Which place is cheaper, Lima or La Plata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit La Plata or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between La Plata and Lima can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: La Plata or Lima?
La Plata
Just over an hour from Buenos Aires, the bustling university city of La Plata is notable for being South America's first planned city. Indeed, also known as the City of Diagonal, La Plata's intricate grid system includes diagonal streets that run through it, contributing to easy navigation but confusing intersections.La Plata is the Capital of the Province of Buenos Aires, the main Argentine state, so you will find lots of elaborate government buildings alongside leafy green plazas in this laid back as well as active city. La Plata is a happening university town with a population of over 700,000. You can walk the width of it in under an hour, stopping at trendy craft beer bars, local music joints, and great restaurants along the way. Also, football is a religion in Argentina and if you're looking for some local atmosphere, La Plata is the place to go! Two of Argentina's biggest football teams, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata and Estudiantes de La Plata challenge each other each year. If you are around during that special day for the city, you will witness thousands of fans wearing the relevant colours heading off to watch the match and parade by calle 7.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, 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 dayLa Plata $8.62Lima $77
The average daily cost (per person) in La Plata is $8.62, 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 La Plata and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLa Plata $3.47Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLa Plata $6.94Lima $98
Compare Hotels in La Plata and Lima
Looking for a hotel in La Plata 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 Plata Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.La Plata $2.47Lima $5.73
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Short Taxi Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Private Transfer From Lima To Paracas With 2 Stops : $175
- Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $150
- Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $119
- Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
- Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $89
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima city hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Lima city hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $87
- Private Largevan Transfer - Arrival Lima Airport to Hotel: $80
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $78
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port : $78
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Lima City - Lima Airport (LIM): $61
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into La Plata or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and La Plata 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 Plata $3.37Lima $18
Typical Food Prices in La Plata
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to La Plata:
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Ice Cream$0.01
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.34
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Ice cream$3.53
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Coffee$2.99
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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 Market Food Tour - Taste 9 Popular Peruvian Snacks: $35
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Lima Food Tour: $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.La Plata $2.16Lima $8.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in La Plata
For La Plata, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sciencias Naturales Museum Entrance Fee$0.01
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$2.31
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima in 1 Day! - City Tour + Miraflores, Barranco & San Isidro: $85
- 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
- 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- 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-Hour Guided Bicycle Tour in Miraflores: $30
- 3-Hour Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Lima: $51
- 360° Panoramic bus - Sightseeing Tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLa Plata $1.20Lima $5.63
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$7.30
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Beer$4.07
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Cocktail$3.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $17
- 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
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Plata and Lima, we can see that Lima is more expensive. And not only is La Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Plata 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 Plata.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Plata Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, La Plata or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of La Plata. When comparing the sizes of La Plata 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 La Plata or Lima?
La Plata 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 La Plata or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and La Plata during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In January, La Plata is generally a little warmer than Limain July. Daily temperatures in La Plata average around 25°C (77°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In the summer, La Plata often gets more sunshine than Limain July. La Plata gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
La Plata usually gets more rain in January than Limain July. La Plata gets 86 mm (3.4 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 JulyLa Plata 25°C (77°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit La Plata or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Plata and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
La Plata is around the same temperature as Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
La Plata usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. La Plata gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, La Plata usually receives more rain than Limain October. La Plata gets 85 mm (3.3 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 OctoberLa Plata 18°C (65°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit La Plata or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to La Plata as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In the winter, La Plata is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Plata in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.
In the winter, La Plata often gets less sunshine than Limain January. La Plata gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
La Plata usually gets more rain in July than Limain January. La Plata gets 57 mm (2.2 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 JanuaryLa Plata 12°C (53°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit La Plata or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and La Plata are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, La Plata is generally cooler than Limain April. Daily temperatures in La Plata average around 18°C (64°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
La Plata usually receives less sunshine than Lima during spring. La Plata gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in La Plata. In October, La Plata usually receives more rain than Limain April. La Plata gets 100 mm (3.9 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 AprilLa Plata 18°C (64°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and La Plata
| La Plata | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 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.