Cost Comparison 2025

LimavsRiyadh

Peru
Saudi Arabia

Overall

šŸ’°

+31.0%

Lima is 31.0%more expensive

Rent

šŸ 

+25.0%

Housing is 25.0% higher

Dining

šŸ½ļø

+42.9%

Restaurants 42.9% pricier

Groceries

šŸ›’

+15.6%

Food shopping 15.6% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lima, Peru and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lima is more expensive than Riyadh 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 lower than in Riyadh by 20%. A one-bedroom apartment in Lima's city center costs around PENĀ 2,000, while the same in Riyadh is approximately SARĀ 3,000.

Dining out in Lima offers significant savings compared to Riyadh. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs PENĀ 15 in Lima versus SARĀ 25 in Riyadh.

Public transportation in Lima is more affordable, with monthly passes at PENĀ 100 compared to SARĀ 140 in Riyadh.

Purchasing power in Riyadh 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 13%. 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 Riyadh, the same lifestyle would cost around SARĀ 1,307. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about PENĀ 3,035 monthly in Lima versus SARĀ 4,575 in Riyadh. 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
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

šŸ  Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
PENĀ 2,000
SARĀ 3,000
1BR Outside Center
PENĀ 1,200
SARĀ 2,000
3BR City Center
PENĀ 3,500
SARĀ 6,000

šŸ½ļø Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
PENĀ 15
SARĀ 25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
PENĀ 100
SARĀ 150
Cappuccino
PENĀ 10
SARĀ 15
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
PENĀ 10
SARĀ 0

šŸ›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
PENĀ 5
SARĀ 6
Bread (500g)
PENĀ 5
SARĀ 3
Eggs (12)
PENĀ 7
SARĀ 8
Cheese (1kg)
PENĀ 25
SARĀ 35

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
PENĀ 2
SARĀ 3
Monthly Pass
PENĀ 100
SARĀ 140
Taxi Start
PENĀ 5
SARĀ 10
Gasoline (1L)
PENĀ 5
SARĀ 2

šŸ’” Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
PENĀ 200
SARĀ 150
Internet (60 Mbps)
PENĀ 120
SARĀ 300
Mobile Minute
PENĀ 0
SARĀ 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lima to Riyadh, 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 Riyadh 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

Riyadh

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index90

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lima more expensive than Riyadh?

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

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

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

What are the biggest cost differences between Lima and Riyadh?

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?

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

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

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 Riyadh, these figures are SARĀ 3,307 for singles and SARĀ 8,575 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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