Which place is cheaper, Lima or La Paz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit La Paz 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 La Paz 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: La Paz or Lima?
La Paz
La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, has a breathtaking setting. The city is the highest national capital in the world, with an altitude ranging from about 4,058 m (13,313 ft) above sea level in El Alto, where the airport is located, to 3,100 m (10,170 ft) in the lower residential area. The dynamic and chaotic city was built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River. La Paz is now a fusion of architectural styles, cultures and beliefs, welcoming everyday new boutique hotels, modern shops, delicious restaurants and reinventing standing establishments. However, generally speaking, Bolivia remains more a backpacker hit than a mainstream tourist destination.
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 Bolivia, The Best Budget Tours to Bolivia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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La Paz Prices
Bolivia PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLa Paz $33Lima $98
The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $33, while the average daily cost in Lima is $98. 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 La Paz and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLa Paz $9.40Lima $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLa Paz $19Lima $108
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Lima
Looking for a hotel in La Paz 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: La Paz Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.La Paz $5.52Lima $6.25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in La Paz
Some typical examples of transportation costs in La Paz are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$0.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Also for La Paz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- La Paz:Private transfer from La Paz Hotels to El Alto Aiport: $22
- Private Transfer Airport to Hotels Service 24/7: $22
- Cholitas Wrestling Tickets and Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer From Airport to Hotel in La Paz City: $25
- Airport Transfer Out_day: $25
- Bus Station Transfer Out_day: $25
- Bus Station Transfer Out_night: $25
- Bus Station Transfer In_day: $25
- Private transfer 24/7 El Alto Airport - Hotels La Paz: $28
- Private Transfer from El Alto Airport to La Paz, Bolivia Hotels: $28
- Cholitas Wrestling Ticket – La Paz Show + Transfer: $30
- Private Transfer La Paz Airport LPB to La Paz City By Van or Suv: $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.92
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Taxi Ride$5.92
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Short Taxi Ride$4.44
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 from the Airport to the Hotel or Hotel-Airport!!: $15
- Transfer from the Airport to hotels in Lima: $30
- Transfer from Lima Airport to your hotel and vice versa: $175
- Transfer by official taxi from Jorge Chávez Lima Airport: $35
- Transfer To Lima Airport: $20
- Tour Night Magic Water Park and Ravine with Transfer: $49
- Round Trip Transfer from and to the Airport in Miraflores/Barranco/Sani: $41
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.95
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.95
- Private taxi transfer: Lima Jorge Chávez Airport – Safe: $16
Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and La Paz 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 dayLa Paz $17Lima $33
Typical Food Prices in La Paz
For La Paz, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Fruit$0.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
For La Paz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Morning Food Tour with Cable Car & Local Markets: $27
- Bolivian Cooking Class: $28
- Bolivian Cooking Class: $30
- Paceño Plates La Paz Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $39
- Learn Bolivian Cuisine/Cooking Class: $40
- La Paz : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $76
- Real Street Food Tour La Paz: $100
- Real Street Food Tour with Guide: $100
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.74
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Ice cream$3.85
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Coffee$3.26
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Donut$1.04
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 (Min. 3 Guests – Max. 6): $5.00
- Local Food Tour at an Iconic Market!!: $24
- Miraflores Cooking Class Ceviche, Tartar & Pisco Sour: $45
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- 4h Cooking Class in Iconic Dishes & Bottomless Drinks: $50
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
- Private Cooking Class in Causa & Lomo Saltado: $55
- Criollo Nights Lima Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Peruvian Cooking Class + Local Market, Tuk Tuk and Fiesta: $60
- Dinner at the Cala Restaurant in Lima: $63
- Lima Market Food Tour: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.La Paz $9.22Lima $9.44
Tours and Activities in La Paz
For La Paz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Walking tour of the city of La Paz: $2.50
- Walking city tour La Paz: $2.50
- La Paz Half-Day Walking Tour: $3.00
- La Paz City Walking Tour Including Historical Streets: $5.00
- Be a Local - La Paz Walking Tour: $8.00
- Be a Local Walking Tour: $8.00
- City Walking Tour in La Paz: $8.00
- Private Viewpoint Tour with Snacks and Photos: $9.00
- City Tour plus Cable Car La Paz: $10
- Chualluma Street Art and Cholita Fashion Tour: $10
- Walking and Cable Car City Tour; Urban Experience: $14
- Walking tour La Paz city: $14
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)$18
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Movie Tickets$2.52
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: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2 Days 1 Night Paracas Ica Tour from Lima: $150
- 3 Day Tour From Paracas, Huacachina Oasis & Pisco Vineyard: $159
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLa Paz $6.25Lima $6.14
Sample the Local Flavors in La Paz
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in La Paz:
- Pub Crawl with VIP Entry and Welcome Shot: $24
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$7.96
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Beer$4.44
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Cocktail$3.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $38
- Local Wine Tour: $78
- From Lima Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Dunes and Wine Tour: $89
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Lima, we can see that Lima is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 La Paz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Paz Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, La Paz or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz 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.
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.