If you're planning to move to Peru in 2026, here's what things cost
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, City Centre) | €450 | Largest expense |
| Rent (3BR, City Centre) | €850 | For families |
| Groceries | €180 | One person, home cooking |
| Public Transport | €35 | Monthly pass |
| Utilities (85m2) | €85 | Electricity, water, heating |
| Dining Out (per meal) | €6 | Inexpensive restaurant |
| Total (Single Person) | €798 | Comfortable lifestyle |
Income vs Expenses
| Income Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (Gross) | €625/month |
| Minimum Wage | €320/month |
| Salary After Rent (1BR) | €175/month |
With an average salary of €625 and rent of €450, approximately 72% of income goes to housing.
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Cost Indices (vs New York City = 100)
| Index | Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 33.5 | Significantly cheaper NYC |
| Rent | 11.3 | Much cheaper NYC |
| Groceries | 37.7 | Cheaper NYC |
| Restaurant Prices | 28.3 | Cheaper NYC |
| Local Purchasing Power | 48.5 | Lower than NYC |
Money-Saving Tips
- Shop at local markets: Fresh produce is typically 20-40% cheaper than supermarkets
- Cook at home: Eating in saves 60-70% compared to dining out
- Use public transport: Monthly passes are much cheaper than car ownership
- Live outside the centre: Suburbs offer 20-40% lower rent with reasonable commutes
- Compare utilities: Switch providers for electricity and internet to get better deals
- Student discounts: Available for under-26s on transport, museums, and cultural events
Salary by Sector
| Sector | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| It | €13,000 | €18,500 | €26,000 |
| Retail | €4,000 | €5,500 | €8,000 |
| Finance | €9,500 | €13,500 | €19,000 |
| Education | €6,000 | €9,000 | €12,500 |
| Healthcare | €8,000 | €11,000 | €15,500 |
| Engineering | €10,500 | €15,000 | €20,500 |
| Hospitality | €5,000 | €7,000 | €9,500 |
| Construction | €6,500 | €9,000 | €13,000 |
Figures are annual gross salaries in EUR.
Additional Practical Information
The following information is compiled from expat community sources and recent reports to complement the official data above.
Additional Data Points
Recent reports and expat sources provide these additional figures for Peru:
- Rent prices will vary greatly depending on the city, neighbourhood, and age and style of the property. For instance, you will need an average of 1,120 new Peruvian soles per month for a studio in a city centre, compared to on average 940 new Peruvian soles per month for the same type of accommodation in the outskirts. To rent a three-bedroom house, you will need an average of 2,300 new Peruvian soles per month in the city centre and around 1,900 new Peruvian soles per month in the outskirts.
Additional data sourced from expat community reports. All information should be verified with official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does rent cost in Peru?
A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately €450/month. A 3-bedroom costs approximately €850/month. The rent index is 11.3/100 compared to NYC.
Is Peru expensive compared to other countries?
With a cost of living index of 33.5/100 (where NYC = 100), Peru is significantly cheaper than NYC. Use our assessment tool to compare with your current location.
Can I live comfortably on a remote worker salary in Peru?
With a monthly budget of approximately €798, a remote salary of €2,000-3,000/month would provide a very comfortable lifestyle. Research specific cities for the most accurate picture.
Are there hidden costs of living in Peru?
Beyond the basics, budget for: health insurance (if not employer-provided), visa fees and renewals, tax adviser fees, initial deposits (rent + utilities), furnishing costs if renting unfurnished, and language courses. These can add €500-2,000 to your first months.
What is the minimum wage in Peru?
The minimum wage in Peru is approximately €320/month. This compares to an average salary of €625. Note that minimum wage may not apply to all sectors or expat workers.
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