Which place is cheaper, Lima or Edinburgh?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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: Edinburgh or Lima?
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the moderately sized capital of Scotland. It is a medieval city that has managed to perfect the combination of Georgian architecture and medieval relics with a cosmopolitan population and avant-garde atmosphere. The city's population is quite young, in large part because of the University of Edinburgh. This youthful vibe gives this city a lot of vitality. There's a thriving nightlife, many restaurants, theatres, galleries and museums.
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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
-
Edinburgh Prices
UK PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEdinburgh £171Lima £72
The average daily cost (per person) in Edinburgh is £171, while the average daily cost in Lima is £72. 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 Edinburgh and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEdinburgh £74Lima £40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEdinburgh £148Lima £80
Compare Hotels in Edinburgh and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Edinburgh 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: Edinburgh Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Edinburgh £17Lima £4.62
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:
-
Local Bus£3.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh
Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One-Way Transfer from Edinburgh to Edinburgh Airport: $42
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Edinburgh - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
- Edinburgh to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - Departure Private Transfer: $43
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Edinburgh Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Edinburgh Accommodation to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- EDI Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $54
- Edinburgh Train Station Transfer to and from Your Hotel: $65
- Edinburgh Airport Private Transfer: $73
- Private Transfer from Newhaven Port to Edinburgh Airport EDI: $79
- Private Transfer from Edinburgh Hotels to Newhaven Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Edinburgh Hotels to South Queensferry Port: $79
- Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Edinburgh hotels: $79
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride£4.37
-
Taxi Ride£4.37
-
Short Taxi Ride£3.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Transfer: Lima City Center to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $14
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $15
- Transfer in Private Van from the Airport to Hotels in Lima: $60
- Transfer from the Airport to hotels in Lima: $30
- Transfer from the Airport to Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco: $21
- Transfer from Lima city to the airport: $20
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $21
- Transfer by official taxi from Jorge Chávez Lima Airport: $35
- Tour Night Magic Water Park and Ravine with Transfer: $49
- Tour Magic Water Park in Lima with Small Group Transfer: $38
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $15
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Lima Airport (LIM): $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Edinburgh or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and Edinburgh 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 dayEdinburgh £68Lima £25
Typical Food Prices in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Breakfast£8.50
-
Dinner at Filling Station£10
-
Lunch for Two£15
-
Sandwich£1.85
-
Cheese & bread£7.23
-
Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)£25
-
2 Coffees and Scones£5.80
-
Turkish Delight£1.40
-
Soup at the Pub£5.90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $38
- Edinburgh Holiday Food Tour: Donuts, Pastries, & Sweet Treats: $80
- New! Taste of Local Food Tour in Stockbridge: $109
- Traditional Scottish Cooking Class in Edinburgh: $116
- Edinburgh Food Tour with 5 Authentic Tastings & Local Scotch: $132
- Eating Old Town Small-Group Food Tour with Drinks: $142
- PRIVATE Edinburgh Food Tours - Old Town, Leith: $285
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two£3.50
-
Ice cream£2.84
-
Coffee£2.41
-
Donut£0.77
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 with Elite DRONE FOOTAGE: $4.00
- Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $43
- Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $44
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- Miraflores Cooking Class Ceviche, Tartar & Pisco Sour: $48
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $49
- Lima Street Food Tour : Try the best Peruvian street food: $49
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $50
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $55
- Barranco Food Tour: $60
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $62
- Dinner at the Cala Restaurant in Lima: $63
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Edinburgh £20Lima £6.98
Typical Entertainment Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Show Tickets£32
-
Movie Tickets for Two£12
-
Donation for Storytellers£6.00
Tours and Activities in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discover A Self-Guided Tour: $1.12
- Edinburgh Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.43
- Edinburgh Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
- Podcast Tour Edinburgh The Burke and Hare Murders: $6.84
- Edinburgh Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h30 and 24 reviews: $7.01
- Edinburgh City of Wizards Exploration Game and Tour: $7.44
- Edinburgh's Trainspotting Sites Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
- Self Guided Walking Tour of Edinburgh with Quizzes: $7.99
- Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour with an App: $9.99
- Harry Potter Magical Legacy Audio Tour in Edinburgh: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Edinburgh by Operation City Quest: $11
- TOP Edinburgh : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $11
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)£13
-
Movie Tickets£1.86
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- 1 Day Tour to Huacachina from Lima (Dunebuggy + Vineyards): $225
- 1 day tour in Ica Peru: $200
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $265
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $134
- 2 Days 1 Night Tour of Paracas Huacachina & flight to Nazca Lines: $272
- 2D Tour from Lima Paracas and Huacachina with Night in Huacachina: $230
- 3 Day Tour From Paracas, Huacachina Oasis & Pisco Vineyard: $143
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $275
- 3 Days Tour of Paracas Huacachina and Nazca: $275
- 3 Hour Private Electric Scooter Tour of Lima: $75
- 3 Hours Walking Tour of Lima Old Town and Catacumbs: $59
- 3-Day Tour Discover Paracas and Huacachina from Lima: $260
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayEdinburgh £15Lima £4.54
Typical Alcohol Prices in Edinburgh
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:
-
Beer & Wine£14
-
Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern£1.65
Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh
Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ebrius Late Night Pub Crawl 10PM with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $14
- Bobby’s Bar Crawl: 5 Epic Bars & The Best Nightclub in Edinburgh: $16
- Pub Crawl in Edinburgh: $20
- Ebrius Party Pub Crawl – 7 Bars, Free Shots & VIP Club Entry: $20
- The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: 7 Bars!: $20
- Gin Distillery tasting & tour at South Loch Gin: $34
- Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting: $34
- The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour: $34
- Edinburgh Christmas Bar Crawl: $34
- Stirling, Highlands & Distillery in Spanish: $88
- Edinburgh Acropolis and Gin Distillery EBike Tour: $102
- Arthur Seat and Vertical Distillery E Bike Tour Small Group: $116
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine£5.88
-
Beer£3.28
-
Cocktail£2.62
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Barranco Bohemian Bar Crawl: 4 Bars & Live Music: $24
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Edinburgh and Lima, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Lima?
Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Lima in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Lima. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In July, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Lima. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In the summer, Edinburgh often gets more sunshine than Lima. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
Edinburgh usually gets more rain in July than Lima. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyEdinburgh 14°C (58°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Edinburgh or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Edinburgh is much colder than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Edinburgh usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Lima. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEdinburgh 10°C (49°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Edinburgh or Lima in the Winter?
Both Lima and Edinburgh during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
Edinburgh can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Edinburgh is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Lima. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
Edinburgh usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEdinburgh 3°C (38°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Edinburgh or Lima in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Lima. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Lima during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Lima. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilEdinburgh 7°C (45°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Edinburgh
| Edinburgh | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 10°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 14°C (58°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 64 mm (2.5 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.