Which place is cheaper, Lima or Amsterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Amsterdam or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Lima, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Amsterdam or Lima?
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
-
Amsterdam Prices
Netherlands PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmsterdam €211Lima €83
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €211, while the average daily cost in Lima is €83. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Amsterdam and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmsterdam €102Lima €46
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmsterdam €204Lima €92
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam or Lima? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Amsterdam Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amsterdam €20Lima €5.33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
-
Ride on Tram€3.20
-
Renting a Bike€15
-
One Hour Canal Cruise€10
-
Single Day Transit Pass€2.60
-
Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport€3.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- 1-Way Train Transfer to/from Haarlem: $7.37
- Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $16
- Madurodam: Train + tram transferring to/from Amsterdam: $22
- Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Eindhoven: $33
- Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $40
- Amsterdam Airport Arrival Transfer (Airport to Amsterdam Hotel or Address): $40
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) Departure transfer from Amsterdam City: $41
- Amsterdam Airport Transfers, City Transfers and Disposal Services: $47
- Private Amsterdam Local Transfer to/from any Location: $48
- From Keukenhof Ticket, Transfer & Live Guide Option: $59
- Amsterdam Airport & Non-Airport Private Transfer to City Center: $60
- Private departure transfer from Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport (AMS): $68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride€5.05
-
Taxi Ride€5.05
-
Short Taxi Ride€3.78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Airport Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport LIM to Lima by Sedan: $52
- Deluxe Car Lima Transfer - Private Service: $29
- Guided Assistance -Hassle-free service -Airport -Hotel transfers: $30
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $43
- LIMA CAR TRANSFER - Private Service: $29
- Larco Museum Complete Guided Tour with Transfers (Small Group): $58
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $47
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores city - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer: $23
- Lima Airport Round Trip Transfer: $60
- Lima Airport Transfer Service Available 24 7: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and Amsterdam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayAmsterdam €80Lima €28
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
-
Afternoon Tea€6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Food Tour Amsterdam | Taste The Best of Dutch Flavors: $14
- Self Guided Food Tour in De Pijp District of Amsterdam: $59
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $60
- 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $71
- Amsterdam Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $89
- Amsterdam Food Tour: +10 Tastes, Culture and Canals with Sherpa: $89
- Top 10 Tastes of Guided Walking Food Tour: $91
- Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $95
- 10 Tastes of Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan: $105
- Dinner Canal Cruise 4-Courses Including Drinks: $105
- Jordaan Food Tour: Special 10 Year Anniversary Edition: $108
- Private Dutch Pancake Cooking Class in an Amsterdam Canal Home: $109
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two€4.04
-
Ice cream€3.28
-
Coffee€2.78
-
Donut€0.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Food tours on the forbidden side of Lima (Min. 3 Guests – Max. 6): $15
- Local Food Tour at an Iconic Market!!: $24
- Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $30
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $45
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
- Private Cooking Class in Causa & Lomo Saltado: $50
- 4h Cooking Class in Iconic Dishes & Bottomless Drinks: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $55
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $59
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amsterdam €36Lima €8.05
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum€6.00
-
Entry for two to the Anne Frank House€17
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $3.54
- Amsterdam Introductory Walking Tour with a Local: $3.54
- Self-Guided Tours Amsterdam With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.54
- Alternative Tour Amsterdam | Drugs Story, Street Art & More: $3.54
- Amsterdam Highlights Walking Tour: $4.73
- Amsterdam West Specialty Coffee Spots: A Self-Guided Cycling Tour: $5.41
- Amsterdam History Walking Tour: $5.92
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Amsterdam Center Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $6.47
- Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $6.47
- Discover Amsterdam's city center in this Outside Escape game tour: $6.51
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Red Light District: $6.72
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
-
Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)€15
-
Movie Tickets€2.14
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Miraflores Guided Walking Tour and Surquillo Market Experience: $5.00
- Lima Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Adventure at the Airport of Peru: $10
- Jogging Activity through Tourist Places facing the Sea in Lima: $15
- Walking Tour in the Historical Centre and China Town: $18
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Beach Guided Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
- Huaca Pucllana Tour: $20
- Fun Latin Dance Experience in Lima for Beginners: $20
- Barranco Street Art Tour - Unmasked: $20
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmsterdam €24Lima €5.24
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Red Light District Bar Crawl: $24
- Amsterdam Private Pub Crawl in the City Center: $30
- Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam: $32
- Halloween Bar Crawl in Central Amsterdam: $101
- Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Pub Tour including drink: $103
- Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $140
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine€6.79
-
Beer€3.78
-
Cocktail€3.03
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $22
- Discover Barranco's Nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $24
- Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
- Local Wine Tour: $77
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Lima, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amsterdam is in Europe and Lima is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Lima, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam or Lima?
Amsterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Amsterdam or Lima in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Lima. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Amsterdam is generally around the same temperature as Lima. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amsterdam usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Lima. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAmsterdam 17°C (62°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Lima. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Amsterdam is much colder than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets more sunshine than Lima. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
Amsterdam usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAmsterdam 11°C (51°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Lima in the Winter?
Both Lima and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Amsterdam is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Lima during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Lima. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAmsterdam 2°C (36°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Amsterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In April, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In the spring, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Lima. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
Amsterdam usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAmsterdam 8°C (46°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Amsterdam
| Amsterdam | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.