🇵🇪 Lima vs 🇧🇷 São Paulo
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇵🇪
Lima
Peru
$1,108–$1,754/mo
S/4,104 – S/6,496 / month (local)
🇧🇷
São Paulo
Brazil
$1,477–$2,338/mo
R$8,206 – R$12,989 / month (local)
São Paulo is 33% more expensive
Lima wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Lima (USD) | São Paulo (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $831–$1,292 | $1,108–$1,723 | 🟢 Lima |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $438–$692 | $585–$923 | 🟢 Lima |
| Utilities | $35–$67 | $46–$89 | 🟢 Lima |
| Groceries | $175–$263 | $234–$351 | 🟢 Lima |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $23–$42 | $31–$55 | 🟢 Lima |
| Public transport (monthly) | $44–$53 | $58–$71 | 🟢 Lima |
| Internet & Mobile | $14–$23 | $18–$31 | 🟢 Lima |
| Gym membership | $16–$30 | $22–$40 | 🟢 Lima |
| Cinema ticket | $6–$8 | $9–$11 | 🟢 Lima |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,108–$1,754 | $1,477–$2,338 | 🟢 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 · 6.1 / 10
Lima▲ better
São Paulo
Safety8.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Lima▲ better
São Paulo
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Lima▲ better
São Paulo
Education7.9 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Lima▲ better
São Paulo
Environment8.7 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Lima▲ better
São Paulo
Economy7.0 / 10 · 6.8 / 10
Lima▲ better
São Paulo
Culture7.6 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Lima▲ better
São Paulo
Internet8.0 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Lima▲ better
São Paulo
Who should choose which city?
Choose Lima if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than São Paulo
- ✓Food scene
- ✓Pacific hub
- ✓History
- ✓Mining services
Choose São Paulo if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what São Paulo offers vs Lima
- ✓Business Brazil
- ✓Food
- ✓Culture
- ✓Finance
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Full Lima guide
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Explore Lima →📊
Full São Paulo guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore São Paulo →