How Peru compares across key indices
Cost of Living
32 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
33/100
Healthcare
57/100
Quality of Life
93/200
Climate
93/100
How far your money goes in Peru
Cost of Living
32
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
10
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
36
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
26
100 = NYC dining
$1,273/mo
How safe residents feel in Peru — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
33/100
Crime Index
67/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
82/100
Crime perceived as increasing
25 point drop from day to night
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
Based on 524 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Peru has 1 city with Numbeo data. Lima has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $1,273. Lima leads on safety, scoring 30/100. Lima ranks highest for quality of life at 92/200.
Lima
$1,273/mo
Lima
30/100
Lima
92/200
Lima
59/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lima | $1,273 | 30/100 | 92/200 | 59/100 | 84 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare system overview for Peru
Healthcare Index
57/100
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 103 survey responses
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Peru
Pollution Index
83/100
Lower is better
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 159 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
How people get around in Peru
Average One-Way Commute
50minutes
Long
Traffic Index
226
Heavy congestion
Inefficiency
267
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
6.3kg/trip
Based on 65 survey responses.
Common questions about living in Peru, answered with data
Peru has a cost of living index of 32 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,273 in Lima.
Peru has a safety index of 33/100, making it worth researching carefully before committing for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Lima scores highest on safety at 30/100.
Lima ranks highest for quality of life in Peru, scoring 92/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $1,273/mo for a single person.
Peru scores 57/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it adequate by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Yes. Peru's cost of living is roughly 68% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 90% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
Peru has a pollution index of 83/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Your pre-departure checklist for Peru
Escape Plan Quiz
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Salary Calculator
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