Cost Comparison 2025

MoscowvsLima

Russia
Peru

Overall

💰

-16.0%

Moscow is 16.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-20.0%

Housing is 20.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-36.4%

Restaurants 36.4% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

0.0%

Food shopping 0.0% same

Comparing the cost of living between Moscow, Russia and Lima, Peru reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Moscow is more affordable than Lima by approximately 16.0%. 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 Moscow are higher than in Lima by 25%. A one-bedroom apartment in Moscow's city center costs around RUB 80,000, while the same in Lima is approximately PEN 2,000.

Dining out in Moscow is notably more expensive compared to Lima. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs RUB 600 in Moscow versus PEN 15 in Lima.

Public transportation in Moscow is more expensive, with monthly passes at RUB 2,700 compared to PEN 100 in Lima.

Purchasing power in Moscow is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Lima.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Moscow can expect to spend approximately RUB 23,560 per month (excluding rent), while in Lima, the same lifestyle would cost around PEN 867. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about RUB 82,460 monthly in Moscow versus PEN 3,035 in Lima. 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
Moscow, Russia
Lima, Peru

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
RUB 80,000
PEN 2,000
1BR Outside Center
RUB 45,000
PEN 1,200
3BR City Center
RUB 150,000
PEN 3,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
RUB 600
PEN 15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
RUB 3,000
PEN 100
Cappuccino
RUB 200
PEN 10
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
RUB 200
PEN 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
RUB 90
PEN 5
Bread (500g)
RUB 45
PEN 5
Eggs (12)
RUB 120
PEN 7
Cheese (1kg)
RUB 700
PEN 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
RUB 60
PEN 2
Monthly Pass
RUB 2,700
PEN 100
Taxi Start
RUB 150
PEN 5
Gasoline (1L)
RUB 55
PEN 5

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
RUB 8,000
PEN 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
RUB 600
PEN 120
Mobile Minute
RUB 3
PEN 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lima to Moscow, 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 Moscow 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

Moscow

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index50

Lima

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index38

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Moscow more expensive than Lima?

No, Moscow is approximately 16.0% cheaper than Lima. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 86% of your Lima salary when living in Moscow. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lima, you'd need about $43,103 in Moscow for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Moscow and Lima?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 57%, 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?

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

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

In Moscow, a single person needs approximately RUB 68,560 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about RUB 167,460. In Lima, these figures are PEN 2,067 for singles and PEN 5,235 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Moscow and Lima in 2025 shows notable 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 Lima to maintain your lifestyle from Moscow

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers