Cost Comparison 2025

RiyadhvsLima

Saudi Arabia

•

Peru

Overall

💰

-23.6%

Riyadh is 23.6%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-20.0%

Housing is 20.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-30.0%

Restaurants 30.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-13.5%

Food shopping 13.5% less

Comparing the cost of living between Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Lima, Peru reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Riyadh is more affordable than Lima by approximately 23.6%. 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 Riyadh are higher than in Lima by 25%. A one-bedroom apartment in Riyadh's city center costs around SAR 3,000, while the same in Lima is approximately PEN 2,000.

Dining out in Riyadh is notably more expensive compared to Lima. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs SAR 25 in Riyadh versus PEN 15 in Lima.

Public transportation in Riyadh is more expensive, with monthly passes at SAR 140 compared to PEN 100 in Lima.

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 Riyadh is more expensive by approximately 16%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Riyadh can expect to spend approximately SAR 1,307 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 SAR 4,575 monthly in Riyadh 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

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Lima, Peru

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center

SAR 3,000

PEN 2,000

1BR Outside Center

SAR 2,000

PEN 1,200

3BR City Center

SAR 6,000

PEN 3,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

SAR 25

PEN 15

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant

SAR 150

PEN 100

Cappuccino

SAR 15

PEN 10

Domestic Beer (0.5L)

SAR 0

PEN 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)

SAR 6

PEN 5

Bread (500g)

SAR 3

PEN 5

Eggs (12)

SAR 8

PEN 7

Cheese (1kg)

SAR 35

PEN 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket

SAR 3

PEN 2

Monthly Pass

SAR 140

PEN 100

Taxi Start

SAR 10

PEN 5

Gasoline (1L)

SAR 2

PEN 5

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)

SAR 150

PEN 200

Internet (60 Mbps)

SAR 300

PEN 120

Mobile Minute

SAR 0

PEN 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

Riyadh

Cost of Living Index55

Rent Index35

Purchasing Power Index90

Lima

Cost of Living Index42

Rent Index28

Purchasing Power Index38

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Riyadh more expensive than Lima?

No, Riyadh is approximately 23.6% cheaper than Lima. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 81% of your Lima salary when living in Riyadh. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lima, you'd need about $40,441 in Riyadh for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Riyadh and Lima?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 43%, 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 Riyadh if you prioritize earning potential, or Lima for affordability.

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

In Riyadh, a single person needs approximately SAR 3,307 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about SAR 8,575. 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 Riyadh and Lima 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.