Which place is cheaper, Houston or Lima?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lima or Houston?
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 Lima and Houston. 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: Lima or Houston?
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.
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, The Best Adventure Tours to Peru, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLima $76Houston $262
The average daily cost (per person) in Lima is $76, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Lima and Houston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLima $49Houston $142
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLima $98Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Lima and Houston
Looking for a hotel in Lima or Houston? 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: Lima Hotel Prices and Houston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lima $5.67Houston $72
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.37
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Taxi Ride$5.37
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Short Taxi Ride$4.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
- Assistance /Transfer Hotel - Airport Lima Airport : $40
- Deluxe Car Lima Transfer - Private Service: $29
- From The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers: $56
- J.Chavez Airport to Miraflores City Hotels- Round Trip Transfer: $41
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer : $31
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
- Jorge Chavez International Airport: Private Transfer: $25
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $134
- Lima : Private transfer between airport to your destination: $29
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
- Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $54
- Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
- Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
- Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston City Center to George Bush Airport: $88
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Business Car: $106
- Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Lima or Houston?
Prices for flights to both Houston and Lima 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 dayLima $17Houston $35
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.30
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Ice cream$3.49
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Coffee$2.95
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Donut$0.94
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
- Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $40
- Ceviche Cooking Class Including Pisco Sour Lesson: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Montrose Food Tour: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lima $8.57Houston $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)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.28
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
- Peru's Best Bike Experience since 2014 - 4 Hours Hire: $9.90
- Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience: $12
- bike tour: $12
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $13
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Barranco Street Art Tour: $17
- Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
- Private Beach Guided Bike Tour in Lima : $19
- Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- Lima Downtown Tour from Miraflores in 3 hrs: $21
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sights of Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.31
- Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
- Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Operation City Quest: $10
- Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $12
- Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $14
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $17
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Family Guy Experience - Houston: $25
- Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLima $5.57Houston $13
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$7.23
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Beer$4.03
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Cocktail$3.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- 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
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour : $39
- Local Wine Tour: $50
Sample the Local Flavors in Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
- Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lima and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lima is in South America and Houston is in North 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Lima Expensive? and Is Houston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lima or Houston?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Lima and Houston, 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 Lima or Houston?
Houston 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 Lima or Houston in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lima and Houston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year.
In the summer, Lima is much colder than Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lima in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).
Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Lima usually receives less rain than Houston. Lima gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLima 18°C (64°F)Houston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Lima or Houston in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Lima as well as Houston. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In October, Lima is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Lima average around 19°C (66°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
It's quite rainy in Houston. Lima usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Lima gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLima 19°C (66°F)Houston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Lima or Houston in the Winter?
Both Houston and Lima are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Lima is much warmer than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Lima averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In January, Lima usually receives less rain than Houston. Lima gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLima 23°C (73°F)Houston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Lima or Houston in the Spring?
Both Houston and Lima during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Lima is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lima in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).
Lima usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Lima gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLima 22°C (72°F)Houston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Houston and Lima
| Lima | Houston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
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.