Peru🇵🇪

At a Glance

How Peru compares across key indices

Quality of Life93Safety33Healthcare57Affordability32Climate93Clean Air83

Cost of Living

32 vs NYC

100 = NYC

Safety Index

33/100

Healthcare

57/100

Quality of Life

93/200

Climate

93/100

Cost of Living

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

City Costs Comparison

Lima

Cheapest

$1,273/mo

Food$85

Safety & Crime

Higher Risk

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

Walking Safety

Daytime48
Nighttime23

25 point drop from day to night

Problem Severity

Corruption & bribery
Very High87
Violent crimes
High75
Property crimes
High71
Drug-related crime
High61

0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem

What Residents Worry About

Being mugged or robbed
High73
Things stolen from car
High66
Car stolen
High63
Being physically attacked
Moderate59
Home broken into
Moderate56
Being insulted or harassed
Moderate48
Targeted for skin/ethnicity/religion
Low30

Based on 524 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.

Cities in Peru

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.

💸Most Affordable

Lima

$1,273/mo

Safest

Lima

30/100

Best Quality of Life

Lima

92/200

Best Healthcare

Lima

59/100

CityMonthly CostSafetyQuality of LifeHealthcarePollution
Lima$1,27330/10092/20059/10084

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

Healthcare system overview for Peru

Healthcare Index

57/100

Quality Breakdown

Friendliness & Courtesy62/100
Modern Equipment60/100
Staff Skill & Competency58/100
Accuracy & Completeness57/100
Speed of Service53/100
Responsiveness & Waitlist44/100
Cost Satisfaction56/100

How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality

Based on 103 survey responses

Insurance Coverage

Private
36.9%
Public
26.2%
Employer Sponsored
25.2%
None
11.7%
Healthcare57Safety33Quality of Life93
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Environment

Polluted

Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Peru

Pollution Index

83/100

Lower is better

Environmental Quality

Green Spaces & Parks46/100
Drinking Water Quality39/100
Garbage Disposal35/100
Comfortable to Spend Time35/100
Clean & Tidy29/100
Air Quality23/100

Concerns

Water Pollution75/100
Noise & Light Pollution67/100

0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern

Based on 159 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.

Transport & Commute

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

How People Commute

Car45.3%
Bus/Trolleybus32.8%
Bicycle6.3%
Walking6.3%
Working from Home6.3%
Motorcycle3.1%

Based on 65 survey responses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living in Peru, answered with data

What is the cost of living in Peru?

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.

Is Peru safe for expats?

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.

What is the best city in Peru for expats and digital nomads?

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.

How good is healthcare in Peru?

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.

Is Peru cheaper than the United States?

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.

What is the air quality and pollution like in Peru?

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.

Before You Go

Your pre-departure checklist for Peru

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