Is Lima expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Lima is affordable by Western standards, and good value for its famous food scene, though Miraflores and San Isidro cost more than the rest of Peru. A budget day is about S/165 per person (roughly US$45), mid-range about S/410, and the money goes on hotels, top restaurants and taxis across a large city.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | S/70 | S/180 | S/400 |
| Food & drink | S/50 | S/120 | S/300 |
| Sights & tickets | S/30 | S/70 | S/150 |
| Local transport | S/15 | S/40 | S/90 |
| Per person, per day | S/165 | S/410 | S/940 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Lima day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Uber ride within Miraflores or Barranco | about S/8–15 |
| Uber from Miraflores to the historic centre | about S/20–35 |
| Metropolitano bus ride | about S/3 |
| Official airport taxi | roughly S/60–90 |
| Ceviche at a casual cevichería | about S/25–45 |
| Lomo saltado | about S/25–45 |
| Museo Larco | about S/40 |
| Mid-range double near Parque Kennedy | about S/250–450 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation in Miraflores and Barranco takes the largest share. Famous tasting-menu restaurants cost far more than everyday meals and add 18% IGV tax and often a 10% service charge. Taxis and Uber across Lima are cheap per ride but add up because distances are long and traffic is slow. Museums and archaeological sites are inexpensive, and set-lunch menús are very cheap.
When it is cheaper
June to November (the grey garúa season) is usually cheaper for hotels in Lima; December to April summer weekends and Peruvian holidays such as Fiestas Patrias in late July can push prices up.
How to spend less
- Eat the menú del día at lunch, often S/12–20 for two courses and a drink.
- Have ceviche at lunchtime in casual cevicherías rather than famous restaurants.
- Use the Metropolitano bus between Miraflores and the centre.
- Book tasting menus only for one special meal and choose lunch slots where available.
- Stay in Miraflores hostels, which are cheap and in a safe area.
- Use Uber, Cabify or InDrive rather than hailing taxis.
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Common questions
Is Lima expensive?
Not by Western standards. Miraflores and top restaurants cost more, but set lunches and transport are cheap.
How much does a day in Lima cost?
About S/165 per person on a budget, S/410 mid-range and S/940 in comfort.
Do restaurants add tax and service?
Upscale restaurants add 18% IGV tax and often a 10% service charge.