Cost Comparison 2025

LimavsAthens

Peru
Greece

Overall

💰

+31.0%

Lima is 31.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

-10.7%

Housing is 10.7% lower

Dining

🍽️

+42.9%

Restaurants 42.9% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+11.1%

Food shopping 11.1% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lima, Peru and Athens, Greece reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lima is more expensive than Athens by approximately 31.0%. 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 Lima are higher than in Athens by 12%. A one-bedroom apartment in Lima's city center costs around PEN 2,000, while the same in Athens is approximately €650.

Dining out in Lima offers significant savings compared to Athens. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs PEN 15 in Lima versus €12 in Athens.

Public transportation in Lima is more expensive, with monthly passes at PEN 100 compared to €30 in Athens.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Lima can expect to spend approximately PEN 867 per month (excluding rent), while in Athens, the same lifestyle would cost around €428. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about PEN 3,035 monthly in Lima versus €1,499 in Athens. 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
Lima, Peru
Athens, Greece

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
PEN 2,000
€650
1BR Outside Center
PEN 1,200
€450
3BR City Center
PEN 3,500
€1,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
PEN 15
€12
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
PEN 100
€50
Cappuccino
PEN 10
€4
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
PEN 10
€4

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
PEN 5
€2
Bread (500g)
PEN 5
€1
Eggs (12)
PEN 7
€4
Cheese (1kg)
PEN 25
€10

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
PEN 2
€1
Monthly Pass
PEN 100
€30
Taxi Start
PEN 5
€4
Gasoline (1L)
PEN 5
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
PEN 200
€150
Internet (60 Mbps)
PEN 120
€35
Mobile Minute
PEN 0
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lima to Athens, 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 Athens 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

Lima

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index38

Athens

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index45

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lima more expensive than Athens?

Yes, Lima is approximately 31.0% more expensive than Athens overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.3x of your Athens salary when living in Lima. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Athens, you'd need about $65,476 in Lima for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Lima and Athens?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 30%, 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?

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

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

In Lima, a single person needs approximately PEN 2,067 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about PEN 5,235. In Athens, these figures are €878 for singles and €2,349 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Lima and Athens 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 Athens to maintain your lifestyle from Lima

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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