Cost Comparison 2025

DubaivsLima

United Arab Emirates
Peru

Overall

šŸ’°

-47.5%

Dubai is 47.5%cheaper

Rent

šŸ 

-62.7%

Housing is 62.7% lower

Dining

šŸ½ļø

-53.3%

Restaurants 53.3% cheaper

Groceries

šŸ›’

-35.7%

Food shopping 35.7% less

Comparing the cost of living between Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Lima, Peru reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Dubai is more affordable than Lima by approximately 47.5%. 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 Dubai are higher than in Lima by 168%. A one-bedroom apartment in Dubai's city center costs around AEDĀ 8,000, while the same in Lima is approximately PENĀ 2,000.

Dining out in Dubai is notably more expensive compared to Lima. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs AEDĀ 40 in Dubai versus PENĀ 15 in Lima.

Public transportation in Dubai is more expensive, with monthly passes at AEDĀ 350 compared to PENĀ 100 in Lima.

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

Grocery shopping in Dubai is more expensive by approximately 56%. 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 Dubai can expect to spend approximately AEDĀ 2,334 per month (excluding rent), while in Lima, the same lifestyle would cost around PENĀ 867. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about AEDĀ 8,169 monthly in Dubai versus PENĀ 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
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Lima, Peru

šŸ  Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
AEDĀ 8,000
PENĀ 2,000
1BR Outside Center
AEDĀ 5,000
PENĀ 1,200
3BR City Center
AEDĀ 15,000
PENĀ 3,500

šŸ½ļø Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
AEDĀ 40
PENĀ 15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
AEDĀ 300
PENĀ 100
Cappuccino
AEDĀ 20
PENĀ 10
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
AEDĀ 50
PENĀ 10

šŸ›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
AEDĀ 6
PENĀ 5
Bread (500g)
AEDĀ 5
PENĀ 5
Eggs (12)
AEDĀ 10
PENĀ 7
Cheese (1kg)
AEDĀ 40
PENĀ 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
AEDĀ 8
PENĀ 2
Monthly Pass
AEDĀ 350
PENĀ 100
Taxi Start
AEDĀ 12
PENĀ 5
Gasoline (1L)
AEDĀ 3
PENĀ 5

šŸ’” Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
AEDĀ 600
PENĀ 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
AEDĀ 400
PENĀ 120
Mobile Minute
AEDĀ 1
PENĀ 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lima to Dubai, 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 Dubai 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

Dubai

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index110

Lima

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index38

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dubai more expensive than Lima?

No, Dubai is approximately 47.5% cheaper than Lima. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 68% of your Lima salary when living in Dubai. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lima, you'd need about $33,898 in Dubai for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Dubai and Lima?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 168%, 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?

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

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

In Dubai, a single person needs approximately AEDĀ 7,334 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about AEDĀ 18,169. In Lima, these figures are PENĀ 2,067 for singles and PENĀ 5,235 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Dubai and Lima in 2025 shows significant 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 Dubai

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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