🇵🇪 Lima vs 🇲🇽 Mexico City
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇵🇪
Lima
Peru
$1,108–$1,754/mo
S/4,104 – S/6,496 / month (local)
🇲🇽
Mexico City
Mexico
$1,292–$2,046/mo
$22,276 – $35,276 / month (local)
Mexico City is 17% more expensive
Lima wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Lima (USD) | Mexico City (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $831–$1,292 | $969–$1,508 | 🟢 Lima |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $438–$692 | $512–$808 | 🟢 Lima |
| Utilities | $35–$67 | $40–$78 | 🟢 Lima |
| Groceries | $175–$263 | $205–$307 | 🟢 Lima |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $23–$42 | $27–$48 | 🟢 Lima |
| Public transport (monthly) | $44–$53 | $51–$62 | 🟢 Lima |
| Internet & Mobile | $14–$23 | $16–$27 | 🟢 Lima |
| Gym membership | $16–$30 | $19–$35 | 🟢 Lima |
| Cinema ticket | $6–$8 | $8–$10 | 🟢 Lima |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,108–$1,754 | $1,292–$2,046 | 🟢 Lima |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing7.1 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Lima
Mexico City▲ better
Safety8.3 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Lima
Mexico City▲ better
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Lima
Mexico City▲ better
Education7.9 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Lima
Mexico City▲ better
Environment8.7 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Lima
Mexico City▲ better
Economy7.0 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Lima
Mexico City▲ better
Culture7.6 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Lima
Mexico City▲ better
Internet8.0 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Lima
Mexico City▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Lima if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Mexico City
- ✓Food scene
- ✓Pacific hub
- ✓History
- ✓Mining services
Choose Mexico City if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Mexico City offers vs Lima
- ✓Food
- ✓Culture
- ✓Value
- ✓Remote workers
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Full Lima guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lima →📊
Full Mexico City guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Mexico City →