Cost Comparison 2025

LimavsSydney

Peru
Australia

Overall

💰

+114.3%

Lima is 114.3%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+185.7%

Housing is 185.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+157.1%

Restaurants 157.1% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+88.9%

Food shopping 88.9% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lima, Peru and Sydney, Australia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lima is more expensive than Sydney by approximately 114.3%. 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 Sydney by 65%. A one-bedroom apartment in Lima's city center costs around PEN 2,000, while the same in Sydney is approximately A$3,000.

Dining out in Lima offers significant savings compared to Sydney. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs PEN 15 in Lima versus A$20 in Sydney.

Public transportation in Lima is more affordable, with monthly passes at PEN 100 compared to A$200 in Sydney.

Purchasing power in Sydney 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 47%. 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 Sydney, the same lifestyle would cost around A$804. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about PEN 3,035 monthly in Lima versus A$2,814 in Sydney. 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
Sydney, Australia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

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

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
PEN 15
A$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
PEN 100
A$120
Cappuccino
PEN 10
A$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
PEN 10
A$10

🛒 Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
PEN 2
A$5
Monthly Pass
PEN 100
A$200
Taxi Start
PEN 5
A$5
Gasoline (1L)
PEN 5
A$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
PEN 200
A$150
Internet (60 Mbps)
PEN 120
A$80
Mobile Minute
PEN 0
A$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lima to Sydney, 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 Sydney 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

Sydney

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index80
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lima more expensive than Sydney?

Yes, Lima is approximately 114.3% more expensive than Sydney overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 2.1x of your Sydney salary when living in Lima. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Sydney, you'd need about $107,143 in Lima for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Lima and Sydney?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 65%, 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?

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

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

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 Sydney, these figures are A$3,004 for singles and A$6,614 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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