Lima
San Francisco

Lima vs San Francisco — Cost of Living Comparison

Lima
Peru
VS
San Francisco
United States
Estimated average living costs are ~204% lower in Lima

Lima

$1,350

avg. monthly cost

Population

10,720,000

Safety

40/100

Quality

46/100

Cost
33
Safety
40
Life
46

San Francisco

$4,100

avg. monthly cost

Population

873,965

Safety

45/100

Quality

63/100

Cost
96
Safety
45
Life
63

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~204% lower in Lima

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Lima

$1,350

estimated per month

San Francisco

$4,100

estimated per month

Difference

+203.7%

Monthly savings

$2,750

Yearly savings

$33,000

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$227,778

+$152,778/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemLimaSan FranciscoDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$550.00$3,200.00
+481.8%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$350.00$2,400.00
+585.7%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,100.00$6,200.00
+463.6%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$650.00$4,000.00
+515.4%
ItemLimaSan FranciscoDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$4.50$25.00
+455.6%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$28.00$105.00
+275.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.50$13.00
+136.4%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20$1.40
+16.7%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.30$4.50
+246.2%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.95$5.20
+447.4%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.90$5.00
+163.2%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.20$14.00
+233.3%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.00$5.80
+190.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.70$2.00
+185.7%
ItemLimaSan FranciscoDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$30.00$98.00
+226.7%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.45$2.50
+455.6%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.90$3.50
+288.9%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.50$2.15
+330.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20$1.40
+16.7%
ItemLimaSan FranciscoDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$65.00$185.00
+184.6%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$14.00$52.00
+271.4%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$22.00$70.00
+218.2%
ItemLimaSan FranciscoDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$25.00$260.00
+940.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$28.00$210.00
+650.0%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$8.00$55.00
+587.5%
ItemLimaSan FranciscoDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$32.00$85.00
+165.6%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$5.00$17.50
+250.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.80$5.75
+105.4%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.80$9.00
+221.4%
ItemLimaSan FranciscoDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$48.00$55.00
+14.6%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$30.00$43.00
+43.3%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$72.00$95.00
+31.9%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Lima vs San Francisco

Is Lima or San Francisco more expensive?
San Francisco is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 96 compared with 33 for Lima.
How much cheaper is Lima than San Francisco?
Living in Lima is around 66% cheaper than San Francisco, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Lima and San Francisco?
Lima scores 33 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while San Francisco scores 96 — where New York City equals 100.