Rio de Janeiro vs Lima

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Rio de Janeiro is roughly 11% more affordable than Lima (index 17 vs 20, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Rio de Janeiro
More affordable overall
11% cheaper than Lima · Cost index: 17 vs 20

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

17Cost Index20
762Median Income /mo645
45Safety Index32
27.5Income Tax %15
65Internet (Mbps)150
350Coworking /mo300

Price Breakdown

Rio de JaneiroCategoryLima
$680/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
3% cheaper →
$702/month
$1.13/liter
Meal for One
15% cheaper →
$1.33/liter
$7.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
40% cheaper →
$12/meal
$39/month
Monthly Transit Pass
36% ← cheaper
$25/month
$72/month
Utilities (Monthly)
7% ← cheaper
$67/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
8% ← cheaper
$55/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Rio de Janeiro

Internet65 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishlow
Communitygrowing
Walkability70/100

Lima

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$300/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability68/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rio de Janeiro cheaper than Lima?

Rio de Janeiro is cheaper than Lima. Rio de Janeiro has a cost of living index of 17/100 compared to 20/100 for Lima (New York = 100), making it roughly 11% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Rio de Janeiro than Lima?

Rio de Janeiro is approximately 11% cheaper than Lima based on cost index scores (17 vs 20, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Lima could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,657/month in Rio de Janeiro.

What is the rent comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Lima?

In Rio de Janeiro, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $680/month. In Lima, the equivalent is around $702/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Rio de Janeiro or Lima?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Rio de Janeiro offers 65 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Lima offers 150 Mbps and coworking at ~$300/month. Rio de Janeiro has a cost advantage of 11%.

What is the average income in Rio de Janeiro vs Lima?

The median net monthly salary in Rio de Janeiro is approximately $762 USD, compared to $645 USD in Lima.

Compare Rio de Janeiro with…

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