Cost Comparison 2025

SydneyvsLima

Australia
Peru

Overall

💰

-53.3%

Sydney is 53.3%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-65.0%

Housing is 65.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-61.1%

Restaurants 61.1% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-47.1%

Food shopping 47.1% less

Comparing the cost of living between Sydney, Australia and Lima, Peru reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Sydney is more affordable than Lima by approximately 53.3%. 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 Sydney are higher than in Lima by 186%. A one-bedroom apartment in Sydney's city center costs around A$3,000, while the same in Lima is approximately PEN 2,000.

Dining out in Sydney is notably more expensive compared to Lima. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs A$20 in Sydney versus PEN 15 in Lima.

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

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 Sydney is more expensive by approximately 89%. 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 Sydney can expect to spend approximately A$804 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 A$2,814 monthly in Sydney 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
Sydney, Australia
Lima, Peru

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

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

🍽️ Food & Dining

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

🛒 Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

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

💡 Utilities & Internet

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

Sydney

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index80
Purchasing Power Index95

Lima

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index38

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sydney more expensive than Lima?

No, Sydney is approximately 53.3% cheaper than Lima. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 65% of your Lima salary when living in Sydney. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lima, you'd need about $32,609 in Sydney for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Sydney and Lima?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 186%, 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 Sydney if you prioritize earning potential, or Lima for affordability.

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

In Sydney, a single person needs approximately A$3,004 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about A$6,614. 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 Sydney 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.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Lima to maintain your lifestyle from Sydney

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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