Cost Comparison 2025

Cape TownvsLima

South Africa

•

Peru

Overall

💰

-16.0%

Cape Town is 16.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-20.0%

Housing is 20.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-30.0%

Restaurants 30.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

0.0%

Food shopping 0.0% same

Comparing the cost of living between Cape Town, South Africa and Lima, Peru reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Cape Town 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 Cape Town are higher than in Lima by 25%. A one-bedroom apartment in Cape Town's city center costs around ZAR 12,000, while the same in Lima is approximately PEN 2,000.

Dining out in Cape Town is notably more expensive compared to Lima. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ZAR 150 in Cape Town versus PEN 15 in Lima.

Public transportation in Cape Town is more expensive, with monthly passes at ZAR 800 compared to PEN 100 in Lima.

Purchasing power in Cape Town 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 Cape Town can expect to spend approximately ZAR 5,890 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 ZAR 20,615 monthly in Cape Town 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

Cape Town, South Africa

Lima, Peru

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center

ZAR 12,000

PEN 2,000

1BR Outside Center

ZAR 8,000

PEN 1,200

3BR City Center

ZAR 25,000

PEN 3,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

ZAR 150

PEN 15

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant

ZAR 700

PEN 100

Cappuccino

ZAR 35

PEN 10

Domestic Beer (0.5L)

ZAR 35

PEN 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)

ZAR 25

PEN 5

Bread (500g)

ZAR 15

PEN 5

Eggs (12)

ZAR 35

PEN 7

Cheese (1kg)

ZAR 120

PEN 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket

ZAR 20

PEN 2

Monthly Pass

ZAR 800

PEN 100

Taxi Start

ZAR 20

PEN 5

Gasoline (1L)

ZAR 23

PEN 5

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)

ZAR 1,500

PEN 200

Internet (60 Mbps)

ZAR 800

PEN 120

Mobile Minute

ZAR 2

PEN 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lima to Cape Town, 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 Cape Town 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

Cape Town

Cost of Living Index50

Rent Index35

Purchasing Power Index60

Lima

Cost of Living Index42

Rent Index28

Purchasing Power Index38

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cape Town more expensive than Lima?

No, Cape Town 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 Cape Town compared to Lima?

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

What are the biggest cost differences between Cape Town and Lima?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 43%, 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?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Cape Town vs Lima?

In Cape Town, a single person needs approximately ZAR 13,890 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about ZAR 38,615. 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 Cape Town 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.