Cost Comparison 2025

BudapestvsLima

Hungary
Peru

Overall

💰

-19.2%

Budapest is 19.2%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-20.0%

Housing is 20.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-22.2%

Restaurants 22.2% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-6.3%

Food shopping 6.3% less

Comparing the cost of living between Budapest, Hungary and Lima, Peru reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Budapest is more affordable than Lima by approximately 19.2%. 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 Budapest are higher than in Lima by 25%. A one-bedroom apartment in Budapest's city center costs around HUF 200,000, while the same in Lima is approximately PEN 2,000.

Dining out in Budapest is notably more expensive compared to Lima. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs HUF 2,000 in Budapest versus PEN 15 in Lima.

Public transportation in Budapest is more expensive, with monthly passes at HUF 9,500 compared to PEN 100 in Lima.

Purchasing power in Budapest is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Lima.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Budapest can expect to spend approximately HUF 94,600 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 HUF 331,100 monthly in Budapest 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
Budapest, Hungary
Lima, Peru

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
HUF 200,000
PEN 2,000
1BR Outside Center
HUF 140,000
PEN 1,200
3BR City Center
HUF 350,000
PEN 3,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
HUF 2,000
PEN 15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
HUF 10,000
PEN 100
Cappuccino
HUF 650
PEN 10
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
HUF 600
PEN 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
HUF 350
PEN 5
Bread (500g)
HUF 350
PEN 5
Eggs (12)
HUF 600
PEN 7
Cheese (1kg)
HUF 2,500
PEN 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
HUF 350
PEN 2
Monthly Pass
HUF 9,500
PEN 100
Taxi Start
HUF 700
PEN 5
Gasoline (1L)
HUF 600
PEN 5

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
HUF 35,000
PEN 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
HUF 5,000
PEN 120
Mobile Minute
HUF 30
PEN 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lima to Budapest, 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 Budapest 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

Budapest

Cost of Living Index52
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index60

Lima

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index38

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Budapest more expensive than Lima?

No, Budapest is approximately 19.2% cheaper than Lima. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 84% of your Lima salary when living in Budapest. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lima, you'd need about $41,935 in Budapest for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Budapest and Lima?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 29%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

In Budapest, a single person needs approximately HUF 234,600 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about HUF 581,100. 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 Budapest 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 Budapest

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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