Peru (PE)
Peru combines world-class food, ancient Inca heritage, Pacific coastline, Amazon rainforest, Andean cities and one of Latin America's lower cost-of-living profiles.
Capital: Lima
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: PEN (S/)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 30)
Emergency: 105
Premium
Cost of Living
Real prices in Peru — 2026 data in PEN.
30
Cost of living index
(100 = NYC reference)
Very affordable compared to major global cities. Your money goes a long way here.
Food & Groceries
Bread (pan francés, each) S/0.20–0.50
Milk (1L, Gloria) S/3.50–5.50
Eggs (12) S/9–16
Chicken (1kg) S/12–22
Fresh fish (1kg, ceviche-grade from market) S/15–40
Inca Kola (1.5L, iconic Peruvian soft drink) S/3.50–6
Beer (0.5L, Cristal / Pilsen, supermarket) S/5–9
Monthly groceries for 1 person (supermarket / market mix) S/800–1,500
Dining Out
Ceviche (iconic Peruvian dish, restaurant portion) S/25–80
Menú del día (set lunch: starter, main, drink) S/12–25
Lomo saltado (stir-fried beef at casual restaurant) S/30–70
Coffee (café cortado) S/8–18
Beer in a bar (0.5L, Cristal) S/8–18
Dinner for 2 (mid-range Lima restaurant) S/120–300
Rent
1-bed apartment, Lima expat districts (Miraflores / San Isidro) S/2,500–4,800/month
1-bed apartment, outer Lima (Surco / La Molina) S/1,500–3,000/month
3-bed family apartment, Lima S/5,000–11,000+/month
1-bed apartment, Arequipa central S/1,200–2,500/month
Room in shared flat, Lima S/700–1,500/month
Furnished short-stay rental, Lima S/3,500–8,000/month
Transport
Lima Metro (Line 1) single fare S/1.50
Combi / urban bus (informal, per trip) S/1.50–2.50
Metropolitano BRT (Lima, with card) S/2.50–3.50
App taxi (InDriver / Uber) across central Lima S/15–45
Domestic flight Lima–Cusco return S/250–900
Petrol (1L, 97 octane) S/18–25
Inca Rail / Peru Rail Cusco–Aguas Calientes (one way) S/160–550
Health & Insurance
SIS / EsSalud (public insurance via employer) Subsidised via payroll; basic coverage
Private GP consultation S/120–300
Private specialist consultation S/200–500
Dental cleaning (private clinic) S/120–350
International / expat health insurance (monthly) S/370–1,900
Utilities
Electricity / water / gas for apartment S/180–550/month
Fibre internet S/80–180/month
Mobile plan S/30–90/month
Building maintenance fee (Lima tower) S/200–900/month
Bottled water / dispenser service (monthly) S/50–120
Childcare
State school (colegio público) Free
Private bilingual school (annual) S/14,800–44,000
International school, Lima (annual) S/44,000–93,000+
Private tutor (Spanish or academic subjects) S/50–120/hour
Leisure
Cinema (Cineplanet / UVK) S/18–40
Gym membership (SmartFit / Bodytech, monthly) S/100–350
Machu Picchu train + entrance ticket (day trip) S/400–1,200/person
Pisco sour (iconic Peruvian cocktail at bar) S/25–60
Canchita / street snack S/3–8
Haircut (men's) S/15–40
Haircut (women's) S/40–150
High-end Lima tasting menu (Central / Maido calibre) S/400–900/person
Cost of Living
Unlock the complete Cost of Living guide for Peru — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere