Cost of Living in Peru: Expected Expenses Guide

Peru is an amazing country that lies on the western coast of South America. From the high peaks of the Andes Mountains to the dense Amazon rainforest and the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru offers numerous experiences for all. However, you have to pay for most of the things you can enjoy in Peru because each has its own set of expenses. If you are planning to move to this amazing zone, you have to make a budget for the cost of living in Peru.

Understanding the cost of living in Peru is very important for the people who wish to move there for a job or higher studies to manage the budget accordingly. In the blog below, we have explored the various categories of the cost of living in Peru. Without further delay, let’s begin our discussion in detail.

What is the Cost of Living in Peru?

Around PEN 3,450 is the average cost of living in Peru for a single person including rent. It is around 56.9% less expensive than the cost of living in the United States according to numbeo. Peru draws people worldwide for its excellent living standards, attractive salary and high-quality education system with evolved programs.

Before moving to Peru, one should know how much amount of money one can keep with them so that one can live life leisurely in Peru. Here, we have organised the average cost of living in Peru into different categories for the settlers who wish to move here. Please take a look at this:

Also read: Cost of Living in Arizona: A Guide on Expected Expenses

Costs of Accommodation in Peru

When you consider accommodation in Peru, it’s essential to get the right place and suitable accommodation that can fit your budget easily. Renting costs in Peru are a primary amount in the cost of living in Peru. The rental cost in Peru depends on the location and the type of apartment you choose. 

For your reference, we have provided some data about the average renting cost in Peru below. Please take a look at the average rental prices of apartments located inside and outside the city centre below:

Apartment	Location	Approx. Monthly Cost
One-bedroom Apartment	In the City Centre	PEN 1,595
One-bedroom Apartment	Outside of Centre	PEN 1,094
Three -bedroom Apartment	In the City Centre	PEN 2,927
Affordable Three -bedroom Apartment	Outside of Centre	PEN 1,984

Cost of a Utility in Peru 

It is also crucial to evaluate the cost of utilities in Peru, along with the cost of living there. Utility costs include electricity, water, gas, and heating. Understanding Peru’s utility costs and bills can help you better plan and manage your expenses. For your convenience, we have given the utility costs in Peru in the table below:

Utility Type	Approx. Cost
Basic Utility Cost (Heating, Electricity, Cooling, Water, and Garbage)	PEN 217
Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL monthly)	PEN 107
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	PEN 42

Cost of Grocery in Peru

It is essential to calculate how much the grocery costs in Peru, it is a part of the overall cost of living in Peru. Groceries in Peru cover things like fruits, veggies, milk, bread, water and other edible items you need every day. Usually, the cost of all groceries in Peru is less than other living expenses in the country. The following table displays the lists of the average cost of groceries in Peru: 

Grocery Item	Approx Cost
Regular Milk, (1 litre)	PEN 4.71
500g Fresh White Bread	PEN 7.49
1kg white Rice	PEN 4.21
A dozen Eggs (regular)	PEN 8.52
1kg Apples	PEN 5.77
1kg Banana (1kg)	PEN 3.55
1kg Oranges (1kg)	PEN 3.52
1kg Tomato (1kg)	PEN 3.78
1kg Potato (1kg)	PEN 3.33
1kg Onion (1kg)	PEN 3.31
1-litre bottle of Water	PEN 2.82

Also read: Cost of Living in Helsinki: A Comprehensive Guide

Restaurant Food Costs in Peru

Dining out in Peru plays an essential role in estimating a budget for the cost of living in Peru. Restaurant food costs depend on various factors, such as the type of restaurant, the location, and the cuisine you prefer to dine out in Peru.

Generally, dining out in Peru can be more expensive than cooking at home. To give you a better idea, we have provided the list of the average restaurant food costs in Peru below: 

Type of Restaurant	Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant
Meal at Lunch in an inexpensive restaurant	PEN 15
Meal in a Restaurant, for 2 person	PEN 100
Meal that is equiv. to McDonald’s	PEN 20
Cappuccino	PEN 10

Transportation costs in Peru

It is essential to estimate transportation costs in Peru because they might affect your cost of living in Peru. To move around the city, you can use local transport such as buses, trains, cabs, Colectivos, and Rickshaws.

You’ll need to know the cost of tickets or passes for regular use of public transportation in Peru. Check out the table below for costs related to the local transport system across the Peru region:

Mode of Transport	Approx Cost
Local transport ticket	PEN 2
Monthly ticket in a local transport	PEN 62.61
Taxi Ride for 1 km tariff	PEN 8
Taxi 1 hour Waiting for Normal Tariff	PEN 25
Gas / Petrol, 1 L or 0.26 gal	PEN 5.37

Also read: Cost of Living in China: A Comprehensive Guide on China’s Expenses

Cost of Apparel in Peru

The cost of apparel in Peru is also a crucial part of the cost of living in Peru. Multiple factors can decide the cost of apparel in Peru, such as shopping habits, seasonal clothes, and the quality you prefer.  For your reference, we have included the average apparel cost, like jeans, shoes, and summer dresses. Check out the table below to keep an idea about the costs of clothing across Peru region:

Clothes	Approx Cost
Pair of Brand Jeans	PEN 155
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store	PEN 104
Brand Shoes	PEN 288

Average Tuition Fees in Peru

Having an idea about the average tuition fees in Peruvian universities will help students estimate the budget for their higher education at their desired university. However, tuition fees can vary according to the university selection and the specific course preference. 

Understanding tuition fees, along with the costs of living in Peru, is an essential step in planning your education expenses and selecting the best path for your higher education journey. For your reference, in the table below, we have provided a comprehensive overview of the average tuition fees of a few universities in Peru:

Name of University	Approx Tuition fees per year
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP)	PEN 11265
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM)	PEN  3755
Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH)	PEN 46937
Universidad Cesar Vallejo	PEN 282795
Universidad de Huánuco	PEN 6937
Universidad Norbert Wiener	PEN 256354
Universidad de Lima	PEN 28,500

Things to Know When Moving to Peru

Moving to a new country like Peru is an exciting journey for anyone, and it’s essential to consider a few important things, including the average cost of living in Peru. Here are some key points to think about before moving to Peru or any new city so that you can better plan your journey and living expenses in Peru for the significant change:

Climate in Peru

Peru has three main climate zones in it such as the Coast, the Andean Highlands, and the Eastern lowlands with the Amazon rainforest.

The Coast Area: The south and central coasts are primarily dry and subtropical. In May and October, temperatures range from 13˚C  to 26˚C. In contrast, it’s slightly warmer in the north, with temperatures averaging around 24˚C.

The Andean Highlands: As we all know, weather varies with height. Here in the Andes, rain falls from September to March, and temperatures range from 11˚–18˚C. However, northern Andes can get snowy, while southern areas often face droughts.

The Eastern Lowlands and Amazon Rainforest: This area is hot and rainy all year, with temperatures ranging from 22˚C in the east to 31˚C in the Amazon forest. Annual rainfall varies from 1,000 to 3,000 mm.

Buy Private Health Insurance

Peru’s public healthcare system is one of the least funded. Public hospitals might be ineffective, with long waits for almost anything. Private clinics and hospitals around the country provide quality healthcare at reasonable prices, but you have to buy private insurance to deal with their bills.

Jobs in Peru

There are considerable job openings available in Peru, and even local businesses often hire immigrants. Additionally, Peru offers various networking options to help job seekers get jobs. The average salary after tax in Peru is around PEN 1,495.57, which allows people to supervise the cost of living in Peru.

Food in Peru 

With fresh ingredients from the sea, mountains, and jungle fused with various cultures over centuries, Peruvian cuisine is reaching its apex. Peruvian restaurants are also becoming more popular worldwide.

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FAQs

So, this was all about the cost of living in Peru. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.