Which place is cheaper, Lima or Marbella?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Marbella or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Lima, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Marbella or Lima?
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
-
Marbella Prices
Spain PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarbella €145Lima €83
The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €145, while the average daily cost in Lima is €83. 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 Marbella and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella €61Lima €46
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella €122Lima €92
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Marbella 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: Marbella Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella €24Lima €5.33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Marbella to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Climb La Concha Peak - Guided Hike with Transfer: $79
- Vip Malaga Private Transfer to Marbella: $99
- Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Marbella: $111
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to PUERTO BANUS-PRICE ALL INCUSIVE: $129
- Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $158
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $166
- Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $167
- Private Transfer from Algarrobo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $277
- Private Transfer from Torrox to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $277
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride€5.05
-
Taxi Ride€5.05
-
Short Taxi Ride€3.78
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
- Transfer: Lima City Center to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $14
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $15
- Transfer in Private Van from the Airport to Hotels in Lima: $60
- Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel or Hotel-Airport!!: $15
- Transfer from the Airport to hotels in Lima: $30
- 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
- Tour Magic Water Park in Lima with Small Group Transfer: $38
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $15
- Round Trip Transfer from and to the Airport in Miraflores/Barranco/Sani: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and Marbella 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 dayMarbella €66Lima €28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flamenco Show & Dinner in Fuengirola/Mijas - Tipi Tapa Restaurant: $35
- Marbella Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $76
- Marbella Food Tour with Tapas & Drinks with a Local: $94
- Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour With Local Guide: $99
- Explore Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour: $104
- Chefcooking Paella from our Andalusian Grandmother at a Family Farm: $135
- The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $193
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $205
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two€4.04
-
Ice cream€3.28
-
Coffee€2.78
-
Donut€0.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Street Food Tour: Taste Authentic Peruvian Delights: $45
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- Lima Street Food Tour: Markets & Local Life: $50
- Peruvian Cooking Class with Chef Lucia Dabdoub: $50
- Private Cooking Class in Causa & Lomo Saltado: $50
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $59
- Lima Market Food Tour: $65
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $67
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour: $69
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella €19Lima €8.05
Tours and Activities in Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- The Magic Coins of Outdoor Escape Adventure: $5.96
- Magic Blocks in Estepona: Quest Experience: $6.66
- Glorious Grazalema Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Quizygolf Marbella, Minigolf Ticket: $12
- Marbella’s Old Town: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15
- Marbella Old Town Walking Tour: $18
- City Highlights Tour: $23
- City Highlights Tour: $23
- Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $26
- Sightseeing Walking Tour: $28
- The Monks Trail: Mountain Hiking Adventure In Marbella: $34
- Guided tour and olive oil tasting in Alhaurin el Grande (Málaga): $34
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)€15
-
Movie Tickets€2.14
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- 1 day tour in Ica Peru: $200
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $265
- 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
- 2 Days 1 Night Tour of Paracas Huacachina & flight to Nazca Lines: $272
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 3 Days Tour of Paracas Huacachina and Nazca: $275
- 3 Days Tour: Paracas and Huacachina: $155
- 3 Hours Walking Tour of Lima Old Town and Catacumbs: $59
- 4 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $299
- 8-Hour Private Tour Lima Viceroyalty and Gold Museum with Lunch: $120
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarbella €5.71Lima €5.24
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine€6.79
-
Beer€3.78
-
Cocktail€3.03
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $22
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $38
- Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Lima, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Marbella is in Europe and Lima is in South 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 Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella 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 Marbella Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marbella or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella or Lima?
Marbella 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 Marbella or Lima in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Lima. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In July, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Lima. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Lima. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMarbella 25°C (77°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Marbella is around the same temperature as Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Marbella usually receives more rain than Lima. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMarbella 19°C (67°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Lima in the Winter?
Both Lima and Marbella during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In the winter, Marbella is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In the winter, Marbella often gets less sunshine than Lima. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMarbella 12°C (54°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Lima in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Lima. The spring months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Marbella is generally cooler than Lima. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Lima during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Marbella usually receives more rain than Lima. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMarbella 16°C (60°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Marbella
| Marbella | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 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.