Cost Comparison 2025

BangkokvsLima

Thailand
Peru

Overall

đź’°

-16.0%

Bangkok is 16.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-20.0%

Housing is 20.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

0.0%

Restaurants 0.0% same

Groceries

đź›’

-18.2%

Food shopping 18.2% less

Comparing the cost of living between Bangkok, Thailand and Lima, Peru reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Bangkok is more affordable than Lima by approximately 16.0%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Bangkok are higher than in Lima by 25%. A one-bedroom apartment in Bangkok's city center costs around THB 20,000, while the same in Lima is approximately PEN 2,000.

Dining out in Bangkok costs about the same compared to Lima. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs THB 80 in Bangkok versus PEN 15 in Lima.

Public transportation in Bangkok is more expensive, with monthly passes at THB 1,200 compared to PEN 100 in Lima.

Grocery shopping in Bangkok is more expensive by approximately 22%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Bangkok can expect to spend approximately THB 8,710 per month (excluding rent), while in Lima, the same lifestyle would cost around PEN 867. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about THB 30,485 monthly in Bangkok versus PEN 3,035 in Lima. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Bangkok, Thailand
Lima, Peru

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
THB 20,000
PEN 2,000
1BR Outside Center
THB 10,000
PEN 1,200
3BR City Center
THB 50,000
PEN 3,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
THB 80
PEN 15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
THB 800
PEN 100
Cappuccino
THB 80
PEN 10
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
THB 80
PEN 10

đź›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
THB 50
PEN 5
Bread (500g)
THB 40
PEN 5
Eggs (12)
THB 50
PEN 7
Cheese (1kg)
THB 350
PEN 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
THB 30
PEN 2
Monthly Pass
THB 1,200
PEN 100
Taxi Start
THB 35
PEN 5
Gasoline (1L)
THB 40
PEN 5

đź’ˇ Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
THB 2,500
PEN 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
THB 600
PEN 120
Mobile Minute
THB 2
PEN 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lima to Bangkok, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Bangkok to Lima requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Bangkok

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index40

Lima

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index38

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bangkok more expensive than Lima?

No, Bangkok is approximately 16.0% cheaper than Lima. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Bangkok compared to Lima?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 86% of your Lima salary when living in Bangkok. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lima, you'd need about $43,103 in Bangkok for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Bangkok and Lima?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 25%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Bangkok offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Bangkok provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Bangkok if you prioritize earning potential, or Lima for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Bangkok vs Lima?

In Bangkok, a single person needs approximately THB 18,710 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about THB 55,485. In Lima, these figures are PEN 2,067 for singles and PEN 5,235 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Bangkok and Lima in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Lima to maintain your lifestyle from Bangkok

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers