Cost Comparison 2025

LimavsDubai

Peru
United Arab Emirates

Overall

šŸ’°

+90.5%

Lima is 90.5%more expensive

Rent

šŸ 

+167.9%

Housing is 167.9% higher

Dining

šŸ½ļø

+114.3%

Restaurants 114.3% pricier

Groceries

šŸ›’

+55.6%

Food shopping 55.6% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lima, Peru and Dubai, United Arab Emirates reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lima is more expensive than Dubai by approximately 90.5%. 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 Lima are lower than in Dubai by 63%. A one-bedroom apartment in Lima's city center costs around PENĀ 2,000, while the same in Dubai is approximately AEDĀ 8,000.

Dining out in Lima offers significant savings compared to Dubai. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs PENĀ 15 in Lima versus AEDĀ 40 in Dubai.

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

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 Lima is more affordable by approximately 36%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Lima can expect to spend approximately PENĀ 867 per month (excluding rent), while in Dubai, the same lifestyle would cost around AEDĀ 2,334. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about PENĀ 3,035 monthly in Lima versus AEDĀ 8,169 in Dubai. 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
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

šŸ  Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

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

šŸ½ļø Food & Dining

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

šŸ›’ Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

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

šŸ’” Utilities & Internet

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

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

Lima

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index38

Dubai

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index110

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lima more expensive than Dubai?

Yes, Lima is approximately 90.5% more expensive than Dubai overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.9x of your Dubai salary when living in Lima. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Dubai, you'd need about $95,238 in Lima for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Lima and Dubai?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 63%, 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 Lima if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Dubai for better value.

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

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

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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