Which place is cheaper, Lima or Seoul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Seoul 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 Seoul and Lima can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Seoul or Lima?
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySeoul $109Lima $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $109, while the average daily cost in Lima is $76. 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 Seoul and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSeoul $55Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSeoul $110Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Seoul and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Seoul 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: Seoul Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Seoul $16Lima $5.67
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.69
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Short Taxi Ride$5.16
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Metro Ride$0.99
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Seoul City Pass Plus$7.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- From Half-Day MBC Dae Jang Geum Park Transfer: $55
- Transfer Service from Gimpo Airport to Hotel City: $57
- From Everland Admission Ticket with Transfer: $75
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-5 pax): $80
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City - Gimpo Airport (1-5 pax): $80
- Seoul Incheon International Airport to from Incheon Private Transfer: $85
- Seoul Airport: Private Departure Transfer from Seoul City Center: $87
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $95
- Private Gimpo Airport Transfer to Seoul and Vice Versa: $95
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-5 pax): $98
- Incheon Airport Private Transfer between Seoul City: $98
- Private Airport Transfer : Incheon airport to/from Seoul(~7 pax): $99
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:
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.00
- Lima Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Miraflores: $5.63
- Lima Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Lima city center: $6.00
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport to Hotels in Lima: $13
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Private transfers from Lima Airport or to Lima Airport: $17
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- Transfer from Lima city to the airport: $18
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $20
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport to Hotel by Aludy Travel: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and Seoul 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 daySeoul $30Lima $17
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.42
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Waffle$0.74
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Dippin' Dots$1.47
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Chicken Fried Rice$4.05
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Chicken Stick$1.47
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.40
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Lunch Buffet$4.42
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Donut$0.74
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Mushroom Burger$3.83
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.43
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Udon & Sushi$5.16
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Fresh Burger$3.54
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.32
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.69
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Fried Rice$4.05
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Vietnamese Dinner$7.00
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$7.00
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Donut$1.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Korean Cooking @ Seoul Cooking Club!: $0.11
- Gyeongbokgung Palace : Tour, dinner and coffee: $37
- Seoul Mangwon Market Social Night Food Tour: $44
- Namdaemun Market: the Largest Traditional Market Food Tour: $47
- Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour: $48
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $54
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $54
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $58
- Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $58
- Half Day Seoul Afternoon Food Tour and visit 3 landMarks of Seoul: $67
- Night Market Food Tour: $70
- Energizing Korean Cooking Class in a Local Home in Seoul: $71
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Seoul $27Lima $8.57
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.90
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Movie Ticket$5.90
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Kimchi Museum$2.21
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.20
- [NEWTRO ART TOUR] Media art museum & walking tour: $8.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Skip the Line: Figure Museum W Ticket (내국인 불가): $11
- Seoul Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid (내국인 불가): $13
- Dongdaemun City Tour Bus(내국인불가): $14
- 63 Aqua Planet and 63 Building Seoul Observatory Tickets: $14
- Seoul : Guided Consultation Tour (Filler, Cosmetic Surgery): $16
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Private Half-Day Tour: $19
- Virtual Tour of Korean Demilitarized Zone: $19
- Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour: $20
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySeoul $12Lima $5.57
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $11
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $21
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - Story of Three Pigs: $43
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $81
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Lima, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul 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 Seoul Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Seoul or Lima?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Lima. When comparing the sizes of Seoul 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 Seoul or Lima?
Seoul 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 Seoul or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Seoul in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Seoul. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Lima. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySeoul 26°C (78°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima and Seoul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
Seoul is cooler than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the autumn, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Lima. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSeoul 15°C (59°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Lima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Lima. The winter months attract visitors to Seoul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Seoul can be very cold. In the winter, Seoul is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Lima during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Seoul usually receives more rain than Lima. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySeoul -3°C (27°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Lima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Lima. The activities around the city are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In April, Seoul is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the spring, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Lima. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSeoul 13°C (55°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Seoul
| Seoul | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 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.