Which place is cheaper, Lima or Granada?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Granada or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Granada and Lima. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Granada or Lima?
Granada
Granada is Nicaragua's oldest colonial city, and arguably, the most beautiful city in the country. It sits on the northern edge of Lake Nicaragua (Lago Cocibolca) and has many beautifully colored buildings and nice churches. The city's beauty and colonial architecture, along with its relative safety and accessibility, make it one of Nicaragua's top tourist destinations. The city has long been a center for commerce, but today its economy depends heavily on tourism. The city is the sixth largest in Nicaragua and a real estate boom in the early 2000's brought a large number of expats to the town.
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 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGranada $40Lima $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Granada is $40, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Granada and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGranada $17Lima $49
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGranada $34Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Granada and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Granada 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: Granada Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Granada $8.57Lima $5.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Granada
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Granada:
- One-Way Private Transfer From/To Airport or Hotels in Granada: $80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$5.43
-
Taxi Ride$5.43
-
Short Taxi Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores Kennedy Park: $5.00
- Lima Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Miraflores: $5.63
- Lima Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Lima city center: $6.00
- Private transfers from Lima Airport or to Lima Airport: $17
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- Transfer from Lima city to the airport: $18
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $20
- Miraflores City to Lima Airport(LIM) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Jorge Chavez International Airport: Private Transfer: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Granada or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and Granada 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 dayGranada $14Lima $18
Typical Food Prices in Granada
Some typical examples of dining costs in Granada are as follows:
-
Pizza$2.29
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$4.34
-
Ice cream$3.53
-
Coffee$2.99
-
Donut$0.95
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
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
- Lima Night Food Tour: $48
- Lima Market Food Tour: $52
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Granada $10Lima $8.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Granada
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Granada are as follows:
-
Lago de Nicaragua Boat Tour$8.17
Tours and Activities in Granada
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Granada are as follows:
- Granada Kayak Tour: $30
- Colonial Granada Horse Carriage & Walking Tour: $35
- Paddle Boarding and Meditation Wellness Experience in Las Isletas: $39
- Las Isletas: Kayak Tour: $39
- Granada City Tour: $40
- Granada's City Tour: $40
- Las Isletas: Boat Tour: $45
- Masaya Night Tour Minimum 2 People from Granada: $45
- Las Isletas 2-Hour Kayak Adventure in Granada with Pickup: $48
- City Walking Tour and Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: $50
- Full-Day Tour: Masaya Volcano, Art Market and White Villages: $60
- Experience Granadas Best Sights Carriage ride + Local Guide: $65
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$2.31
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Free Walking Tour of Lima: $2.00
- Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience: $12
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $13
- Skip the Line: Peruvian Regional Dances Ticket: $14
- Barranco Street Art Tour: $17
- Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
- Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
- Guided and Private Bike Tour of Lima: $20
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- Lima Downtown Tour from Miraflores in 3 hrs: $21
- Historic Center Walking Tour with Pisco Sour Tasting: $25
- Costa Verde Express Tour: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGranada $7.50Lima $5.63
Typical Alcohol Prices in Granada
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Granada:
-
Tequila$1.36
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$7.30
-
Beer$4.07
-
Cocktail$3.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Granada and Lima, we can see that Lima is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Granada is in Central America 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 Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima than you might in Granada.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Granada Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Granada or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada or Lima?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Granada or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Granada throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Granada. In July, Granada usually receives more rain than Lima. Granada gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Granada usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Granada gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Granada is much warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGranada 27°C (81°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Granada or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima and Granada during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Granada because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Granada gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Lima. Granada gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
In October, Granada is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 27°C (81°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGranada 27°C (81°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Granada or Lima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Lima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Granada year-round. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Granada usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lima. Granada gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Lima during winter. Granada gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
Granada is a little warmer than Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGranada 26°C (79°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Granada or Lima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Granada as well as Lima. Granada attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Granada usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Granada gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Lima. Granada gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Granada is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGranada 29°C (84°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Granada
| Granada | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.