Cost Comparison 2025

TaipeivsLima

Taiwan
Peru

Overall

💰

-35.4%

Taipei is 35.4%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-30.0%

Housing is 30.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-36.4%

Restaurants 36.4% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-40.0%

Food shopping 40.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Taipei, Taiwan and Lima, Peru reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Taipei is more affordable than Lima by approximately 35.4%. 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 Taipei are higher than in Lima by 43%. A one-bedroom apartment in Taipei's city center costs around NT$25,000, while the same in Lima is approximately PEN 2,000.

Dining out in Taipei is notably more expensive compared to Lima. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NT$120 in Taipei versus PEN 15 in Lima.

Public transportation in Taipei is more expensive, with monthly passes at NT$1,280 compared to PEN 100 in Lima.

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

Grocery shopping in Taipei is more expensive by approximately 67%. 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 Taipei can expect to spend approximately NT$9,880 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 NT$34,580 monthly in Taipei 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
Taipei, Taiwan
Lima, Peru

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NT$25,000
PEN 2,000
1BR Outside Center
NT$15,000
PEN 1,200
3BR City Center
NT$50,000
PEN 3,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
NT$120
PEN 15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
NT$800
PEN 100
Cappuccino
NT$120
PEN 10
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
NT$80
PEN 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NT$95
PEN 5
Bread (500g)
NT$50
PEN 5
Eggs (12)
NT$80
PEN 7
Cheese (1kg)
NT$600
PEN 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NT$25
PEN 2
Monthly Pass
NT$1,280
PEN 100
Taxi Start
NT$85
PEN 5
Gasoline (1L)
NT$32
PEN 5

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NT$2,500
PEN 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
NT$900
PEN 120
Mobile Minute
NT$5
PEN 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lima to Taipei, 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 Taipei 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

Taipei

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index70

Lima

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index38

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taipei more expensive than Lima?

No, Taipei is approximately 35.4% cheaper than Lima. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 74% of your Lima salary when living in Taipei. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lima, you'd need about $36,932 in Taipei for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Taipei and Lima?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 67%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

In Taipei, a single person needs approximately NT$24,880 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about NT$64,580. 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 Taipei 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 Taipei

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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