Cost Comparison 2025

LimavsGeneva

Peru
Switzerland

Overall

💰

+161.9%

Lima is 161.9%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+257.1%

Housing is 257.1% higher

Dining

🍽️

+242.9%

Restaurants 242.9% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+155.6%

Food shopping 155.6% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lima, Peru and Geneva, Switzerland reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lima is more expensive than Geneva by approximately 161.9%. 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 Geneva by 72%. A one-bedroom apartment in Lima's city center costs around PEN 2,000, while the same in Geneva is approximately CHF 3,000.

Dining out in Lima offers significant savings compared to Geneva. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs PEN 15 in Lima versus CHF 25 in Geneva.

Public transportation in Lima is more expensive, with monthly passes at PEN 100 compared to CHF 80 in Geneva.

Purchasing power in Geneva 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 61%. 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 PEN 867 per month (excluding rent), while in Geneva, the same lifestyle would cost around CHF 798. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about PEN 3,035 monthly in Lima versus CHF 2,794 in Geneva. 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
Geneva, Switzerland

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
PEN 2,000
CHF 3,000
1BR Outside Center
PEN 1,200
CHF 2,200
3BR City Center
PEN 3,500
CHF 5,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
PEN 15
CHF 25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
PEN 100
CHF 120
Cappuccino
PEN 10
CHF 5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
PEN 10
CHF 8

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
PEN 5
CHF 2
Bread (500g)
PEN 5
CHF 3
Eggs (12)
PEN 7
CHF 6
Cheese (1kg)
PEN 25
CHF 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
PEN 2
CHF 3
Monthly Pass
PEN 100
CHF 80
Taxi Start
PEN 5
CHF 7
Gasoline (1L)
PEN 5
CHF 2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
PEN 200
CHF 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
PEN 120
CHF 60
Mobile Minute
PEN 0
CHF 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lima to Geneva, 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 Geneva 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

Geneva

Cost of Living Index110
Rent Index100
Purchasing Power Index125

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lima more expensive than Geneva?

Yes, Lima is approximately 161.9% more expensive than Geneva overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 2.6x of your Geneva salary when living in Lima. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Geneva, you'd need about $130,952 in Lima for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Lima and Geneva?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 72%, 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?

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

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

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 Geneva, these figures are CHF 2,998 for singles and CHF 6,794 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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