1,597 ($426) / mo

Cusco

Cusco · pop. 428,450

S/1,597 ($426) / mo

Chimbote

Ancash · pop. 395,100

S/1,597 ($426) / mo

Huancayo

Junín · pop. 378,203

S/1,597 ($426) / mo

Living in Lima

Lima is the capital and one of the key cities in Peru. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is S/1,990 ($531), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around S/625 ($167) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to S/4,623 ($1,233) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately S/3,556 ($948) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Lima is S/2,438 ($650). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least S/2,587 ($690) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lima expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated S/1,990 ($531) per month in Lima including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Peru.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Lima?
A net salary of around S/2,587 ($690) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Lima with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Lima is S/2,438 ($650).
How much is rent in Lima?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated S/898 ($239) per month in the city centre and S/625 ($167) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about S/1,874 ($500).
Is Lima cheaper than Peru on average?
No — Lima is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Peru average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Lima?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at S/464 ($124) in Lima. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about S/20 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around S/6 ($2).
How do transport costs in Lima compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Lima is estimated at S/75 ($20). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Lima are estimates based on Peru national averages adjusted for city size (population 10,320,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.