Cost Comparison 2025

JohannesburgvsLima

South Africa

•

Peru

Overall

💰

-12.5%

Johannesburg is 12.5%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-12.5%

Housing is 12.5% lower

Dining

🍽️

-27.1%

Restaurants 27.1% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+7.1%

Food shopping 7.1% more

Comparing the cost of living between Johannesburg, South Africa and Lima, Peru reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg are higher than in Lima by 14%. A one-bedroom apartment in Johannesburg's city center costs around ZAR 10,000, while the same in Lima is approximately PEN 2,000.

Dining out in Johannesburg is notably more expensive compared to Lima. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ZAR 130 in Johannesburg versus PEN 15 in Lima.

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

Purchasing power in Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg can expect to spend approximately ZAR 5,314 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 18,599 monthly in Johannesburg 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

Johannesburg, South Africa

Lima, Peru

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center

ZAR 10,000

PEN 2,000

1BR Outside Center

ZAR 7,000

PEN 1,200

3BR City Center

ZAR 20,000

PEN 3,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

ZAR 130

PEN 15

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant

ZAR 600

PEN 100

Cappuccino

ZAR 30

PEN 10

Domestic Beer (0.5L)

ZAR 30

PEN 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)

ZAR 22

PEN 5

Bread (500g)

ZAR 14

PEN 5

Eggs (12)

ZAR 32

PEN 7

Cheese (1kg)

ZAR 110

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 22

PEN 5

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)

ZAR 1,400

PEN 200

Internet (60 Mbps)

ZAR 700

PEN 120

Mobile Minute

ZAR 2

PEN 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lima to Johannesburg, 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 Johannesburg 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

Johannesburg

Cost of Living Index48

Rent Index32

Purchasing Power Index65

Lima

Cost of Living Index42

Rent Index28

Purchasing Power Index38

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Johannesburg more expensive than Lima?

No, Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg compared to Lima?

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

What are the biggest cost differences between Johannesburg and Lima?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 37%, 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?

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

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

In Johannesburg, a single person needs approximately ZAR 12,314 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about ZAR 33,599. 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 Johannesburg 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.