Which place is cheaper, Lima or Cape Town?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cape Town or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cape Town 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: Cape Town or Lima?
Cape Town
Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.
Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.
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 Camping Tours in South Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCape Town $98Lima $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Town is $98, while the average daily cost in Lima is $76. 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 Cape Town and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCape Town $39Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCape Town $78Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Cape Town and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Cape Town 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: Cape Town Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cape Town $17Lima $5.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers: $11
- Private Airport Transfers in Cape Town- One way/Round Trips: $16
- 1.Cape Town Airport Transfer (&Private tour trips during yo Stay): $17
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Cape Town City Center (CBD) to Cape Town Airport: $17
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Claremont to Cape Town Airport: $17
- Exclusive Cape Town Airport and Cruise Terminal Transfers: $18
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $18
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Muizenberg Cape Town : $18
- Airport Transfer (Cape Town ) Bus: $18
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer from Airport to Constantia: $18
- Transport Shuttle Transfer from Constantia to Cape Town Airport: $18
- 24 hour Private Airport Shuttle and Transfer CBD: $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.37
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Taxi Ride$5.37
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Short Taxi Ride$4.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Lima HTL-APT (LIM): $34
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Lima APT-HTL (LIM) : $34
- Transfers from / to Lima airport: $43
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Lima Jorge Chávez Airport to Lima City: $40
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Lima City to Airport: $40
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Lima City - Lima Airport (LIM): $61
- Transfer from Lima city to the airport: $18
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers: $52
- Tegucigalpa to Tegucigalpa Toncontin Airport (TGU) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $20
- Round-Trip Transfer in Private Minivan from-to Lima Airport (LIM) in Lima City: $122
Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Town or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and Cape Town 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 dayCape Town $42Lima $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $28
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
- 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $55
- Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
- Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
- African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $61
- African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
- Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $71
- Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
- Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.30
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Ice cream$3.49
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Coffee$2.95
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Donut$0.94
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cape Town $23Lima $8.57
Tours and Activities in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $2.99
- District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $3.24
- Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.60
- Kirstenbosch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
- Cape Town 30-minute V&A Harbour Cruise: $4.15
- Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise: $4.15
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.35
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.35
- Meandering through Mouille Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $5.00
- Sea Point Promenade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: Amble along the amazing False Bay Coast on an audio tour: $5.20
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)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.28
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCape Town $21Lima $5.57
Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town
Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.13
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.60
- African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
- Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $25
- Sip 15 Wines on a 3-Region Wine Tour with Cheese: $38
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
- Three Region Wine Tour: $44
- Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $47
- half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $49
- Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
- Fullday Wine Tour: $51
- Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $54
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$7.23
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Beer$4.03
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Cocktail$3.22
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 Cape Town and Lima, we can see that Cape Town is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cape Town is in Africa 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 Cape Town would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Town 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 Cape Town Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cape Town or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cape Town. When comparing the sizes of Cape Town 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 Cape Town or Lima?
Cape Town 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 Cape Town or Lima in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cape Town as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In January, Cape Town is generally a little warmer than Limain July. Daily temperatures in Cape Town average around 21°C (70°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. In the summer, Cape Town often gets more sunshine than Limain July. Cape Town gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
Cape Town usually gets more rain in January than Limain July. Cape Town gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyCape Town 21°C (70°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Cape Town or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima and Cape Town are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Cape Town is around the same temperature as Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Town averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. Cape Town usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Cape Town gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Cape Town usually receives more rain than Limain October. Cape Town gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberCape Town 18°C (64°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Cape Town or Lima in the Winter?
Both Lima and Cape Town during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In the winter, Cape Town is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Town in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.
In the winter, Cape Town often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Limain January. Cape Town gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
Cape Town usually gets more rain in July than Limain January. Cape Town gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCape Town 13°C (55°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Cape Town or Lima in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Town and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Cape Town is generally cooler than Limain April. Daily temperatures in Cape Town average around 16°C (61°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In Cape Town, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Town usually receives more sunshine than Lima during spring. Cape Town gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Cape Town usually receives more rain than Limain April. Cape Town gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilCape Town 16°C (61°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Cape Town
| Cape Town | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 17 mm (0.7 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.