Which place is cheaper, Lima or Bonn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Bonn or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bonn or Lima? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Bonn or Lima?
Bonn
Bonn was the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany (previously, West Germany) and it has a population of about 315,000 people. It sits on the Rhine River just twenty kilometers away from Cologne. Many people travel to Bonn for conferences and business, but Bonn also has a lot of cultural and historical sights to offer visitors. The city is also famous as the birth place of Ludwig van Beethoven. There's a strong student culture in the city as well, and it actually shares many characteristics with Italian cities because of its many cafes and restaurants which line the streets. Outdoor beer gardens are popular and Bonn is a particular good summer destination when the weather is pleasant and you can enjoy the outdoor setting. The city's location also makes it a great base for day trips to Cologne, Dusseldorf, and the Rhine and Eifel regions.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBonn €154Lima €71
The average daily cost (per person) in Bonn is €154, while the average daily cost in Lima is €71. 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 Bonn and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBonn €85Lima €45
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBonn €170Lima €90
Compare Hotels in Bonn and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Bonn 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: Bonn Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bonn €23Lima €5.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonn
Also for Bonn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bonn hotels Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride€4.99
-
Taxi Ride€4.99
-
Short Taxi Ride€3.74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Private Transfer From Lima To Huacachina With 2 Stops: $198
- Private Transfer From Lima To Paracas With 2 Stops : $176
- Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $150
- Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $134
- Round-Trip Transfer in Private Minivan from-to Lima Airport (LIM) in Lima City: $122
- Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $119
- Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima city hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Lima city hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $87
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer for small groups: $79
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port : $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Bonn or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and Bonn 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 dayBonn €49Lima €16
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two€3.99
-
Ice cream€3.24
-
Coffee€2.74
-
Donut€0.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $40
- Ceviche Cooking Class Including Pisco Sour Lesson: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bonn €34Lima €7.96
Tours and Activities in Bonn
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bonn.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Free Walking Tour Bonn - City Center: $3.23
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.31
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.58
- Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $7.31
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.07
- Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $11
- Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
- 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20
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€2.12
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima bike and 5 Step Food Tasting Experience: $92
- The best of Lima walking tour: $198
- Cultural Tour of the city of Lima & Gastronomic: $62
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $159
- 3-Day Trip to Lima Tour Package: $150
- 3-Hour Private Scooter Tour through Miraflores with Guide: $50
- 360° Panoramic bus - Sightseeing Tour: $27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBonn €23Lima €5.17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine€6.71
-
Beer€3.74
-
Cocktail€2.99
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour : $39
- Local Wine Tour: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bonn and Lima, we can see that Bonn is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bonn 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bonn or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Bonn 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 Bonn or Lima?
Bonn 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 Bonn or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Bonn during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
Bonn is around the same temperature as Lima in the summer. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In the summer, Bonn often gets more sunshine than Lima. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Lima. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBonn 19°C (66°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Bonn or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Lima. The autumn months attract visitors to Bonn because of the shopping scene. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Bonn is much colder than Lima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bonn in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Lima averages at about 19°C (66°F).
Bonn usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Bonn usually receives more rain than Lima. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBonn 12°C (53°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Bonn or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Lima. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. In January, Bonn is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 3°C (37°F), and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In the winter, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Lima. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
Bonn usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBonn 3°C (37°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Bonn or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Bonn is much colder than Lima in the spring. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Lima during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Bonn usually receives more rain than Lima. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBonn 10°C (50°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Bonn
| Bonn | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (61°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.