Lima vs Cebu

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Lima is roughly 0% more affordable than Cebu (index 18 vs 18, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Lima
More affordable overall
0% cheaper than Cebu · Cost index: 18 vs 18

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

18Cost Index18
850✓Median Income /mo370
50Safety Index60✓
15Income Tax %15
120✓Internet (Mbps)82
180Coworking /mo180

Price Breakdown

LimaCategoryCebu
$702/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
48% ← cheaper
$365/month
$1.39/liter
Meal for One
18% cheaper →
$1.7/liter
$10/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
60% ← cheaper
$4/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
40% ← cheaper
$15/month
$67/month
Utilities (Monthly)
36% cheaper →
$105/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
17% ← cheaper
$50/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Lima

Internet120 Mbps
Coworking$180/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability68/100

Cebu

Internet82 Mbps
Coworking$180/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability68/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lima cheaper than Cebu?

Lima is cheaper than Cebu. Lima has a cost of living index of 18/100 compared to 18/100 for Cebu (New York = 100), making it roughly 0% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Lima than Cebu?

Lima is approximately 0% cheaper than Cebu based on cost index scores (18 vs 18, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Cebu could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $3,000/month in Lima.

What is the rent comparison between Lima and Cebu?

In Lima, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $702/month. In Cebu, the equivalent is around $365/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Lima or Cebu?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Lima offers 120 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$180/month. Cebu offers 82 Mbps and coworking at ~$180/month. Lima has a cost advantage of 0%.

What is the average income in Lima vs Cebu?

The median net monthly salary in Lima is approximately $850 USD, compared to $370 USD in Cebu.

Compare Lima with…

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