Cost Comparison 2025

IstanbulvsLima

Turkey

•

Peru

Overall

💰

-12.5%

Istanbul is 12.5%cheaper

Rent

🏠

0.0%

Housing is 0.0% same

Dining

🍽️

-22.2%

Restaurants 22.2% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+7.1%

Food shopping 7.1% more

Comparing the cost of living between Istanbul, Turkey and Lima, Peru reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Istanbul is more affordable than Lima by approximately 12.5%. 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 Istanbul are similar than in Lima. A one-bedroom apartment in Istanbul's city center costs around TRY 25,000, while the same in Lima is approximately PEN 2,000.

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

Public transportation in Istanbul is more expensive, with monthly passes at TRY 1,100 compared to PEN 100 in Lima.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Istanbul can expect to spend approximately TRY 7,060 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 TRY 24,710 monthly in Istanbul 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

Istanbul, Turkey

Lima, Peru

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center

TRY 25,000

PEN 2,000

1BR Outside Center

TRY 15,000

PEN 1,200

3BR City Center

TRY 50,000

PEN 3,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

TRY 150

PEN 15

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant

TRY 700

PEN 100

Cappuccino

TRY 80

PEN 10

Domestic Beer (0.5L)

TRY 100

PEN 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)

TRY 35

PEN 5

Bread (500g)

TRY 10

PEN 5

Eggs (12)

TRY 50

PEN 7

Cheese (1kg)

TRY 200

PEN 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket

TRY 18

PEN 2

Monthly Pass

TRY 1,100

PEN 100

Taxi Start

TRY 30

PEN 5

Gasoline (1L)

TRY 40

PEN 5

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)

TRY 2,000

PEN 200

Internet (60 Mbps)

TRY 300

PEN 120

Mobile Minute

TRY 2

PEN 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lima to Istanbul, 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 Istanbul 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

Istanbul

Cost of Living Index48

Rent Index28

Purchasing Power Index40

Lima

Cost of Living Index42

Rent Index28

Purchasing Power Index38

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul more expensive than Lima?

No, Istanbul is approximately 12.5% cheaper than Lima. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 89% of your Lima salary when living in Istanbul. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lima, you'd need about $44,444 in Istanbul for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Istanbul 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?

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

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

In Istanbul, a single person needs approximately TRY 22,060 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about TRY 54,710. 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 Istanbul 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.