🇵🇪 Lima vs 🇨🇱 Santiago
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇵🇪
Lima
Peru
$1,108–$1,754/mo
S/4,104 – S/6,496 / month (local)
🇨🇱
Santiago
Chile
$1,354–$2,144/mo
$1,354,000 – $2,144,000 / month (local)
Santiago is 22% more expensive
Lima wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Lima (USD) | Santiago (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $831–$1,292 | $1,015–$1,579 | 🟢 Lima |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $438–$692 | $536–$846 | 🟢 Lima |
| Utilities | $35–$67 | $42–$82 | 🟢 Lima |
| Groceries | $175–$263 | $214–$322 | 🟢 Lima |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $23–$42 | $28–$51 | 🟢 Lima |
| Public transport (monthly) | $44–$53 | $54–$65 | 🟢 Lima |
| Internet & Mobile | $14–$23 | $17–$28 | 🟢 Lima |
| Gym membership | $16–$30 | $20–$37 | 🟢 Lima |
| Cinema ticket | $6–$8 | $8–$10 | 🟢 Lima |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,108–$1,754 | $1,354–$2,144 | 🟢 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 · 7.7 / 10
Lima
Santiago▲ better
Safety8.3 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Lima
Santiago▲ better
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Lima▲ better
Santiago
Education7.9 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Lima
Santiago▲ better
Environment8.7 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Lima▲ better
Santiago
Economy7.0 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Lima
Santiago▲ better
Culture7.6 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Lima
Santiago▲ better
Internet8.0 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Lima
Santiago▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Lima if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Santiago
- ✓Food scene
- ✓Pacific hub
- ✓History
- ✓Mining services
Choose Santiago if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Santiago offers vs Lima
- ✓Stability vs neighbors
- ✓Wine
- ✓Mountains
- ✓Mining
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Full Lima guide
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Explore Lima →📊
Full Santiago guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Santiago →