Which place is cheaper, Los Angeles or Lima?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Lima or Los Angeles?
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 Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles?
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.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California is probably one of the most well known cities in the United States. It is the second most populated metro area in the country with more than 17 million people. The city's diversity is wide reaching, giving it a character that is unique from any other place in the country. LA has many world famous sights and neighborhoods including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Santa Monica, but there is really so much more to this city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, The Best Adventure Tours to Peru, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLima $76Los Angeles $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Lima is $76, while the average daily cost in Los Angeles is $258. 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 Los Angeles in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLima $49Los Angeles $140
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLima $98Los Angeles $280
Compare Hotels in Lima and Los Angeles
Looking for a hotel in Lima or Los Angeles? 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 Los Angeles Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lima $5.67Los Angeles $42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$5.37
-
Taxi Ride$5.37
-
Short Taxi Ride$4.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Lima HTL-APT (LIM): $34
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Lima APT-HTL (LIM) : $34
- Transfers from / to Lima airport: $43
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Lima Jorge Chávez Airport to Lima City: $40
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Lima City to Airport: $40
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Lima City - Lima Airport (LIM): $61
- Transfer from Lima city to the airport: $18
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers: $52
- Tegucigalpa to Tegucigalpa Toncontin Airport (TGU) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $20
- Round-Trip Transfer in Private Minivan from-to Lima Airport (LIM) in Lima City: $122
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Los Angeles
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:
-
Hotel Parking for a Day$22
-
Taxi to Airport$55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Los Angeles
Also for Los Angeles, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to LA City Center: $26
- One Way Transfer: Los Angeles from /to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) : $29
- Hollywood Private Transfer to/from Universal Studios or Burbank.: $39
- Private Departure Transfer to Burbank Airport (BUR): $40
- Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Cruise Terminal/Arrival Transfer : $63
- Cruise Terminal to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
- World Cruise Center to Long Beach Airport(LGB)-Departure Transfer: $66
- Private transfer from Los Angeles airport LAX to Anheim: $67
- Sta. Monica Private Transfer To or From Los Angeles Airport/Cruise Port.: $71
- Los Angeles Cruise Center Private Transfers to or from Hollywood: $73
- Los Angeles Private Transfer to or from Long Beach.: $79
- Hollywood to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Lima or Los Angeles?
Prices for flights to both Los Angeles 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
-
Food Meals for one dayLima $17Los Angeles $60
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$4.30
-
Ice cream$3.49
-
Coffee$2.95
-
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
Typical Food Prices in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Mexican Dinner (family of 4)$32
-
Burritos for Two$15
-
Coffee and Danish$7.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Venice Beach Food Tour with Tastings: $75
- Santa Monica Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $82
- 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $88
- Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $89
- West Hollywood Food Tour: $89
- Venice Beach LA Food Tour: $89
- Downtown Food Tour: $89
- Venice Beach Food Tour: $89
- LA Venice Beach Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Original Downtown Los Angeles Walking Food Tour with Six Taste: $110
- Night Cruise in Marina del Rey with Dinner: $124
- Vegan African Dinner Party in Playa Del Ray: $132
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lima $8.57Los Angeles $82
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$2.28
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima bike and 5 Step Food Tasting Experience: $92
- The best of Lima walking tour: $198
- 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
- 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-Day Trip to Lima Tour Package: $150
- 3-Hour Private Scooter Tour through Miraflores with Guide: $50
- 360° Panoramic bus - Sightseeing Tour: $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Los Angeles
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4)$37
-
Bowling$13
-
Hollywood Tour for Two$30
-
Six Flags for 2$96
Tours and Activities in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Los Ángeles self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $4.31
- Gambling Built the Sunset Strip: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Hollywood Secrets: In App Audio Tour at the Famous District: $5.00
- Gambling Built the Sunset Strip: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Chinatown Self-Guided Audio Tour (ENG): $5.40
- The Heart of Los Angeles’ Dreamland: A Self-Guide Tour in Culver City: $5.99
- LA: Broad Museum & Downtown Walk In-App Audio Tour: $7.00
- Lost Souls of Hollywood Smartphone Ghost Tour: $7.31
- Pacific Coast Hwy (LA Santa Maria): Smartphone Audio Tour: $7.31
- Lost Souls of Hollywood Blvd: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $7.99
- Beverly Hills Walking In-App Audio Tour: $9.00
- Getty Center In-App Audio Tour (ENG, ES): $9.00
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLima $5.57Los Angeles $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$7.23
-
Beer$4.03
-
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 Los Angeles
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:
- LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
- Salsa Lesson, Burlesque and Mojitos : $149
- Salsa Lesson and Burlesque Show: $149
- Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $195
- Wine Tour at Fess Parker Winery by Helicopter: $4,299
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lima and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lima or Los Angeles?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Los Angeles. When comparing the sizes of Lima and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?
Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles in the Summer?
Both Los Angeles and Lima during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.
In July, Lima is generally cooler than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Lima average around 18°C (64°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
Lima usually gets more rain in July than Los Angeles. Lima gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLima 18°C (64°F)Los Angeles 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Lima or Los Angeles in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lima and Los Angeles. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round. Also, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Lima is around the same temperature as Los Angeles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lima averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
In October, Lima usually receives less rain than Los Angeles. Lima gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLima 19°C (66°F)Los Angeles 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Lima or Los Angeles in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Lima as well as Los Angeles. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Lima is much warmer than Los Angeles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lima in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 55°F (13°C).
Lima usually gets less rain in January than Los Angeles. Lima gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLima 23°C (73°F)Los Angeles 55°F (13°C)
Should I visit Lima or Los Angeles in the Spring?
Both Los Angeles and Lima are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Lima is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Lima average around 22°C (72°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).
In April, Lima usually receives less rain than Los Angeles. Lima gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLima 22°C (72°F)Los Angeles 61°F (16°C)
Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Lima
| Lima | Los Angeles | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (66 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.