Updated January 5, 2026
Cost Comparison 2026

TorontovsLima

Canada
Peru
Share:

Overall

💰

-41.7%

Toronto is 41.7%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-58.8%

Housing is 58.8% lower

Dining

🍽️

-51.4%

Restaurants 51.4% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-35.7%

Food shopping 35.7% less

Comparing the cost of living between Toronto, Canada and Lima, Peru reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2026. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Toronto is more affordable than Lima by approximately 41.7%. 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 Toronto are higher than in Lima by 143%. A one-bedroom apartment in Toronto's city center costs around CA$2,570, while the same in Lima is approximately PEN 2,000.

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

Public transportation in Toronto is more expensive, with monthly passes at CA$156 compared to PEN 100 in Lima.

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

Grocery shopping in Toronto is more expensive by approximately 56%. 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 Toronto can expect to spend approximately CA$837 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 CA$2,929 monthly in Toronto 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
Toronto, Canada
Lima, Peru

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CA$2,570
PEN 2,000
1BR Outside Center
CA$2,021
PEN 1,200
3BR City Center
CA$4,355
PEN 3,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CA$25
PEN 15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CA$115
PEN 100
Cappuccino
CA$5
PEN 10
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CA$9
PEN 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CA$3
PEN 5
Bread (500g)
CA$4
PEN 5
Eggs (12)
CA$6
PEN 7
Cheese (1kg)
CA$18
PEN 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CA$3
PEN 2
Monthly Pass
CA$156
PEN 100
Taxi Start
CA$4
PEN 5
Gasoline (1L)
CA$1
PEN 5

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CA$172
PEN 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
CA$75
PEN 120
Mobile Minute
CA$0
PEN 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lima to Toronto, 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 Toronto 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

Toronto

Cost of Living Index72
Rent Index68
Purchasing Power Index88

Lima

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index38

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Toronto more expensive than Lima?

No, Toronto is approximately 41.7% cheaper than Lima. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 71% of your Lima salary when living in Toronto. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lima, you'd need about $35,294 in Toronto for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Toronto and Lima?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 143%, 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?

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

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

In Toronto, a single person needs approximately CA$2,858 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CA$6,129. 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 Toronto and Lima in 2026 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 Toronto

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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Last updated: 2026-01-08 • Data sourced from multiple providers