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.
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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.
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Amsterdam Prices
Netherlands PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmsterdam €211Lima €81
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €211, while the average daily cost in Lima is €81. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmsterdam €102Lima €44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmsterdam €204Lima €88
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amsterdam €20Lima €5.16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram€3.20
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Renting a Bike€15
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One Hour Canal Cruise€10
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Single Day Transit Pass€2.60
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport€3.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $15
- Private Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Transfer Service: $40
- Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $41
- From Keukenhof Gardens Ticket and Transfer: $41
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) Departure transfer from Amsterdam City: $42
- Private Amsterdam Local Transfer to/from any Location: $49
- Amsterdam Airport & Non-Airport Private Transfer to City Center: $58
- Keukenhof Gardens with Windmill Cruise & Transfer from Amsterdam: $66
- Amsterdam City to Schiphol Airport Transfer: $73
- Amsterdam Private Local Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer from Amsterdam Hotels to Amsterdam Cruise Port : $77
- Amsterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $77
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€4.88
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Taxi Ride€4.88
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Short Taxi Ride€3.66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Assistance - Transfer Cusco Airport to Hotel & Viceversa: $40
- Deluxe Car Lima Transfer - Private Service: $29
- Direct Private Transfer From Lima to Paracas, English Speaking Driver: $269
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer : $22
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $43
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Larco Museum Complete Guided Tour with Transfers (Small Group): $55
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores city - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer: $25
- Lima Airport Transfers by SUV/Van: $43
- Lima Bus Station Arrival Transfer: $28
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
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Food Meals for one dayAmsterdam €80Lima €27
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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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.
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $11
- Stroopwafel & Secrets: Amsterdam Street Food Tour de Pijp : $42
- Bike Rental and Dinner or Lunch: $52
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $61
- 3-course Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $63
- 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $72
- Bens Local Food Tour - 8 Tastings: $78
- Amsterdam Music Tour with Dinner: $86
- Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $94
- Dutch Food Tour with local guide: $94
- Amsterdam-West Food Tour with local guide: $102
- Dinner Canal Cruise 4-Courses Including Drinks: $107
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two€3.91
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Ice cream€3.17
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Coffee€2.69
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Donut€0.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
- #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
- Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
- 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amsterdam €37Lima €7.79
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum€6.00
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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:
- The Anne Frank Tour Amsterdam: $3.59
- The Classic Walking Tour of Amsterdam | 2 Hours with a Local: $3.59
- Bill's Bike Tour - Rent a Flower Bike in Amsterdam: $5.00
- Amsterdam Tour through its most famous Icons: $6.01
- Amsterdam Center Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $6.45
- Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
- Red Light District Amsterdam Tour with Audioguide: $8.40
- Amsterdam Interactive City Tour: $8.42
- WW2 Jewish & Anne Frank Amsterdam Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- Amsterdam's Red Light District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Volendam Marken Express Boat Cruise: $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)€15
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Movie Tickets€2.07
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Lima City Tour with Baby Alpaca Class and Pisco Tasting: $16
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Bike Tour Lima: $19
- Water Magic Circuit Lima Night Tour by Panoramic Bus: $20
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- Bohemian and artistic ravine walking tour: $22
- Lima Half-Day City Walking Tour (Small Groups): $24
- Pisco Sour experience with mini causitas at República del Pisco: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmsterdam €24Lima €5.07
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $29
- City Centre Bar Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $30
- Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings : $78
- New Year's Eve Pub Crawl With Optional Club Entrance: $84
- Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $141
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine€6.57
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Beer€3.66
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Cocktail€2.93
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
- Local Wine Tour : $55
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.