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

Should you visit Darwin or Lima?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Darwin 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: Darwin or Lima?

Darwin

Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.

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 Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima or Darwin?

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 Darwin is $139, while the average daily cost in Lima is $95. 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 Darwin and Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Darwin $62
    Lima $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Darwin $124
    Lima $104
Compare Hotels in Darwin and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Darwin 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 Darwin


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: Darwin Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Darwin $12
    Lima $6.06
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin

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


  • Shuttle to Train Station
    $9.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:

  • DRW Airport to Darwin City Centre Private Transfer: $47
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $87
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $87
  • Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $101
  • Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Arrival Private Transfer: $101
  • Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.73
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.73
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.95
  • QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.95
  • LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
  • Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM): $13
  • Private Transfer to Lima Airport (LIM): $13
  • Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $16
  • Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM) to Callao Port: $17
  • Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $17
  • Private Airport Transfer to Miraflores San Isidro and Barranco: $18
  • Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
  • Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima Hotels: $18
  • Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Darwin or Lima?

Prices for flights to both Lima and Darwin 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
    Darwin $65
    Lima $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin

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

  • Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $72
  • Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $96
  • Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $104
  • Cape Adieu Sunset Cruise with 4-Course Dinner: $111
  • Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $111
  • Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $113
  • Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise: $113
  • Waterfront Seafood Dinner with Wine for Two: $131

Typical Food Prices in Lima

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.59
  • Ice cream
    $3.73
  • Coffee
    $3.15
  • Donut
    $1.00

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Darwin $15
    Lima $9.15

Tours and Activities in Darwin

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

  • Aquascene Fish Feeding Experience: $11
  • Explore Delightful Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
  • Adelaide River Queen Original Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $27
  • Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $32
  • Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $33
  • 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $37
  • Darwin History and Wartime Experience Tour: $40
  • Adelaide River Cruises - Jumping Crocodile Experience: $40
  • 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $43
  • Discover Darwin Harbour: Darwin Harbour Afternoon Cruise: $43
  • Discover Darwin Harbour 1 hour Darwin Harbour Cruise: $44

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)
    $17
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.44

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Darwin $13
    Lima $5.95
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $16
  • Glass of Wine
    $4.58

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.71
  • Beer
    $4.30
  • Cocktail
    $3.44

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 Darwin and Lima, we can see that Darwin is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Darwin is in Pacific 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 Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin 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 Darwin Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Darwin or Lima?

Lima has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Darwin 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 Darwin or Lima?

Darwin 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 Darwin or Lima in the Summer?

Both Lima and Darwin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Darwin for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Darwin is generally much warmer than Limain July. Daily temperatures in Darwin average around 29°C (83°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Darwin usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Darwin gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Darwin. In January, Darwin usually receives more rain than Limain July. Darwin gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Darwin 29°C (83°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Darwin or Lima in the Autumn?

Both Lima and Darwin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Darwin in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.

Darwin is much warmer than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Darwin. In the autumn, Darwin often gets more sunshine than Limain October. Darwin gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.

Darwin usually gets more rain in April than Limain October. Darwin gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Darwin 29°C (84°F) 
    Lima 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Darwin or Lima in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Darwin and Lima. Most visitors come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Darwin is around the same temperature as Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Darwin in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.

In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Darwin usually receives more sunshine than Lima during winter. Darwin gets 312 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Darwin usually receives less rain than Limain January. Darwin gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Darwin 25°C (77°F) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Darwin or Lima in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Darwin as well as Lima. The spring months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.

In October, Darwin is generally a little warmer than Limain April. Daily temperatures in Darwin average around 29°C (85°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Darwin this time of the year. In the spring, Darwin often gets more sunshine than Limain April. Darwin gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.

Darwin usually gets more rain in October than Limain April. Darwin gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Darwin 29°C (85°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Darwin

Darwin Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 29°C (83°F) 437 mm (17.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 343 mm (13.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 342 mm (13.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 29°C (85°F) 76 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 30°C (85°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 29°C (85°F) 234 mm (9.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)