Which place is cheaper, Lima or Barcelona?
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 Barcelona or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Lima can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Barcelona or Lima?
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Barcelona Prices
Spain PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBarcelona €179Lima €85
The average daily cost (per person) in Barcelona is €179, while the average daily cost in Lima is €85. 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 Barcelona and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBarcelona €92Lima €47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBarcelona €184Lima €94
Compare Hotels in Barcelona and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Barcelona 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: Barcelona Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Barcelona €19Lima €5.42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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10 Trip Metro Ticket€7.80
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Airport Bus€5.00
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Metro€2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
- Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Center Port: $19
- Barcelona Airport: Transfer to/from Tarragona Bus Station: $19
- Barcelona airport: Bus Transfer from/to Salou: $22
- Private Transfer from Barcelona Cruise Port to Sants TrainStation: $24
- Private transfer from barcelona cruise port to sants station: $24
- Barcelona Private Arrival Transfer: $25
- Barcelona Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $26
- private transfer from Barcelona city to airport: $27
- Private departure Transfer: Barcelona City to BCN El Prat International airport: $27
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Barcelona El Prat International Airport: $27
- Barcelona Arrival Private Transfer Cruise Port to City Center: $27
- Taxi - Cab - Private transfer from Barcelona City Centre to Bcn Cruise Terminal: $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€5.13
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Taxi Ride€5.13
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Short Taxi Ride€3.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.95
- LIM Airport Private Transfer to/from Lima Center/Barranco: $13
- Transfer: Lima City Center to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $14
- Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel or Hotel-Airport!!: $15
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $15
- Private taxi transfer: Lima Jorge Chávez Airport – Safe: $16
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $16
- Private Transfer from Callao Port to Lima Airport (LIM): $16
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima City hotels: $16
- Private Airport Transfer to Miraflores San Isidro and Barranco: $18
- Private Transfer from Callao Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $18
- Transfer To Lima Airport: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Barcelona or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and Barcelona 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 dayBarcelona €58Lima €29
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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Hot Cocoa & Churro€4.15
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Sandwich€1.70
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Baguette & Horchata€3.80
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Tapas on the beach€8.28
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Gelatto€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
- Tipsy Food Tour with Paella and Sangria and History in Barcelona: $41
- Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit: $53
- Top Awarded Flamenco Show Tablao Cordobes with dinner option: $56
- Barcelona Food Tour: Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $56
- Barcelona : Paella Cooking Experience + Boqueria Market Exclusive Tour: $66
- Barcelona Morning Tapas Crawl by Food Tour: $69
- Barcelona Tapas Food Tour in El Born: $79
- Paella & Tapas Cooking Class with Sangria Making: $80
- Paella Cooking Class in Barcelona | Small Group, Cava & Wine: $81
- Gothic And El Born Food Tour with Tapas and Wine: $81
- Plant Based Food Tour in Barcelona: $88
- Barcelona Culinary Experience: Paella & Tapas Cooking Class: $88
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two€4.10
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Ice cream€3.34
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Coffee€2.82
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Donut€0.90
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): $5.00
- Local Food Tour at an Iconic Market!!: $24
- Private Churros Cooking Class, Miraflores & Hotel Pickup: $43
- Lima Street Food Tour: Taste Authentic Peruvian Delights: $45
- Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $46
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $49
- Lima Street Food Tour : Try the best Peruvian street food: $49
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
- Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Limeno Bites Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Barcelona €33Lima €8.19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
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Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass€42
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Souvenir Gaudi Book€8.55
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Admission to Museo Picasso€6.00
Tours and Activities in Barcelona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:
- Barcelona Gothic Quarter Self-Guided Walking Tour, Scavenger Hunt: $3.17
- Barcelona Guided Tour on Segway: $3.52
- Self-Guided Private City Tour in Barcelona's Best Kept Secrets: $3.52
- Barcelona Electric Scooter Tour: $3.52
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Barcelona: $3.52
- Welcome to Barcelona Segway and eScooter Tour: $3.52
- Barcelona Walking Tour of Gothic and Born District: $4.70
- Private Self Guided Audio Tour in Gothic Quarter Barcelona: $4.94
- Barcelona Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $4.98
- Barcelona Panoramic Escooter or E-Bike Tour: $5.88
- Barcelona Gothic Quarter Self Guided Walking Tour with Mobile App: $5.99
- Montjuic Park Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $7.63
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€2.18
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
- Walking Tour in the Historical Centre and China Town: $18
- Historic Lima & Catacombs Tour with Optional Pickup: $19
- Private Beach Guided Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- A Journey Through Time: Lima's Historic Center & Catacombs Tour: $20
- Colorful Barranco Tour and Street Art: $20
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $21
- The Real Lima Tour: Barrios, Local Culture & Flavors: $23
- City Tour in Lima: $23
- Jogging Activity through Tourist Places facing the Sea in Lima: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBarcelona €17Lima €5.32
Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Amazing Bar Crawl in Barcelona: $15
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING -The Best Party tour & VIP Club Entry: $18
- Largest Bar Crawl in Barcelona: $18
- Barcelona Pub Crawl and VIP Club Experience: $18
- Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $18
- Barcelona Pub Crawl with Karaoke and Beach bars and VIP Club: $19
- Pub Crawl Barcelona by EVOLVE The BEST night experience: $23
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $24
- Barcelona Speakeasy Pub Crawl with Hidden Bars & Optional Tapas: $29
- Admission to Torre Glories Barcelona Viewpoint with Wine Tasting: $33
- Winery tour & wine tasting in Penedès region 40min from Barcelona: $38
- Barcelona Picasso Museum & Optional El Born Tapas & Wine Tour: $47
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€6.90
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Beer€3.85
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Cocktail€3.08
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Discover Barranco's Nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Discover Miraflores nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $24
- Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Barcelona and Lima, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Barcelona Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona 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 Barcelona or Lima?
Barcelona 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 Barcelona or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Barcelona is a little warmer than Lima in the summer. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. Barcelona usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Barcelona gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Barcelona usually receives more rain than Lima. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 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 JulyBarcelona 23°C (73°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Barcelona or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima and Barcelona during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In the autumn, Barcelona is around the same temperature as Lima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Barcelona in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Lima averages at about 19°C (66°F).
In the autumn, Barcelona often gets more sunshine than Lima. Barcelona gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
Barcelona usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 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 OctoberBarcelona 17°C (63°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Barcelona or Lima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Lima. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Barcelona is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 9°C (48°F), and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Barcelona usually receives less sunshine than Lima during winter. Barcelona gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Barcelona usually receives more rain than Lima. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 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 JanuaryBarcelona 9°C (48°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Barcelona or Lima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Lima. Most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Barcelona is much colder than Lima in the spring. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In the spring, Barcelona often gets more sunshine than Lima. Barcelona gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
Barcelona usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Barcelona gets 51 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 AprilBarcelona 13°C (55°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Barcelona
| Barcelona | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 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.