Cost of Living in Peru: Rent, Housing & Income

Peru combines a big, busy capital in Lima with mountain towns, jungle regions and a coast with its own character. The cost of living changes a lot among them, so the country-wide numbers below should be read as a starting point. They are crowd-sourced estimates from Numbeo and Livingcost, converted to US dollars, and they move with the Peruvian sol.

They were last checked on Oct 13, 2026.

The World Bank's price level ratio for Peru was 51.5 in 2025, with the U.S. at 100. At market exchange rates, the same basket of goods and services cost about 51% of its U.S. price.

GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power, was 18,816 international dollars in 2025 (U.S.: 90,027 international dollars in 2025). Consumer prices rose 1.5% in 2025 (U.S.: 2.9% in 2024).

Numbeo estimates $523.40/mo for one person before rent and $1,924.90/mo for a family of four. Livingcost reports $495/mo without rent and $862/mo with it.

The two rent-free totals sit close together, so the sources agree on the picture. Add a one-bedroom to reach a monthly figure you can plan around.

A one-bedroom apartment in a city center is $203.23 – $833.22/mo, and outside the center $145.16 – $493.55/mo. The central range runs up to $833.22/mo, which reflects the cost of districts in Lima that are popular with foreigners. A three-bedroom is $464.52 – $1,451.61/mo in the center and $348.39 – $812.90/mo outside.

The gap between center and outside is wide. Lima is spread out and traffic is heavy, so a cheaper apartment far from your work may cost you hours each week. Landlords may quote rent in local currency or in dollars, so confirm which one before you agree.

Basic utilities for an 85 square meter apartment are $29.03 – $116.13/mo, the lowest group of bills in this series. Broadband is $17.42 – $43.55/mo and a mobile plan $8.42 – $26.10/mo. A monthly public transport pass is $17.42 – $40/mo.

Heating is rarely included in a typical Lima apartment, while highland towns are cold at night, so the bill can differ by region. Public transit is informal in many areas, and a pass may not match how people travel.

An inexpensive restaurant meal averages $3.48 each, and that low number is the main reason a single person can stay on a modest budget. A liter of milk is $1.48 each and a dozen large eggs $2.67 each.

The set menu at a local restaurant is cheap, while tourist-area restaurants and imported food cost more. Where you eat will shift your food budget more than the grocery staples.

Numbeo lists an average monthly net salary after tax of $560.48/mo.

The salary is close to the single-person total before rent, which leaves little room for a typical one-bedroom. Foreigners often earn from abroad or work for companies that pay in a stronger currency. Compare any local offer with the rent table.

• Health insurance and emergency evacuation coverage.
• Visa and residence fees. Check the official Peruvian immigration pages.
• Flights, shipping and furnishing.
• School tuition. International schools are a major cost for families.
• Taxes. Ask a licensed advisor about your situation.

Lima's coastal districts are the most popular with newcomers, and prices reflect that. Cusco, Arequipa and smaller towns have their own price levels and lifestyles, and altitude is a real consideration. Spend time in a place before you take a long lease, and ask about hot water, which is not standard in every home.

Start with the rent for your district, add the bills from the table, then set a food line based on your habits. Add transport, whether a pass, taxis or a car, and a line for health care. A cushion matters because prices in popular areas can change between listings.

A one-bedroom at the lower end of the $145.16 – $493.55/mo range outside the center suits a person who works from home and does not mind a longer ride to the shops. A central address in Lima costs more but shortens every trip. Smaller cities have their own rental markets, and many foreigners find that a few weeks in each place before committing is worth the cost.

Altitude is a real factor in Cusco and other highland towns. Give yourself time to adjust before you sign a lease, and ask a local doctor or a licensed advisor about health planning.