Which place is cheaper, Lima or Seoul?
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 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.
-
Seoul Prices
South Korea PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySeoul $117Lima $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $117, while the average daily cost in Lima is $98. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSeoul $49Lima $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSeoul $98Lima $108
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Seoul $14Lima $6.24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
-
Subway Card$3.28
-
Short Taxi Ride$4.59
-
Metro Ride$0.88
-
Seoul City Pass Plus$6.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- Seoul Private Transfer Airport Gangneung Jeonju Gyeongju Busan: $13
- Private One-Way Transfers to/from Incheon Airport(ICN): $39
- Night Views Tour with Guide and Transfers: $41
- From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $50
- Private Airport Transfer: Hotel in Seoul → Gimpo Airport: $57
- Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $60
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) Departure Private Transfer: $63
- Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
- Private Airport Transfer:Seoul City Incheon ⇄Airport: $67
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport → Hotel in the City: $75
- Private Seoul KTX Station Transfer from/to Seoul Area: $85
- Incheon Airport Transfer service pick up drop off Seoul ~7 Pax: $89
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$5.91
-
Taxi Ride$5.91
-
Short Taxi Ride$4.43
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 : Bus transfer to/from Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco: $11
- Lima Airport One Way Private Transfer LIM to Lima City Center: $12
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Transfer: Lima City Center to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $14
- Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel or Hotel-Airport!!: $15
- Lima Airport Transfer Service Available 24 7: $15
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $15
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $15
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM) to Callao Port: $16
- Private Taxi Transfers to Lima Jorge Chavez Airport: $17
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
-
Food Meals for one daySeoul $47Lima $33
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
-
Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$3.93
-
Waffle$0.66
-
Dippin' Dots$1.31
-
Chicken Fried Rice$3.60
-
Chicken Stick$1.31
-
Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.24
-
Lunch Buffet$3.93
-
Donut$0.66
-
Mushroom Burger$3.41
-
Green Tea Ice Cream$2.16
-
Udon & Sushi$4.59
-
Fresh Burger$3.14
-
Soba Noodles Lunch$2.95
-
Bibimbap Lunch$3.28
-
Fried Rice$3.60
-
Vietnamese Dinner$6.22
-
Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.22
-
Donut$1.64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $51
- Street Food Tour in Jongno, Heart of Seoul: $57
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $58
- Hidden Market Food Tour with 12+ Tasters & Drinking Games: $58
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $58
- Dinner at a Local's Hanok & Seoul's Night Life: $60
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Explore Seoul's Flavors on Group Cooking Class Adventure: $63
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$4.73
-
Ice cream$3.84
-
Coffee$3.25
-
Donut$1.03
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.Seoul $24Lima $9.43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
-
Palace Tickets$5.24
-
Movie Ticket$5.24
-
Kimchi Museum$1.97
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- K-Culture Adventure in Seoul Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.49
- Seoul Ghost Tour: Self-Guided Haunted Walk: $4.94
- Seoul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Seoul Walking Tour 3h30 and 19 audio reviews: $6.69
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.00
- Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.10
- Gwanghwamun Tour l 120 Minutes to Understand South Korea: $10
- Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
- K-Beauty Scalp Spa Experience in Hongdae: $13
- Seoul : Essential History Walking Tour for Visitor: $13
- Changdeokgung Hanbok Experience at hanboknam: $14
- Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Experience at hanboknam: $14
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)$18
-
Movie Tickets$2.51
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima Cathedral Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Walking Tour in the Historical Centre and China Town: $18
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Best Art and History Tour in Barranco: $20
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- A Journey Through Time: Lima's Historic Center & Catacombs Tour: $20
- Colorful Barranco Tour and Street Art: $20
- Tour around Lima City: $20
- From Pyramids & Bohemian Streets: Lima Miraflores & Barranco Tour: $25
- Miraflores & Barranco Bike Tour with Local Guide: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySeoul $11Lima $6.13
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- The Seoul Pub Crawl Official: $22
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $28
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs: $41
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $80
- From Yeongdong Day Trip with Wine Tasting and Janggu: $91
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$7.95
-
Beer$4.43
-
Cocktail$3.55
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 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.