A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Budapest vs. Lima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Budapest or Lima?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Lima can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Budapest or Lima?

Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It has been called the "Paris of the East" because of its impressive architecture and general beauty. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because of its cultural importance, its location on the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue. In addition to its rich history, Budapest still has a young vibe with a lot of energy. There's an active night life, an impressive music scene, and a good reputation with European youth.

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 Luxury Tours to Hungary, The Best Budget Tours to Hungary, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima or Budapest?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Budapest is $100, while the average daily cost in Lima is $88. 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 Budapest and Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Budapest $46
    Lima $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Budapest $92
    Lima $96
Compare Hotels in Budapest and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Budapest 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.

Hotels in Budapest


Hotels in Lima


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: Budapest Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Budapest $9.89
    Lima $5.65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $6.53
  • Metro Pass
    $3.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest

Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shared Airport Shuttle Bus Transfer: $13
  • Budapest One Way Private Transfer to or from Airport: $14
  • Premier Outlet Shopping Transfer from City Center: $16
  • Budapest to Ferenc Liszt Intl Airport-Departure Private Transfer : $25
  • Budapest Private transfer Airport or Hotel to or from Cruise Port: $26
  • Budapest Private Departure Transfer: From hotels to Railway station: $26
  • One way private transfer from Budapest cruise port to Budapest hotels: $26
  • Budapest Roundtrip Private Airport Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Budapest city to Budapest Airport - departure: $27
  • Private Airport Transfer Budapest: $27
  • Private Transfer Budapest Airport BUD to Budapest by car or van: $34
  • Transfer from Liszt Ferenc Airport to Hotel: $37

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.35
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.35
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Paracas Visit private transfer from Lima : $290
  • Transfers from/to the Airport in Luxury Transportation: $199
  • Transfer from Lima Airport to your hotel and vice versa: $175
  • Direct Private Transfer From Lima to Paracas, English Speaking Driver: $162
  • Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $154
  • 3-Day Trip to Lima Tour Package, hotels & transfers: $140
  • Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
  • Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $89
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port: $86
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port : $78
  • Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $78
  • Lima J Chavez Airport to Lima Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Budapest or Lima?

Prices for flights to both Lima and Budapest 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 day
    Budapest $38
    Lima $30
Typical Food Prices in Budapest

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:


  • Lunch
    $3.19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Central Market Hall Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $14
  • Budapest Guided Food Tour with Drinks Included: $37
  • Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $44
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $48
  • Bistro Boat Cruise with Dinner & Optional Open Bar: $50
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour / Local delights: $56
  • Budapest Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks: $56
  • Private Street Food Tour: $58
  • Food Tour with Wine tasting By Foodapest 2024: $61
  • Guided Food Tour with Wine, Beer, and Shots: $66
  • Guided Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks Included in Budapest: $66
  • Tipsy Guided Food Tour with Drinks Included in Budapest: $66

Typical Food Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.28
  • Ice cream
    $3.48
  • Coffee
    $2.94
  • Donut
    $0.94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.

  • Miraflores: Amazing Peruvian Cooking Class Ceviche Seafood and Pisco Sour: $35
  • Ceviche Cooking Class Including Pisco Sour Lesson: $40
  • Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
  • Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
  • Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $49
  • Food History & Local Markets (Food Tour): $56
  • 4-dish Peruvian Food Cooking Class + Pisco Sour Making: $56
  • Lima's Food Tour through Local Markets & Barranco Visit: $59
  • Peruvian Cooking Class: $59
  • Lima's #1 Reviewed Cooking Class: $59
  • Lima Market Food Tour: $59
  • Lima Street Food Tour: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Budapest $20
    Lima $8.53
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance to the Baths for Two
    $6.41

Tours and Activities in Budapest

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.

  • Gems of The Castle District Guided Walking Tour!: $1.69
  • Jewish Quarter of Budapest Walking Tour: $2.12
  • Castle District Walking Tour: $3.17
  • Guided Tour in Budapest Castle District: $3.23
  • Budapest Castle District Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Original Budapest Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Mika Tivadar Secret Museum Entry Ticket: $4.23
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Buda Castle: $5.39
  • Budapest Ghost Hunt Exploration Game and Tour: $5.59
  • Doboz Ruin Pub and Club Entry & Drink Ticket: $5.82
  • Museum of Ethnography Entry Ticket: $6.66
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Day Time Cruise: $7.69

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)
    $16
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.27

Tours and Activities in Lima

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:

  • Cycling Tour Miraflores - Barranco - Chorrillos: $27
  • Lima bike and 5 Step Food Tasting Experience: $92
  • Lima in 1 Day! - City Tour + Miraflores, Barranco & San Isidro: $85
  • Private Classic City Tour Experience of Lima: $65
  • Private Stopover Tour of Lima from the Airport: $150
  • The best of Lima walking tour: $195
  • 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
  • 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
  • 2-Day Private Hiking Adventure in Marcahuasi (Lima): $500
  • 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
  • 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour of Lima Old Town and Catacumbs: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Budapest $17
    Lima $5.55

Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest

Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private, Personalized Pub Crawl, 5 drinks included: $19
  • 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
  • The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $22
  • Guided Bar Crawl through the Party District: $22
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Budapest Pub Crawl +6 free Shots +VIP Access +Drinking Games : $24
  • Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $24
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
  • Pub Crawl Budapest - with challanges and games: $25
  • Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $27
  • Hungarian pálinka distillery visit and tasting: $32

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.20
  • Beer
    $4.01
  • Cocktail
    $3.21

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $23
  • Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $23
  • Pisco Pub Crawl: $35
  • Pub Crawl in Lima: $36
  • Local Wine Tour: $50
  • Anti Pub Crawl | Extreme Underground Nightlife Experience: $89
  • From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Day Trip: $105
  • From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Day Trip: $105
  • From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Tour: $105
  • From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Day Trip: $114


When comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Lima, we can see that Budapest is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Budapest is in Europe and Lima is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Budapest Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Budapest or Lima?

Lima has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Budapest. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest or Lima?

Budapest 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 Budapest or Lima in the Summer?

Both Lima and Budapest during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.

In July, Budapest is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. In the summer, Budapest often gets more sunshine than Lima. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets more rain in July than Lima. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Budapest 21°C (70°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Budapest or Lima in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Lima. Most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Budapest is much colder than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Budapest usually receives more rain than Lima. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Budapest 12°C (53°F) 
    Lima 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Budapest or Lima in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Lima. The winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. In the winter, Budapest is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In the winter, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Lima. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Budapest -1°C (31°F) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Budapest or Lima in the Spring?

Both Lima and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Budapest is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Budapest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lima during spring. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Budapest usually receives more rain than Lima. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Budapest 12°C (53°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Budapest

Budapest Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)