Compare the cost of your home country to the actual living costs in Peru, simply select your home currency and see the difference!
All data is kept up to date by local members and actual students. Our latest update was on: 30th of June 2020
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Food | Price in S/. | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
12.50 PEN | ||||
7 PEN | ||||
8.50 PEN | ||||
38.75 PEN | ||||
8.50 PEN | ||||
25 PEN | ||||
7.50 PEN | ||||
48.95 PEN | ||||
0.95 PEN | ||||
9.50 PEN | ||||
12 PEN | ||||
18.50 PEN | ||||
8 PEN | ||||
10 PEN | ||||
20 PEN | ||||
2.00 PEN | ||||
5.50 PEN | ||||
8.50 PEN | ||||
25 PEN | ||||
Housing | ||||
165 PEN | ||||
145 PEN | ||||
58.50 PEN | ||||
105 PEN | ||||
200 PEN | ||||
200 PEN | ||||
120 PEN | ||||
2000 PEN | ||||
120 PEN | ||||
Personal Care | ||||
100 PEN | ||||
60 PEN | ||||
18 PEN | ||||
40 PEN | ||||
24.50 PEN | ||||
65 PEN | ||||
105 PEN | ||||
90 PEN | ||||
30 PEN | ||||
100 PEN | ||||
1000 PEN | ||||
3000 PEN | ||||
Entertainment | ||||
120 PEN | ||||
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120 PEN | |||
30 PEN | ||||
15 PEN | ||||
120 PEN | ||||
12.50 PEN | ||||
96.50 PEN | ||||
150 PEN | ||||
2000 PEN | ||||
200 PEN | ||||
500 PEN | ||||
Transportation | ||||
45 PEN | ||||
30 PEN | ||||
6.50 PEN | ||||
140 PEN | ||||
2300 PEN | ||||
Clothes | ||||
150 PEN | ||||
215 PEN | ||||
280 PEN | ||||
135.79 PEN | ||||
120 PEN | ||||
150 PEN |
Relative to other countries in Latin America, the cost of living in Peru is average. Living in the city, mostly in Lima, is more expensive than in rural areas, and the range of services and quality of produce also varies depending on the region. According to Mercer's 2019 Cost of Living report, Lima is graded 132nd out of 209 cities, making it a mid-range city in terms of the cost of living for expats.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in Peru is variable, with apartments being extra expensive in the larger cities. Lima has the most expensive accommodation, mostly in areas such as Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro.
Accommodation is likely to be an expat’s utmost expense when living in Peru. If moving there as part of a corporate relocation, it’s a good idea to factor accommodation costs into any contract negotiations.
Groceries
The cost of food here displays as cheap on a global scale but more expensive than in neighboring South American countries like Argentina. Purchasing seasonal fruits and vegetables from the large central markets is the best way to save money and to sample the local flavors.
Food is moderately well-priced in Peru. Food at local fresh produce markets is commonly cheaper than in supermarkets and it’s often possible to bargain down the prices. However, the value of products may vary.
Transport
The cost of transport in Peru is quite low and it’s comparatively cheap to travel around the country using public transport. The running costs of a vehicle can be costly due to high import costs.
Travel around Peru is comparatively easy and inexpensive. But because its varied and unique terrain of mountains, deserts, and rain forests, getting around Peru can be an interesting and sometimes time-consuming experience. Buses offer a comparatively cheap means of getting around Peru, but they’re often overcrowded and slow.
A number of private companies offer services, and several of these companies operate their own bus stations. For long-distance buses, it’s achievable to book tickets online or buy tickets directly from the bus company offices.
Schooling
Schooling at public schools in Peru is free, but schooling at a private or international school is expensive. If desiring to send children to an international school in Peru, expats should factor this into their budget, and if moving to the country as part of a corporate relocation package, they should make provisions for this in their contract.
Cost of living in Peru chart
Prices may differ depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Peru in March 2020.
Furnished one-bedroom apartment | PEN 1,450 |
Accommodation (monthly rent in good area)
|
Furnished two-bedroom apartment | PEN 2,200 |
Accommodation (monthly rent in good area)
|
Eggs (dozen) | PEN 8 | Shopping |
Milk (1 litre) | PEN 4 | Shopping |
Rice (1kg) | PEN 3.65 | Shopping |
Loaf of white bread | PEN 7 | Shopping |
Chicken breasts (1kg) | PEN 19 | Shopping |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | PEN 12 | Shopping |
Big Mac Meal | PEN 15 | Eating out |
Coca-Cola (330ml) | PEN 2.25 | Eating out |
Cappuccino | PEN 8 | Eating out |
Bottle of local beer | PEN 9 | Eating out |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | PEN 140 | Eating out |
Mobile-to-mobile call rate (per minute) | PEN 0.73 | Utilities |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) | PEN 135 | Utilities |
Basic utilities (per month for small apartment) | PEN 250 | Utilities |
Taxi rate (per kilometre) | PEN 5 | Transportation |
Bus/train fare in the city centre | PEN 1.50 | Transportation |
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) | PEN 5.33 | Transportation |