Data last updated: August 2026

San Jose, Costa RicaLima, Peru

You would need around 1600.0% more money in Lima, Peru to maintain the same standard of living you have in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Overall Cost of Living

1600.0%

Lima, Peru is more expensive than San Jose, Costa Rica

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A6 USD
City B0 USD
Difference-100.0%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A0 USD
City B44 USD
Difference+Infinity%

Average Net Salary

City A13 USD
City B0 USD
Difference-100.0%

Editorial Insight: Moving from San Jose, Costa Rica to Lima, Peru requires careful financial planning. Our cost of living index indicates that you should expect expenses to be roughly 1600.0% higher. Your biggest financial adjustment will be housing, as a central 1-bedroom apartment runs about 0 USD. While everyday expenses demand a significantly larger budget, global hubs like Lima, Peru often offer unparalleled networking and career premiums that can offset the initial lifestyle inflation.

Pro Tip:To avoid lifestyle inflation and ensure you negotiate correctly, use our internal Salary Comparator to calculate your true take-home pay.Check out Salary Comparator

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for San Jose, Costa Rica and Lima, Peru is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Lima, Peru to maintain your current lifestyle in San Jose, Costa Rica.

USD

You need in Lima, Peru

221 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

Moving to Lima, Peru increases expenses by 1600%, which will delay your FIRE timeline unless your income increases significantly.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your San Jose, Costa Rica budget to local Lima, Peru prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing0 USD
Groceries44 USD
Utilities & Internet58 USD

Investment Planner

You save 6 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Lima, Peru.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~1,008 USD in 10 years.