Which place is cheaper, Miami or Lima?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lima or Miami?
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 Miami. 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 Miami?
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.
Miami
Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.
Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.
Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, The Best Adventure Tours to Peru, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLima $76Miami $206
The average daily cost (per person) in Lima is $76, while the average daily cost in Miami is $206. 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 Miami in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLima $49Miami $132
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLima $98Miami $264
Compare Hotels in Lima and Miami
Looking for a hotel in Lima or Miami? 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 Miami Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lima $5.67Miami $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.37
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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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:
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Car Rental for a Day$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:
- Train Transfer to South Florida Cities: $20
- Miami International Airport: One-Way Transfer to Miami: $24
- Transfers Airports Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Port Mía Everglades: $25
- 50 min Everglades Airboat, Photo & Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel or Port of Miami: $35
- Miami Private Transfers: Airport, Cruise, Point-to-Point.: $36
- Miami or Ft Lauderdale: Train Transfer to Orlando Airport: $39
- From Everglades Wildlife Show, Airboat & Bus Transfer: $40
- Miami Int'l Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Miami Port: $48
- Private One Way Transfer: Miami Airport (MIA) to/from Miami: $55
- From Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer: $57
- Key West Transfer with Hotel Pickup and Upgrades: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Lima or Miami?
Prices for flights to both Miami 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 $17Miami $41
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
Typical Food Prices in Miami
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:
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Lunch with Drinks (for 2)$45
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David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.
- The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
- Wynwood Street Art, Culture, Donuts & Walking Food Tour: $65
- South Beach Food Tour: $70
- A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $70
- Little Havana Walking Food Tour: $75
- South Beach Miami Food & Fun Art Deco Food Tour : $79
- Wynwood Walls Art District Food Tour: $80
- Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
- Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
- Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
- Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $124
- Ukrainian cooking class in Miami: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lima $8.57Miami $31
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 Miami
Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Haunted a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour : $5.94
- Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
- Miami Beach: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide: $7.30
- Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.30
- Private Sightseeing Audio Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $7.99
- Sights of Downtown a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
- Luggage Storage and Cruise Lounge Area: $8.00
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Miami: $8.72
- Miami Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Miami Marlins Baseball Game Ticket at loandepot Park: $9.25
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Little Havana: $10
- Audio Tour of Downtown, South Beach, and Wynwood: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLima $5.57Miami $22
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:
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Evening at a Bar$32
Sample the Local Flavors in Miami
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:
- Miami Bar Crawl: $25
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
- Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
- Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
- Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
- Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lima and Miami, we can see that Miami 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 Miami 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 Miami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Miami 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 Miami Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lima or Miami?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Lima and Miami, 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 Miami?
Miami 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 Miami in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lima and Miami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round. Also, many visitors come to Miami in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Lima is much colder than Miami in the summer. The daily temperature in Lima averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. Lima usually receives less sunshine than Miami during summer. Lima gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Lima usually receives less rain than Miami. Lima gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLima 18°C (64°F)Miami 83°F (28°C)
Should I visit Lima or Miami in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Lima as well as Miami. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In the autumn, Lima is cooler than Miami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lima in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Miami averages at about 78°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. In the autumn, Lima often gets less sunshine than Miami. Lima gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Miami. Lima usually gets less rain in October than Miami. Lima gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLima 19°C (66°F)Miami 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Lima or Miami in the Winter?
Both Miami 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, the winter months attract visitors to Miami because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Lima is generally a little warmer than Miami. Daily temperatures in Lima average around 23°C (73°F), and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in Miami. Lima usually receives less sunshine than Miami during winter. Lima gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Lima usually receives less rain than Miami. Lima gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLima 23°C (73°F)Miami 67°F (20°C)
Should I visit Lima or Miami in the Spring?
Both Miami 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, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Miami this time of year.
Lima is around the same temperature as Miami in the spring. The daily temperature in Lima averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).
In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Lima often gets less sunshine than Miami. Lima gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun.
Lima usually gets less rain in April than Miami. Lima gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Miami 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)Miami 75°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Miami and Lima
| Lima | Miami | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.