Cost of living in Lima: Food, transport, and more

If you want to live somewhere that takes its food seriously and still lets you enjoy a high quality of life without overspending, Lima is a great choice. In 2026, the cost of living in Lima continues to stand out as one of the region’s best value options, with everyday expenses noticeably lower than in many other major Latin American cities. For digital nomads and remote professionals, this means comfortable living, access to top tier services, and vibrant, modern neighborhoods, all without stretching your budget thin.

In this article, we’ll break down what your monthly budget really looks like. From rent in lively neighborhoods like Miraflores or Barranco to the price of a local set lunch that might make you wonder why you ever bothered cooking at home. We’ll also take a closer look at the transportation system, which is going through major changes, and at internet connectivity, an essential part of working remotely.

Get ready to see why Lima has become a magnet for remote professionals along the South Pacific. Join us as we take a closer look at what life here is really like, so you can decide whether this oceanfront metropolis is the next place you’ll set up your laptop.

Cost of living in Lima – Prices of different types of accommodation

When it comes to the cost of living in Lima, housing is by far the biggest part of your monthly budget. The good news is that, compared to many other world capitals, it remains remarkably affordable.

In neighborhoods like Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro, which are especially popular with digital nomads for their safety and vibrant cultural scene, prices have edged up slightly in 2026. Even so, the wide range of housing options makes it possible to find something that fits almost any budget.

Let’s look at some examples of what it can cost to stay in Lima:

• If you are looking for a furnished one bedroom apartment in sought after areas like Miraflores, you can expect to pay around $850 per month on average. These units are usually located in modern buildings with 24 hour security and often come with shared amenities such as gyms or rooftop terraces overlooking the city. It is the go to option if you want complete independence and a place that is ready for you to work from day one.
• Coliving has taken off in Lima, especially in Barranco. Renting a room in a stylish shared house with other professionals and travelers costs about $550 per month on average, typically including utilities and high speed internet. It is a great choice for those arriving alone who want to quickly plug into both the local scene and an international community.
• If you’re staying for a shorter period or prefer the convenience of a well known platform, a monthly Airbnb in a safe, popular area will cost around $1,350. The main perk is you can skip long term contracts and hefty security deposits, which are typically required for regular rentals in Lima, usually two months’ rent upfront plus an extra month as a deposit.
• Finally, if you’d rather start out in a midrange hotel while you get to know the neighborhoods, expect to pay around $65 per night. These hotels are practical, usually located in the heart of Miraflores, and offer reliable Wi-Fi and breakfast, letting you experience the city without any long term commitments.

By the way, don’t miss our guide on where to stay in Lima for a season. It’s full of useful tips for your visit. We also recommend checking out our article on the best neighborhoods to live in Lima, which will give you a clearer picture of the city’s vibe and how each area feels.

Cost of food in Lima – Supermarket prices and eating out

The impact of food on your monthly budget in Lima is thankfully quite manageable. The city has year round access to fresh produce from the coast, mountains, and jungle, keeping prices competitive. If you enjoy cooking, local markets and supermarkets offer a variety of ingredients that any home chef would love.

For your weekly shopping, international chains like Wong, Plaza Vea, and Tottus are the most common. While these stores offer more variety and imported products at slightly higher prices than traditional markets, they remain very affordable. Here’s a snapshot of average prices to help you plan your budget:

• Milk (1 liter): $1.39.
• Eggs (dozen): $2.80.
• Rice (1 kg): $1.56.
• Pasta (500 g): $1.47.
• Chicken breast (1 kg): $7.55.
• Beef (1 kg): $10.
• Ground coffee (250 g): $6.50.
• Dark chocolate: $2.50.

Dining out is a big part of everyday life in Peru. A favorite among locals is the traditional “menu,” a complete lunch that typically includes a starter such as soup or salad, a main dish, and a drink.

You can find very cheap daily menus at local markets, but for residents looking for convenience in safe neighborhoods, the prices are still a real bargain.

For your daily routine, these are the average costs in restaurants geared toward local residents:

• Breakfast: Between $2.13 and $3.20.
• Lunch (daily special): Between $4 and $5.33.
• Simple dinner: Between $5.33 and $6.67.
• Dinner at a mid-range restaurant (for two): Between $37 and $53.

As you can see, eating in Lima can be both delicious and very affordable. By balancing your shopping between markets, supermarkets, and meals out, you can enjoy the city’s cuisine without stretching your budget.

Transportation prices

Transportation can be a flexible part of your budget. If you choose to live and work in neighborhoods like Miraflores or San Isidro, you’ll find that walking or biking covers most of your daily needs, which is a big plus. For longer trips, Lima has a public transportation system that, while not citywide, offers a few main routes that are both efficient and affordable.

Lima’s formal public transportation mainly includes the Metropolitano (express buses), the Complementary Bus Corridors, and the Metro. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Metropolitano and Bus Corridors: A general trip costs approximately $0.82.
• Lima Metro (Line 1): The general fare is $0.39.
• Lima Metro (Line 2 – operational sections): The general fare is $0.36.
• Transport card (TIT): The cost of purchasing the interoperable card is $1.93.

If you prefer the convenience of apps, Uber and Cabify are very popular and reliable. A typical 15 to 20 minute ride within the city usually costs between $4.40 and $6.50, depending on the time of day and traffic. Street taxis don’t use meters, so fares are agreed on beforehand, with short trips generally starting around $2.60.

If you enjoy eco friendly ways of getting around, Lima has bike share programs like CityBike. For about $5.70 a month, you can take unlimited rides up to 30 minutes each, making it an excellent option for exploring the coastal promenade and avoiding traffic on the busier streets.

If you’re thinking about getting a car, keep in mind that a gallon of gasoline costs around $4.60. For electric vehicles, residential electricity runs about $0.17 per kWh. Mandatory insurance, known as SOAT, is very affordable, with plans starting at $9 a year. Full coverage insurance for a new car averages around $35 a month. And if you’re looking at a popular model, like a 2026 Toyota Corolla, the base price at dealerships is roughly $28,990.

Healthcare costs

Healthcare in Lima operates under a mixed system. As a foreigner or digital nomad, it’s important to know that public services, like the Integral Health Insurance (SIS), are mainly geared toward citizens in vulnerable situations, though there are options for residents to enroll.

For remote workers, the golden rule is to stick with private healthcare. This way, you avoid long waits and can ensure top quality care.

To guarantee access to quality care, getting a local private health insurance plan is a smart and affordable choice in 2026. For a young adult, basic plans with solid coverage at well known clinic networks like Rímac or Pacífico range from around $101 to $139 per month.

If you want a plan with full network access or international coverage, prices can go up to around $207 per month. There are also travel insurance or global health options, like Allianz Care, starting at about $75 a month.

To give you a clear idea of the prices charged by private clinics if you decide to pay privately, here is a list of average costs:

• General medical consultation: Between $21 and $37.
• Consultation with a specialist: Between $30 and $100.
• Basic dental cleaning: From $27 to $59.
• Appendectomy (laparoscopic): The average package in private clinics ranges from $1,120 to $1,600, not including complex preoperative tests.
• Night of hospitalization: Between $50 and $200 depending on the clinic.

When it comes to pharmacies, Lima has plenty of chains like Inkafarma and Mifarma, where over-the-counter medicines are very affordable. Here are some typical prices for reference:

• Paracetamol (box of 10 tablets): $1.04.
• Generic ibuprofen (10 tablets): Approximately $1.30.
• Basic antibiotic kit (with prescription): From $5.

Internet and phone plan prices

The cost of internet has a fairly small impact on the overall cost of living in Lima, letting you enjoy fiber optic speeds that would cost twice as much in other countries. Most modern residential neighborhoods have full coverage with symmetrical fiber, perfect for video calls and uploading large files.

For home internet, there are several providers like Claro, Movistar, WIN, and WOW offering competitive plans. Here are the average prices for 2026:

• 300 Mbps plan (fiber optic): $21.30 per month.
• 600 Mbps to 800 Mbps plan (fiber optic): Between $32 and $45.
• 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) plan: Approximately $24 with one-year promotions, with a regular price of $35.
• Ultra-high-speed internet (2,500 Mbps): Approximately $67 per month.

When it comes to mobile phone service, postpaid plans are very affordable and often include unlimited data for messaging apps and social media. Average prices are:

• Basic mobile plan (25 GB – 40 GB): $10.70 per month.
• Unlimited mobile plan (100 GB at high speed): $14.90 per month.
• Prepaid plans: From $5 to $8 for monthly packages with limited data.

If you want maximum convenience from the moment you land at Jorge Chávez International Airport, Holafly’s monthly plans offer 25 GB or unlimited data, keeping you connected without having to hunt for a physical store. These plans are perfect for avoiding contracts and getting instant support.

The best part is that Holafly’s monthly plans include a global eSIM with coverage in over 160 countries. This means you can travel across South America without having to swap your eSIM or SIM card every time you cross a border.

The cost? $64.90 for the Unlimited plan and $49.90 for 25 GB. In both cases, you get a 22% discount if you subscribe for a year.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Cost of leisure activities in Lima

Entertainment is another part of the cost of living in Lima that’s worth considering. Remember, you’re in a city with plenty to offer, so you’ll want to make the most of your free time exploring all its charms.

For those looking to explore the essence of the city, there are five places you can’t miss:

• The Larco Museum, with its impressive pre-Columbian collection. Admission: Approximately $10.
• Huaca Pucllana, an adobe pyramid in the heart of Miraflores. General admission: Approximately $4.
• The Magic Water Circuit, a fountain and light show that is unique in the world. Admission: $1.32.
• The bohemian district of Barranco with its Bridge of Sighs.
• A tour of the Historic Center to admire the catacombs of San Francisco.

We also recommend:

• Day trip to Palomino Islands (swimming with sea lions): Between $62 and $69.
• Food tour of Barranco: Approximately $89 per person.

For your everyday plans and common outings, these are the prices you will find in 2026:

• Movie ticket (General): Between $5.80 and $8.15 depending on the day and theater.
• Theater ticket (Summer season): From $35 for commercial plays.
• Zoo admission (Parque de las Leyendas): Approximately $4 for adults.
• Monthly subscription to streaming platforms (Apple TV+, Netflix): Between $12.99 and $15.50.
• Cable TV + Internet subscription: From $23.70 per month for basic dual plans.

As you can see, there’s plenty to do in Lima without spending a lot, which is a major advantage compared to other Latin American capitals like Santiago or Buenos Aires.

So, how high is the cost of living in Lima?

Living in Peru’s capital in 2026 remains a smart choice for anyone looking to balance cost and quality of life. It’s a city where your money really goes far, especially when it comes to things like food and personal transportation.

Here is an estimated summary of what you would need each month to live comfortably in safe, well-connected areas.

• Single person: A digital nomad renting a furnished apartment in Miraflores or Barranco, dining out occasionally, and keeping a solid health and internet plan can expect to spend around $1,350 per month.
• Couple: For two people sharing a modern apartment, with utilities and regular outings, the monthly budget comes to about $1,950. Splitting fixed costs like rent and internet makes the per person expense much more manageable.
• Family of four: A family needing a larger home with three bedrooms, basic private education, healthcare for everyone, and a family car should expect monthly expenses between $2,800 and $3,200.

This budget lets you cover your essentials while still enjoying Lima’s vibrant social and cultural life, without constantly worrying about money.

Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Lima

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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