Which place is cheaper, Lima or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Petra 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 Petra and Lima can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Lima?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Lima $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Lima is $95. 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 Petra and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Lima $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Lima $104
Compare Hotels in Petra and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Lima $6.06
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Short Taxi Ride$4.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.95
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.95
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM): $13
- Private Transfer to Lima Airport (LIM): $13
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $16
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM) to Callao Port: $17
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $17
- Private Airport Transfer to Miraflores San Isidro and Barranco: $18
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima Hotels: $18
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $18
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and Petra 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 dayPetra $66Lima $32
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.59
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Ice cream$3.73
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Coffee$3.15
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Donut$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
- #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
- Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
- 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Lima $9.15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- Hike Tour of Petra: $10
- 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
- Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
- From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140
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)$17
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Movie Tickets$2.44
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Lima City Tour with Baby Alpaca Class and Pisco Tasting: $16
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Bike Tour Lima: $19
- Water Magic Circuit Lima Night Tour by Panoramic Bus: $20
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- Bohemian and artistic ravine walking tour: $22
- Lima Half-Day City Walking Tour (Small Groups): $24
- Pisco Sour experience with mini causitas at República del Pisco: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Lima $5.95
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$7.71
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Beer$4.30
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Cocktail$3.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
- Local Wine Tour : $55
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Lima, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 550 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Lima?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Petra or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Lima. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Petra. In the summer, Petra is much warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Petra in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Petra or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima and Petra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Lima. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Petra. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Lima. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
In October, Petra is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 27°C (80°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Petra or Lima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Lima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Lima. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Lima during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
Petra is much colder than Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Petra or Lima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Petra as well as Lima. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Petra usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Lima. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Petra is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Petra in April average around 25°C (76°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Petra
| Petra | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.