Cost Comparison 2025

VancouvervsLima

Canada
Peru

Overall

💰

-47.5%

Vancouver is 47.5%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-65.0%

Housing is 65.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-53.3%

Restaurants 53.3% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-43.8%

Food shopping 43.8% less

Comparing the cost of living between Vancouver, Canada and Lima, Peru reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Vancouver is more affordable than Lima by approximately 47.5%. 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 Vancouver are higher than in Lima by 186%. A one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver's city center costs around CA$2,600, while the same in Lima is approximately PEN 2,000.

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

Public transportation in Vancouver is more expensive, with monthly passes at CA$131 compared to PEN 100 in Lima.

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

Grocery shopping in Vancouver is more expensive by approximately 78%. 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 Vancouver can expect to spend approximately CA$698 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$2,443 monthly in Vancouver 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
Vancouver, Canada
Lima, Peru

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CA$2,600
PEN 2,000
1BR Outside Center
CA$2,100
PEN 1,200
3BR City Center
CA$4,500
PEN 3,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CA$20
PEN 15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CA$100
PEN 100
Cappuccino
CA$6
PEN 10
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CA$7
PEN 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CA$2
PEN 5
Bread (500g)
CA$4
PEN 5
Eggs (12)
CA$5
PEN 7
Cheese (1kg)
CA$18
PEN 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CA$3
PEN 2
Monthly Pass
CA$131
PEN 100
Taxi Start
CA$4
PEN 5
Gasoline (1L)
CA$2
PEN 5

💡 Utilities & Internet

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

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lima to Vancouver, 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 Vancouver 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

Vancouver

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index80
Purchasing Power Index90

Lima

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index38

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vancouver more expensive than Lima?

No, Vancouver is approximately 47.5% cheaper than Lima. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 68% of your Lima salary when living in Vancouver. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lima, you'd need about $33,898 in Vancouver for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Vancouver 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?

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

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

In Vancouver, a single person needs approximately CA$2,798 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CA$5,943. 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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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